The concept of material efficiency is closely linked to the circular economy, which is an economic model that calls for a radical shift in production and consumption. Material efficiency is about getting the most value out of the materials that we use and reducing waste to achieve a sustainable future.

In a linear economy, we take resources and use them to create products. We then dispose of those products when they are no longer useful.

This approach is unsustainable as it leads to the depletion of natural resources and the accumulation of waste. In contrast, a circular economy seeks to create a system where resources, which also include waste, are (re-)used efficiently.

Material efficiency is a key component of the circular economy because it enables us to get more value out of the resources we have. It is a systemic approach that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them before they are recycled or reused.

By designing products that use less material or can be easily repaired or remanufactured, we can extend the life cycle of the product. This not only reduces the environmental impact of the product but can also lead to cost savings for businesses.

One example of material efficiency in action is the reuse of materials in manufacturing.

We can reduce the amount of energy and resources required to create new products by re-using materials instead of virgin materials. This not only reduces the environmental impact of the manufacturing process but also reduces costs for the business.

Another example of material efficiency is the use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing. We can reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process, as well as reducing the reliance on finite resources like fossil fuels by using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power.

International standards and conformity assessment can play an important role. The IEC has already developed a number of publications to support material efficiency and the circular economy. Some examples include:

• • IEC TR 62635 with information on product end-of-life, including the recyclability rate calculation.
• • IEC TR 62824 with guidance about material efficiency considerations in the eco-design of products.
• • IEC 62309 examines the dependability of products containing used parts.
• • IEC 63077 specifies the process for ensuring the performance and safety of refurbished medical imaging equipment.

IEC 62430 sets requirements and provides guidance on implementing environmentally conscious design (ECD). It covers both physical goods and services, as well as a combination of the two. It applies to any organization, regardless of size, type or sector.

IECQ, the IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components, tests and provides certification to IEC 62430, as part of its approved process (AP) scheme. 

Conformity assessment helps to provide international confidence that the products and services of organizations holding IECQ Certification are designed in accordance with the ECD principles of IEC 62430. In this way, they contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, which is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Looking forward, additional IEC Standards are under development. For example, TC 62 and TC 2 are developing standards for the refurbishment of medical equipment and rotating machinery, respectively.  

TC 111 is currently working on a standard for assessing the proportion of reused components in products.

(Source: IEC)