Circular Certification launched at the Summit Agenda SP+Verde marks a new step for Circular Economy in Latin America

By Arlene Carvalho, for the Circular Movement

During the Summit Agenda SP+Verde, the Circular Movement officially presented the Circular Certification, a groundbreaking initiative created to recognize organizations that transform discourse into practice and strengthen the culture of the Circular Economy. The launch marks a new step toward consolidating a more regenerative, inclusive, and innovative economy in the country, bringing together companies and institutions committed to leading the transition toward more sustainable models.

The program was designed to assess the evolutionary stage of circular practices within organizations while encouraging continuous progress toward regeneration and innovation.

More than a mere recognition seal, the certification aims to be a tool for learning and growth, helping companies understand where they are on their circular journey and which paths they can follow to become even more resilient.

According to Vinícius Saraceni, General Director of the Circular Movement, the certification is a response to the growing demand from institutions seeking to become more circular.

“It was created as a form of recognition for organizations that want to take this path and are already putting concrete actions into practice.”

Developed under the technical leadership of Prof. Dr. Flávio de Miranda Ribeiro, ambassador of the Circular Movement and Circular Economy consultant for the UN Global Compact, with technical collaboration from the Institute for Technological Research of the State of São Paulo (IPT) and commercial partnership with Zeros, the Circular Certification was structured in alignment with the most recent advances on the subject — such as the National Circular Economy Strategy — and with other similar initiatives already in place in the country.

Professor Cláudia Teixeira, from IPT, states that the institute works to “improve the development of technologies so that materials can return and be reused,” and comments that the certification establishes “technical governance parameters” that ensure the effectiveness of material transformation processes.

“The certification will attest to a journey with parameters to measure and indicate where things are good and where they can improve, while also separating genuine efforts from greenwashing in an increasingly complex landscape.”

As a result, an exclusive methodology was developed, offering a complete diagnosis of the level of circular economy integration within companies. It considers various dimensions of organizational functioning—from engagement and resource efficiency to how businesses connect through networks and evolve continuously.

The approach enables a deep analysis of circular performance and provides customized guidelines for each organization to advance consistently on its journey, as highlighted by the Circular Movement’s ambassador, Prof. Flávio de Miranda Ribeiro:

“The Circular Certification is meant to be a compass guiding each organization to challenge itself further, gradually incorporating circularity into its products, processes, value chains, and, most importantly, into its mindset and organizational values.”

Each participating company receives a true “X-ray” of its circular evolution, with practical guidance that strengthens internal culture, improves processes, and supports strategic decision-making focused on circularity.

In this way, the program not only recognizes achievements already reached but also drives new practices that reinforce the commitment to the transition toward a Circular Economy in Brazil.

Mateus Peçanha, from Zeros, adds that the Zero Waste Certification complements the Circular Certification, since companies already advanced in zero waste practices will find it easier to adapt. According to him, the maturity journey of companies begins with awareness and evolves through engagement, responsibility, transformation, and collaboration.

“Take the first steps. Move away from the inertia of shallow, easy thinking. Sustainability and environmental responsibility are not changes that happen overnight. Start the journey, and connect with those who are already doing it—those who are setting an example.”

How does it work?

The certification process is composed of progressive stages, aiming to offer an accessible measurement tool for organizations of different types, sectors, and sizes, encouraging internal engagement and the creation of learning networks.

Beyond formal recognition, the Circular Certification offers tangible benefits, such as access to a knowledge network, greater institutional visibility, brand value enhancement, and strengthened leadership positioning in sustainability. The organization also becomes part of the Circular Movement ecosystem, connecting with other institutions committed to innovative and circular practices—expanding collaboration opportunities and positive impact.

The pilot group is already open for registration, currently limited to strategic partners interested in joining this first implementation phase. This initial stage will be essential for refining the methodology, consolidating practices, and expanding the program’s reach, with full operation expected in the first half of 2026. Want to learn more about the initiative or certify your company? Find more information and register here.

*This text was automatically translated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed. Still, there may be slight differences compared to the original version in Portuguese.