Standardization Roadmap Circular Economy:

New options for action for the green transformation

BMU

State Secretary Christiane Rohleder commented: "We will only be able to overcome the global crises – the climate emergency, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution – if we implement real circular economy. Standards and specifications are instrumental for the whole of trade and industry to ensure the success of the urgently needed transformation to circular economy. Without standards and specifications, neither consumers nor companies can determine the quality of materials, products or processes, but trust in a market can only be gained if it offers recognisably good quality. This is why standards are important – for instance to facilitate the emergence of a robust market for recycled materials. The German government wants to advance standardisation for genuine circular economy in the EU and work in dialogue with manufacturers to set out requirements for products throughout Europe. The Standardization Roadmap Circular Economy lays important groundwork for this."

Christoph Winterhalter, CEO of DIN, stated: "Together we can achieve the transformation to circular economy. Standards and specifications are essential for this. They define interfaces and ensure clear communication between the different actors in the cycle. The Standardization Roadmap Circular Economy pinpoints where action is needed and highlights the areas where standards and specifications can provide targeted support for the transformation to circular economy."

DKE Managing Director Michael Teigeler commented: "The needs identified in the Roadmap are the starting point for developing corresponding standards and specifications in national, European and international bodies. Together, we can draw up the rules of play for circular economy. All interested experts are invited to join us."

Dieter Westerkamp, VDI Director and member of the Presidial Board (interim): "DIN, DKE and VDI will cooperate closely to implement the Roadmap and jointly develop uniform solutions. Synchronising legislation and standardisation can accelerate the process considerably. This calls for more intensive dialogue between all those working in standardisation and the German government and European Commission."