Responsible Sourcing Tools and Resources for Recycled Plastics

In May 2024, The Circulate Initiative, through its Responsible Sourcing Initiative, published the first ever Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Plastics. Following the publication of the Harmonized Framework, we are sharing the first set of tools and resources to support its implementation and improve responsible sourcing practices over time. The tools were developed in collaboration with First Mile and were built upon existing resources.

These tools will support assessment of risks, remediation, and monitoring of human rights conditions throughout the recycled plastics value chain guided by the Harmonized Framework, while meeting the growing regulatory demands around environmental and human rights due diligence, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework Implementation Phases

Minimum and Advanced Indicators
Transparency and Traceability
Tools and Methods
  • Sample Size Development
  • Value Chain Baseline Assessment and Root Cause Analysis
  • Baseline Assessment Findings and Feedback
  • Grievance Mechanisms
  • Traceability
  • Remediation Plan
  • Capacity Assessment
  • Maturity Rubric
  • Training
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
  • Training

The Harmonized Framework is implemented in phases, starting with “Engage,” followed by “Assess,” “Remediate,” “Build Capacity,” and finally, “Monitor, Evaluate, and Report.” Each phase of the implementation makes use of different steps and tools. Stakeholders, based on their value chain conditions and status, will adapt the tools to meet their needs for the different phases. Responsibility for implementing the Harmonized Framework is shared among multiple actors, each of whom plays a unique role in driving change toward a more responsible value chain. 

The implementation phases embody a progressive approach that promotes systemic change, ensuring that the needs of informal waste sector workers and other stakeholders are consistently addressed. Through regular use of these tools, stakeholders can refine their practices, measure progress, and adapt to emerging challenges, ultimately driving lasting change within the recycled plastics value chain.

The tools are also valuable for stakeholders who have not yet adopted the Harmonized Framework, helping them implement responsible sourcing practices within their value chains. The Harmonized Framework implementation tools are intended to be a living document that can be refined over time, based on lessons learned through field implementation and feedback from stakeholders.

Engage

The objective of the “Engage” phase is to establish a shared understanding of the responsible value chain and the Harmonized Framework for diverse actors across the recycled plastics value chain. 

Systematic and effective stakeholder engagement is critical across the value chain to ensure the most meaningful outcomes for informal waste sector workers. Effective actions, including stakeholder education, participatory decision-making, and grievance mechanisms, also rely on meaningful engagement. The “Engage” phase includes stakeholder mapping, understanding local regulations and value chains, and making the necessary preparations for due diligence and risk assessment. 

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Assess

The “Assess” phase aims to conduct a thorough assessment of the current practices and human rights risks to establish a baseline against the indicators of the Harmonized Framework and to identify potential remediation action.

This phase is vital to identify current practices and conditions within the recycled plastics value chain across the full value chain. It involves a comprehensive assessment of existing systems and processes to identify risks and analyze the root causes of the conditions experienced by informal waste sector workers and waste pickers. By prioritizing participatory assessments, stakeholders can identify gaps, risks, and areas for development that will support improvement in responsible sourcing practices.

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Remediate

The “Remediate” phase focuses on planning, designing, and implementing interventions to address the most pressing issues identified in the recycled plastics value chain. This phase is closely linked to capacity building for all stakeholders, ensuring that they are equipped to support implementation and sustain positive outcomes.

Based on the assessments conducted in the previous phase, stakeholders can collaboratively design, prioritize, and execute remediation interventions targeting the most significant challenges. These interventions may include building capacity, facilitating integration of informal waste sector workers, supporting the organization of informal waste sector workers, and solutions to increase wages, improve safe working conditions, mitigate child labor, or implement other appropriate measures to mitigate human rights impacts. It is essential that these remediation solutions are systemic, effective, and equitable, fostering an environment where all stakeholders can thrive.

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Build Capacity

The “Build Capacity” phase aims to equip all stakeholders with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to effectively implement responsible sourcing practices in line with the Harmonized Framework. 

This phase focuses on strengthening the abilities of all stakeholders across the value chain, guided by assessments of their unique needs and capabilities. Opportunities for capacity building include helping value chain participants improve their management practices and operating models and providing worker education (e.g., basic rights awareness) at all tiers of the value chain, including for informal waste sector workers.

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Monitor, Evaluate, and Report

The objective of the “Monitor, Evaluate, and Report” phase is to systematically track and assess the impact of interventions against the indicators outlined in the Harmonized Framework. 

By gathering insights and identifying areas for improvement, this phase aims to establish a cycle of continuous improvement, promote transparency, and build accountability within the value chain. This feedback loop is crucial for continuously enhancing the efficiency and impact of responsible sourcing practices. This process also promotes transparency and accountability, essential for building trust among stakeholders through an informed approach for organizations to adapt and plan more effective future interventions.

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Who Should Use the Tools?

While users vary across organizations and depending on their role in the value chain, the tools are primarily aimed at teams and individuals working on human rights, sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, responsible sourcing, and ethical procurement.

Investors
Buyers of recycled plastics (including brands)
Recycling companies
Aggregators
Informal waste worker and waste picker associations and cooperatives
Civil society organizations
Third-party auditors