Standardization Roadmap Circular Economy
Updated on 29.07.2025
The aim of the Roadmap is to create a framework for action in standardization that promotes the transformation toward a Circular Economy and defines international framework conditions. The present Standardization Roadmap Circular Economy was developed in a broad participation process with interdisciplinary actors, and outlines the work and discussion results of the key topics. It provides a comprehensive overview of the status quo, requirements and challenges for seven main topics which are oriented towards the EU Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan.
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The report addresses seven key sectors of the German economy with a strong emphasis on value chain integration: Digitalization / Business Models / Management, Electrotechnology & ICT and Batteries, Packaging Plastics, Textiles, Construction & Municipalities. These sectors are analysed through the lens of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, emphasizing standardization needs across diverse product categories and life cycle stages.
For cities and regions, the roadmap provides actionable insights like developing uniform standards for recyclability, product durability, and reuse logistics. For example, in the Construction & Municipalities chapter, it proposes standards for integrating circular materials into public procurement, building design, and demolition waste management. These can help local authorities institutionalize circular practices in urban infrastructure and services.
This resource is especially relevant in the “design” and “implement” stages of Circular Systemic Solutions. It helps shape the design phase by offering criteria for product development, repairability, and end-of-life considerations, and supports implementation by aligning actors on technical and regulatory standards.
CEAP2 key product value chain
built environment, CEAP2 key product value chain
CEAP2 key product value chain
CEAP2 key product value chain
CEAP2 key product value chain
CEAP2 key product value chain
digital tools facilitating CE transition
e.g. chemicals, cosmetics, bio-based industries
e.g. electrical engineering, furniture and interior, textile and fashion
<5 000
large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000
large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
