The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published a paper examining responsible business conduct (RBC) risks in recycling processes within the garment and footwear sector. The research underpinning the paper was undertaken with support from Due Diligence Design.
The paper supports brands, manufacturers and key recycling actors — including recyclers, collectors, aggregators and sorters — in identifying and addressing potential labour, environmental and governance impacts associated with recycling activities.
Recycling is central to circular economy strategies and can reduce demand for virgin raw materials. At the same time, it introduces new business relationships, processes and worker profiles, which may alter the severity and likelihood of adverse impacts compared to linear supply chains.
Drawing on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector, the paper outlines practical considerations for adapting existing risk-based due diligence approaches to recycling processes. It highlights the importance of scoping potential impacts in circular activities, reviewing existing management systems, assessing how purchasing practices and design choices relate to risk, and engaging key actors in recycling value chains.
The paper was developed by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the European Commission.