On 22 February 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) issued a joint communiqué that signals a major shift in global management system standards. The newly published Climate Action Amendments demand that organisations consider the relevance of climate change within their management systems, marking a significant milestone for industries worldwide. At Industrial Packaging, we are prepared and enthusiastic about these changes, viewing them as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The IAF and ISO are influential bodies in the realm of global standardisation. The IAF oversees accreditation bodies and conformity assessment entities, ensuring consistent management systems, product standards, and services. ISO, known for its development of international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001, has now incorporated climate change into the fabric of these standards. This change is not just a procedural update but a call to action for all certified organisations to integrate climate considerations into their management systems effectively.
These amendments mean that all organisations certified to any ISO management system standard, must now evaluate the relevance of climate change to their operations. While the standards themselves haven’t undergone a documentary overhaul, the amendments take immediate effect, prompting organisations to act swiftly.
In practical terms, the amendments add new text to existing standards without replacing the documents entirely. This streamlined approach ensures that organisations can adapt to the changes without navigating through entirely new standards. Instead, they focus on integrating climate change considerations into their existing frameworks.
Understanding the Impact
For ISO-certified organisations like Industrial Packaging, this amendment means embedding climate change considerations into the development, maintenance, and effectiveness of our management systems. It’s about recognising climate change as a critical external factor that can impact everything from regulatory compliance to operational resilience.
We are already on a Sustainability journey, but we need to consider many different types of implications, e.g. extreme weather events might disrupt supply chains, posing risks to both operations and worker safety. Climate adaptation measures, like those required in coastal areas prone to flooding, introduce new occupational health and safety risks. Climate mitigation efforts, such as installing on-site renewable energy sources, come with their own set of challenges, including safe maintenance practices.
Implementation and Certification
Certification bodies will now assess whether organisations have considered all relevant internal and external issues, including climate change, as part of their certification audits. At Industrial Packaging, we are ready to demonstrate our proactive approach. We have long recognised the importance of environmental sustainability, and these new requirements align perfectly with our existing values and practices.
Our focus on environmental sustainability is evident in our efforts to minimise emissions and move towards a circular economy. Our Environmental Sustainability Policy ensures that business needs are balanced with environmental concerns. We’ve already achieved significant milestones, such as reducing plastic waste by adopting reusable racks and enhancing the sustainability of our products like the Enviroloc drum.
FAQs on ISO Amendments
Of course, all of us are directly affected by climate change and for organisations in the manufacturing space, the need to consider environmental impacts has long been understood. But now, we will be obliged to demonstrate the actions being taken. As a client of Industrial Packaging, its highly likely that your organisation is certified by ISO standards too and will also need to meet these requirements – so you might find the Q&A’s below informative.
Why were these requirements added?
The amendments align with the London Declaration on Climate Change, highlighting the necessity for organisations to consider climate change impacts. This specific focus underscores the importance of addressing climate issues in organisational contexts.
What does this mean for a certified organisation?
Organisations must review and determine the impact of climate change on their management systems. For some, this may necessitate significant adjustments, while others may see minimal changes.
What are the expectations?
Organisations are expected to analyse all internal and external issues, including climate change, as part of their risk assessment process. This ensures comprehensive management system integration.
Do these amendments change the intent of the requirements?
No. They simply highlight the potential applicability of climate change within various management systems.
What is the transition timing for the implementation of these requirements?
The requirements are effective and auditable immediately, without a transitional period.
Will auditors focus on this requirement at the next audit?
Auditors will discuss the requirement as part of the broader context of external issues impacting the management system. The emphasis will be on ensuring that climate change considerations are adequately integrated.
What if an organisation decides that climate change isn’t a relevant issue?
This is acceptable provided there is factual evidence supporting the decision, akin to other external issues deemed non-applicable.
How can this change impact a management system not certified to ISO 14001?
The requirement applies to all relevant ISO standards, regardless of specific environmental certifications, prompting a holistic consideration of climate impacts.
Are other standards impacted by this change now?
Yes, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and ISO 50001, among others that use Annex SL as a foundational set of requirements.
Our Commitment
At Industrial Packaging, we see these amendments as a positive step towards a more sustainable future. Our history, rooted in a commitment to quality and innovation, is perfectly aligned with the new ISO climate change criteria. From our efficient manufacturing processes to our robust environmental policies, we are dedicated to exceeding these new standards and contributing to a greener, more resilient world.
We are proud to lead by example, demonstrating that industrial packaging can be both high-quality and environmentally responsible. As we continue to adapt and innovate, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of performance, integrity, and sustainability in everything we do.