Starting signal for "Circular Globe" label
On the "Swiss Quality Day", which focused on the topic of circular economy, the time had come: The starting signal for the "Circular Globe" label was given. It is a European initiative of the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS) and Quality Austria.
The label "Circular Globe" for the promotion of the circular economy has emerged from many years of experience in management system certification, explained Hubert Rizzi of the SQS management board on the "Swiss Quality Day on 4 May in Berne. Because for a circular economy, today's management systems such as the ISO 14001 standard environmental management would fall short of the mark. In addition, the circular economy is of great relevance in the context of sustainable management. That is why "Circular Globe" is intended to close a gap and build a bridge, Rizzi emphasized.
A holistic understanding of quality is necessary
The SQS is convinced that the throwaway society is at an end, Rizzi continues. Therefore, all players - i.e. the economy, politics and society - are called upon. The organizations see the circular economy as a relevant aspect of a holistic and entrepreneurial understanding of quality. What's more, the circular economy is a necessity, or rather a guarantor, for the competitiveness of companies, according to the two SQS representatives Rizzi and Wasmer.
The circular economy is based on the systematic avoidance of waste and pollution, the extension of the life of products and materials and the regeneration of natural systems. According to SQS, a rethink and a change in values are currently taking place. Future-oriented companies would respond to this challenge with new business models. According to Wasmer, organisations are taking advantage of the digital transformation and involving their partners along the entire value chain in these solution approaches. The "Circular Globe" label, a guideline and assessment model, serves as a compass for companies in the implementation process.
What is "Circular Globe»?
This European initiative of SQS Switzerland and Quality Austria sees itself as a
- an innovative label to support individuals and organizations to make and drive sustainable and circular decisions.
- a useful model a) for assessing the circular maturity of organisations b) suitable for companies of all types and sizes c) as a compass for further development at any stage of implementation
- a community for committed stakeholders and proven experts in the field of the circular economy
- a training academy
Cost item
And finally: What does the fun cost? According to Hubert Rizzi, anyone who wants to adorn their company tree or letterheads with the "Circular Economy" label after successful certification will have to shell out between CHF 5,000 and CHF 15,000.
From October 2021 Seminars
The initiators of the label will start pilot projects in Austria and Switzerland in May. From October 2021, interested companies will be able to attend seminars with the two partners and commission assessments. The two label partners support organisations in their efforts to move towards circular business models by means of maturity assessments.
