TS ISO 59004

TS ISO 59004 establishes a common language for the circular economy by bringing together key terms, core principles, and guidance to help an organization put the concept into practice. In general technical terms, circular economy focuses on keeping products, materials, and value in use for as long as possible, reducing waste, and designing systems that retain usefulness through multiple cycles. This standard helps clarify the vocabulary used around that approach while also supporting organizations that want to commit to it or contribute to it.

How terms, principles, and implementation guidance work together

The vocabulary element helps different stakeholders use circular-economy language consistently, which is important because many related concepts are easy to confuse. The principles element frames the overall direction of travel, typically contrasting with linear take-make-dispose thinking and emphasizing resource efficiency, systems thinking, and value retention across life cycles. The guidance element adds practical orientation by pointing organizations toward possible actions and implementation choices they may consider when aligning with circular economy thinking. In this way, the standard is more than a list of definitions: it is also a conceptual reference for decision-making and planning.

Who is it intended for?

The standard is applicable to organizations that want to understand circular economy, commit to it, or contribute to it while supporting sustainable development. It is relevant to private and public organizations alike, regardless of type, size, jurisdiction, or their position in a specific value chain or value network. In broader technical context, that means the standard is designed to provide a shared framework that can be used across sectors and organizational structures.