Principles

ISO 14021 and ISO 14025:2026: Building a stronger foundation for environmental product information

Environmental information is becoming part of everyday product decisions. Procurement teams compare environmental performance. Customers encounter environmental claims on packaging and digital platforms. Companies need sustainability information from suppliers. Regulators and investors increasingly expect environmental statements to be supported by credible evidence.

The challenge is no longer simply providing more environmental information. It is making clear what that information means, how it was developed, and what evidence stands behind it.

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ISO 14024:2026: Strengthening trust in ecolabels and environmental product claims

Consumers, businesses and public authorities are surrounded by environmental claims. Products are described as greener, more sustainable, climate-friendly, circular or environmentally preferable — but the growing number of claims also makes a simple question increasingly important: which claims can actually be trusted?

The newly published ISO 14024:2026 – Environmental statements and programmes for products — Ecolabels addresses an important part of that challenge. Published in May 2026, the third edition replaces ISO 14024:2018 and provides principles, requirements and guidance for ecolabelling programmes and the ecolabels they award.

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ISO 14001:2026: Environmental management moves from commitment to measurable performance

Environmental management has changed significantly since the previous edition of ISO 14001 was published in 2015. Climate change, biodiversity loss, resource constraints, more demanding regulation and growing expectations for credible environmental information have moved environmental performance much closer to the core of business strategy.

The newly published ISO 14001:2026 – Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use responds to this changing landscape. Published on 15 April 2026, the fourth edition replaces ISO 14001:2015 and updates one of the world’s most widely used management system standards. More than 670,000 organizations worldwide are certified to ISO 14001, making the revision highly relevant across industries and global value chains.

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July 2025: Key developments in ISO

July 2025 has been an exceptionally dynamic month for ISO, with landmark publications and progress across artificial intelligence, compliance, human resources, sustainability, cybersecurity, and the sharing economy. The month’s outputs highlight ISO’s growing role in shaping governance, responsible technology, and future-ready management systems.

From beneficial AI systems and privacy frameworks to compliance competence, service excellence, and decarbonization, the July publications show ISO’s ambition to provide organizations with globally aligned, practical, and credible tools for navigating an increasingly interconnected and accountable world.

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May 2025: Key developments in ISO

May brought an impressive expansion of ISO activity across critical areas, including AI trustworthiness, workplace wellbeing, innovation systems, and the sustainability of logistics and education. With new standards published, others advancing through final drafts and committee work, and numerous new proposals on the table, this month reinforces the essential role of international standards in building resilient, digital, and people-centered systems.

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April 2025: Key developments in ISO

April delivered a remarkable array of ISO developments, reaffirming the standards community’s focus on trusted AI, resilient infrastructure, sustainable systems, and better human and organizational outcomes. From quality in internships and energy audits to advancing AI governance and environmental transparency, this month reflects a dynamic intersection of trust, digitalization, and sustainability.

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Why we need principles

In the ever-changing business, leadership, and decision-making landscape, principles are the bedrock upon which successful organizations are built. While rules and guidelines offer specific directions, principles provide a broader framework, guiding decision-makers through complex situations where rigid rules might not apply. This article will explore why principles are crucial for effective leadership, organizational success, and long-term growth.

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