Product Circularity Data Sheets in ISO 59040

The upcoming ISO 59040 standard, aimed at introducing Product Circularity Data Sheets (PCDS), is set to be a transformative tool for the future of product development. While still under development and in the approval phase, this new international standard will provide a standardized approach to evaluating and communicating a product’s circularity potential. Let’s dive into what we know so far, its anticipated impact, and how businesses can prepare for it.

Understanding ISO 59040

ISO 59040 builds on existing frameworks like the European Union's Ecodesign Directive, the Circular Economy Scorecard from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. There is already an existing framework with the same name, with the same name "Product Circularity Data Sheet" from the Luxemburg government that looks like a good influence for the upcoming standard.

The new ISO 59040 aims to create a standardized structure for PCDS, making it easier to assess and compare products’ circularity across different industries. This standard will certainly be key for the production of Digital Product Passports, ensuring that the information contained in it is standardized and easy to navigate.

The standard will focus on more detailed lifecycle data, emphasizing the importance of transparency in aspects such as material composition, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life options. Additionally, it will incorporate social and ethical considerations alongside environmental ones, aligning with standards like ISO 14040 (Life Cycle Assessment), ISO 14006 (Ecodesign guidelines), ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) and potentially ISO 14075 (Social Life Cycle Assessment), to mention some.

Key Changes and Additions to the Design Process

As ISO 59040 nears completion, it's evident that product development processes will require significant adaptation, extending beyond European products or those destined for the EU market (where the ESPR already addresses certain circularity-related sustainability aspects). The integration of detailed lifecycle data and ethical considerations will necessitate several changes for both design engineers and organizations.

1. Standardized Data Reporting: PCDS will establish consistent data formats for circularity attributes, ensuring transparency and comparability across products. This includes detailed information on material composition, reparability, disassembly options, and recycling potential. While the aim of Digital Product Passports is similar, current product comparisons remain unclear. Although the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) references the use of pictograms and thresholds for features like durability and repairability, standardized information through ISO 59040 will provide a clearer basis for direct product comparison.

2. Expanded Product Categories: Historically difficult-to-recycle products will come under the scope of ISO 59040, broadening the range of products where circularity can be assessed, going beyond products that use energy for their operation.

3. Data Transparency: The demand for greater lifecycle transparency will transform how design engineers evaluate materials and processes, with an increased focus on ethical sourcing and environmental impacts. Instead of simply directing purchasing teams to choose the best supplier for a pre-selected material or component, product development will require close collaboration with procurement from the outset. This shift means that supply chain status, risks, and future projections will become integral to the early stages of product design.

4. Life Cycle Assessments for Accessible Product Comparisons: Conducting a proper Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides reliable information for comparing products. However, since LCA comparisons rely on a functional unit, we may see the development of standardized functional units for different product categories, methodologies for calculating intermediate flows, and stricter rules for normalization and allocation, beyond the current recommendations. Currently, LCA lacks some standardized guidelines (though there are general recommendations) for effective product comparison by anyone who is not versed in the methdology. Given that this information will be aimed at regular consumers, many of whom may not be familiar with ISO 14040 methodology, simplifying these comparisons is crucial. Previously, making such comparisons required understanding the details of the modelling and assumptions involved. I anticipate the emergence of industry standards to facilitate these comparisons. Additionally, Social LCA will likely play a role, and alignment with various standards, along with modifications to existing ones, can be expected moving forward.

Impact on Product Development

The implementation of ISO 59040 will reshape product design in key ways, adding new considerations to the early stages of the product development process. Here's how it will affect the product lifecycle:

• Material Selection and Sourcing: With ISO 59040, companies must focus not only on recyclability but also on the sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials. Prioritizing sustainable materials and processes is essential, but these considerations also impact the financial sustainability of companies. Therefore, beyond evaluating the technical characteristics and quality requirements for suppliers, design engineers must apply business sense in material selection, striking the right balance between environmental and social performance, and cost. Additionally, hidden costs—such as those related to supply chain disruptions—need to be factored in. Risk management tools in product development should capture these risks and implement appropriate design controls to minimize them.
• Design for Disassembly: Engineers will need to adopt Design for Disassembly (DfD) principles to ensure that products can be easily broken down for reuse or recycling. Avoiding mixed materials (e.g., combining plastics and metals), avoiding permanent binding, and designing for easy tool access, among other recommendations, will be crucial.
• Product Lifecycle Consideration: Extended producer responsibility will take on a pivotal role, requiring companies to design products for reuse, repair, or recycling at their end of life, while also ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support these systems. This responsibility will go beyond product performance; the design must align with a circular business model. Additionally, the concept of usability will now expand to include processes like reuse, repair, and recycling, integrating them into the product lifecycle from the start.

What Design Engineers Should Do

For design engineers, preparing for ISO 59040 involves acquiring new skills and knowledge, such as:

1. Familiarity with Circular Economy Principles: Engineers should be trained in circular design principles, such as designing for reparability, recyclability, and using sustainable materials.

2. Collaboration Across Teams: Collaborating with suppliers, sustainability teams, and other departments will be crucial. Engineers need to ensure that every stage of the supply chain aligns with the circularity goals.

3. Utilizing Digital Tools: Engineers should leverage digital tools and software that simulate a product’s circular potential. These tools help assess different design scenarios and optimize for maximum sustainability.

4. Documenting Circularity: Engineers must ensure that the PCDS is accurate and thorough, providing all the necessary lifecycle data in a clear, accessible format for stakeholders.

Additional Processes

To be ready for the adoption of ISO 59040, businesses will need to implement several new processes or refine existing ones:

• Life Cycle Assessments (LCA): In order to accurately document a product's circularity performance, companies should conduct LCAs, evaluating their products' environmental impacts throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Supplier Assessment: Ethical sourcing of materials is a critical part of the standard. Companies will need to evaluate suppliers based on their sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Circular Economy Strategy: Businesses should develop a clear circular economy strategy, outlining goals, timelines, and action plans for adopting ISO 59040 practices.
• End-of-Life Management Planning: Businesses must plan how their products will be managed at the end of life, focusing on reuse, repair, recycling, or remanufacturing.

Business Readiness

For businesses, getting ready for ISO 59040 means more than just implementing new processes; it requires a shift in mindset toward circularity. Here are key steps to prepare:

• Training and Upskilling: Invest in training for design engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to understand the principles of circularity and how ISO 59040 will affect their work.
• Technology Investments: Businesses should look at digital tools for tracking lifecycle data, material sourcing, and environmental impact. These tools will help streamline the PCDS creation process.
• Engaging Stakeholders: Collaboration with suppliers, customers, and industry partners will be essential to create products that meet circular economy goals.

What to Expect from ISO 59040

While the final version of ISO 59040 is still under development, several aspects are clear:

• Standardized Approach: ISO 59040 will offer a global framework to ensure consistency in circularity assessments across industries and geographies.
• Greater Lifecycle Transparency: Organizations will be required to disclose detailed lifecycle information, increasing transparency across supply chains and product designs.
• Global Influence: Once approved, ISO 59040 is expected to have a substantial global impact, influencing not only manufacturers but also consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders throughout the value chain all around the world.

Final Thoughts: A Path to Sustainable Product Development

ISO 59040 together with the ESPR, will be a major driver of change in how products are designed, developed, and managed. By providing a standardized framework for Product Circularity Data Sheets, the standard will promote greater transparency, sustainability, and responsibility throughout the lifecycle of a product.

For businesses and design engineers, the time to act is now. ISO 59040 may still be in the approval stage, but preparing for its adoption will provide a competitive edge and ensure alignment with the evolving circular economy landscape. Investing in training, technology, and stakeholder engagement will ensure that when ISO 59040 becomes the norm, your organization is already ahead of the curve.

By embracing this standard, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also position themselves as leaders in sustainable innovation.

Get ready, act now!

As these changes reshape product development, ensuring your team is equipped with the right knowledge and tools is crucial.

I and other sustainability consultants at Together Tech, can assist you with tailored training sessions, help you create and collect the necessary circularity data, conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and provide comprehensive advisory services in circular design.

Let’s work together to drive your business toward a more sustainable and circular future.

Click the banner below to get started today!