Responsible Sourcing Tools and Resources for Recycled Materials

The Responsible Sourcing Tools and Resources for Recycled Materials (Harmonized Framework) is the first global effort by The Circulate Initiative, through its Responsible Sourcing Initiative, to develop a shared understanding and unified standards for responsibly-sourced recycled plastics. 

To support the implementation of this framework and drive continuous improvement in responsible sourcing practices, we have developed a set of essential tools and resources. Created in collaboration with First Mile, these tools build on existing resources from Tearfund, Circulate Capital, and other publicly available materials.

The tools are designed to support risk assessment, remediation, and the monitoring of human rights across the recycled plastics value chain. They are guided by the Harmonized Framework, aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Fair Circularity Principles, and address growing regulatory requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework Implementation Phases

In line with a progressive improvement approach, implementation of the Harmonized Framework is designed to be carried out in phases: Engage, Assess, Remediate, Build Capacity, and finally, Monitor, Evaluate, and Report. Each phase is supported by specific tools and guidance. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to adapt these tools to suit their value chain conditions and needs at each phase. By using them, stakeholders can improve practices, measure progress, and respond to emerging challenges – driving lasting change within the recycled plastics value chain. The tools are also valuable for stakeholders who have not yet adopted the Harmonized Framework, as they provide practical support for implementing responsible sourcing practices within their value chains.

Responsibility for implementing the Harmonized Framework is shared among multiple actors, each playing a unique role in advancing a more responsible value chain. These tools are intended to be living resources that evolve over time, incorporating lessons learned through implementation and stakeholder feedback. 

Objective: To establish a shared understanding of responsible sourcing 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 meaningful outcomes for informal waste sector workers. Effective actions – including stakeholder education, participatory decision-making, and grievance mechanisms – depend on strong and inclusive engagement. The Engage Phase includes mapping of stakeholders and the value chain, understanding local regulations, and preparing for due diligence and risk assessment. 

 

Getting Started 

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Form a responsible sourcing project team within the lead organization.
  • Introduce the Harmonized Framework to internal and external stakeholders to align understanding and objectives.
  • Engage key value chain actors, including suppliers and informal waste workers.
  • Use the Stakeholder and Value Chain Mapping Tool to map all relevant actors in order to visualize relationships, identify gaps, and inform next steps.
  • Use the Human Rights Due Diligence Readiness Guide to prepare for the participatory Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment in upcoming phases.

Tools and Resources

The Engage Phase begins by bringing together the project team and key partners to map stakeholders and the supply chain, clarifying the size, scope, and structure of the recycled plastics value chain. This step is essential for identifying key actors and uncovering data or visibility gaps, laying the foundation for further assessment and responsible sourcing efforts.

 

Steps:

  • Gather the project team and introduce them to the Harmonized Framework to ensure a shared understanding of the initiative and expectations for the process going forward.
  • Identify and map all key actors across the value chain to visualize connections, understand the size and scope of the value chain, and identify data or traceability gaps.
Download the Stakeholder & Value Chain Mapping Tool Actual PDF Name

This tool helps consolidate outputs from earlier activities to ensure readiness for the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment in selected value chains, which sets a baseline. The due diligence should be tailored to the specific context of your value chain, with customization of the tools, approach, and team preparations based on findings from previous steps. During this phase, the data collection team should be introduced to the Harmonized Framework and oriented on its principles to carry out the assessment effectively – particularly to engage meaningfully with both informal and formal waste sector workers.

 

Steps:

 

  • Review and compile the outputs from the Stakeholder and Value Chain Mapping to inform the design of the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment.
  • Assemble and orient the data collection team, ensuring they understand the assessment scope, indicators, and approach to engaging with diverse worker groups.
  • Complete the Preparation Checklist, including assessment tools, consent protocols, and contextual adjustments, to ensure readiness for the next phase of implementation.
Download the Human Rights Due Diligence Readiness Guide Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Engage Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To conduct a thorough assessment of current practices and human rights risks in order to establish a baseline against the indicators of the Harmonized Framework and identify potential remediation action.

 

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

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review outputs from the Engage Phase to tailor the assessment approach to the specific value chain context.
  • Conduct a Supplier Engagement Assessment to understand current practices among upstream suppliers.
  • Use the Regulatory Landscape Mapping Tool to develop a clear understanding of the legal and policy landscape governing the selected recycled plastics value chain.
  • Use the Sample Size Development Guide to determine a representative sample size of workers and stakeholders from the selected value chain for data collection.
  • Conduct the value chain assessment across all tiers using the Human Rights Due Diligence Tools.
  • Analyze findings to identify risks, working conditions, and root causes – especially for informal workers – using the Root Cause Analysis Tool.
  • Compile and validate findings with key stakeholders using the Assessment Reporting and Feedback Guide to prepare for remediation and improvement planning in the next phase.

Tools and Resources

Recycling companies play a central role in enabling responsible sourcing within the recycled plastics value chain. As key intermediaries, they help connect upstream informal collection with downstream brand or buyer demand. While not solely accountable for every activity across the value chain, they are critical entry points for improving practices and influencing suppliers.

 

This activity involves assessing the recycling company’s existing supplier engagement practices, as well as their readiness and management systems, to establish a strong foundation for responsible sourcing improvements. 

 

Steps:

  • Engage a senior representative from the recycling company as part of the project team to ensure leadership buy-in.
  • Complete the Supplier Engagement Assessment checklist to evaluate the company’s current practices, policy readiness, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Acknowledge and document existing efforts that can be strengthened during the implementation phase.
Download the Supplier Engagement Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name

After assessing the recycling company’s supplier engagement practices, readiness, and management systems, the next step is to develop a clear understanding of the legal and policy landscape governing the selected recycled plastics value chain. This involves identifying relevant local, national, and international laws and guidelines that apply to both formal enterprises and informal actors. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Research applicable legal and policy instruments at local, national, and global levels. 
  • Develop an inventory that covers waste management guidelines, environmental and business regulations, and informal sector protections.
  • Review and validate the inventory with project stakeholders to confirm its completeness, identify gaps, and build a shared understanding of the regulatory context.
Download the Regulatory Landscape Mapping Tool Actual PDF Name

The next step in the Assess Phase is to develop a credible and realistic sample size for assessing the recycling company’s value chain. Given the informal and often undocumented nature of these supply chains, the recycling company may not have complete information on every supplier, tier, or informal waste worker involved. 

 

Several complexities must be considered when determining the sample size. These include the recycling company’s relationship with its suppliers, the level of existing support for workers, and legal or regulatory constraints that may limit access or progress. As a result, traditional sampling methods may need to be adapted to fit the unique context of informal recycling value chains and to ensure the Baseline Assessment process is both meaningful and robust.

 

Steps:

 

  • Identify contextual factors that may influence the sample size, such as limited data availability, regulatory constraints, or informal supplier relationships.
  • Gather and review all information from the previous steps to provide the team with a solid understanding of the value chain and the known characteristics of the people working within it.
  • Set a credible sample size for the Baseline Assessment that covers the full value chain, taking into consideration existing relationships and ensuring representation from each tier. 
Download the Sample Size Development Guide Tool Actual PDF Name

The key focus of the Assess Phase is to conduct human rights due diligence and establish a baseline against the Harmonized Framework indicators. This tool helps stakeholders identify human rights risks, assess current responsible sourcing practices, acknowledge existing efforts, and build a foundation to drive meaningful progress.

 

Steps:

 

  • Based on the information gathered in the previous steps, including value chain and regulatory landscape mapping, and the Supplier Engagement Assessment, review and adjust the Human Rights Due Diligence Tools to ensure they are contextualized and applicable for the selected value chain.
  • Using the tools, conduct the on-site assessment by engaging the selected sample, ensuring representation of all actors across the value chain.
Download the Human Rights Due Diligence Tool Actual PDF Name

After completing the Baseline Assessment, the next step in the Assess Phase is to understand why the identified challenges exist. This tool helps teams dig deeper to uncover the underlying causes of those issues – whether they arise from individual behavior, business practices, or broader system-level problems.

 

Root causes can vary depending on local context and the structure of the value chain. This tool guides teams to engage stakeholders in a structured way to identify these causes and explore practical opportunities for lasting, system-wide improvements.

 

Steps:

 

  • Review the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment findings and list key challenges faced across all tiers of the value chain, including those experienced by aggregators, informal waste workers, and waste pickers. 
  • Facilitate structured discussions or workshops with responsible sourcing teams and relevant stakeholders to brainstorm underlying root causes for each challenge.
  • Document the root causes and start mapping out possible solutions or opportunities for improvement.
Download the Root Cause Analysis Tool Actual PDF Name

The final step in the Assess Phase is to share the assessment findings with the project team and value chain partners – including both formal and informal actors who participated in the assessment – to gather feedback, incorporate additional context, and begin developing solutions. This step is critical to ensure the data is accurate, grounded in local realities, and serves as a starting point for identifying an initial list of solutions.

 

Ideally, this step should be completed at an in-person workshop to facilitate open conversations and continued relationship building. Once feedback is incorporated, the project team should present the data and insights to all other relevant partners and stakeholders. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Draft the Baseline Assessment Report using the report template to compile and summarize findings from the assessment, including identified risks, gaps, and key thematic insights.
  • Facilitate a stakeholder workshop to present the draft findings to all key stakeholders representing the full value chain, and create space for discussion, feedback, and contextual insights.
  • Gather feedback, capture any missing information, clarify misunderstandings, and enrich the findings with local or operational context.
  • As part of the workshop, engage participants in identifying early ideas or recommendations to address the identified challenges, which will inform the Remediate Phase.
  • Incorporate feedback into the final Baseline Assessment Report and share it with the broader group of partners, laying the foundation for collaborative solution planning.
Download the Assessment Reporting and Feedback Guide Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Assess Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To plan, design, and implement interventions that address the most pressing issues identified in the recycled plastics value chain.

 

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 the integration and organization of informal waste sector workers, and implementing solutions to increase wages, improve safe working conditions, address child labor, or take other appropriate measures to mitigate human rights impacts.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review key findings from the Assessment Report to identify priority risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement across the value chain.
  • Engage stakeholders – particularly informal waste workers and waste pickers – to co-design and prioritize remediation solutions that directly address the most pressing issues identified during the Assess Phase.
  • Tailor remediation solutions to the specific context, risks, and needs of each value chain segment, ensuring they are systemic, inclusive, and designed for long-term impact.
  • Develop a Remediation Action Plan that clearly outlines solution objectives, implementation steps, timelines, and roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
  • Begin implementing the prioritized remediation interventions and establish mechanisms to regularly monitor progress, ensuring learning and continuous improvement throughout the process.

Tools and Resources

The Remediation Action Plan provides a structured framework to plan, implement, and track Remediation Solutions that have been identified and prioritized to reduce risks and strengthen responsible sourcing practices. It outlines specific challenges, proposed solutions, expected outcomes, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The tool can be adapted to include additional elements, if needed, ensuring it meets the specific needs of each implementation project.

 

Steps:

 

  • Prioritize solutions using clear criteria or guiding questions focused on intended impact, stakeholder involvement, and logistical feasibility (e.g., available resources, timelines, and capacity).
  • Draft the Remediation Action Plan by linking each identified barrier with a proposed solution, expected outcomes, and KPIs.
  • Customize the plan format as needed by adding roles, responsibilities, timelines, resources, or other relevant fields to suit the preferences of the implementation team and/or project.
Download the Remediation Action Plan Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Remediate Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: 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 stakeholders across the value chain, guided by assessments of their specific needs. Capacity-building opportunities include supporting value chain participants to improve their management practices and operating models, as well as providing worker education – such as basic rights awareness – at all tiers of the value chain, including for informal waste sector workers.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review the Harmonized Framework to ensure all team members have a clear understanding of its indicators and thematic areas. 
  • Use the Capacity Assessment Tool checklist to identify existing strengths, capacity gaps, and resource needs within the project team or lead organization.
  • Define the roles of key participants, including implementation leads, training facilitators, and support partners. Ensure diverse stakeholder groups, including informal workers, are included in the training and engagement strategy.
  • Customize training and support based on the remediation solutions being implemented, the specific context, and the needs of different stakeholder groups, using the Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide as a reference.

Tools and Resources

The Capacity Assessment Tool is a practical, optional tool designed to help teams evaluate their current knowledge and capabilities, identify areas for capacity building, and plan resources effectively. It supports internal planning by ensuring key considerations are addressed before implementing responsible sourcing strategies.

 

Steps:

 

  • Gather your core project team and review each section of the checklist together, discussing responses based on your organization’s current capacity, resources, and partnerships.
  • Review your responses to identify gaps and outline next steps – such as assigning team roles, engaging partners, or allocating resources to strengthen internal readiness.
Download the Capacity Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name

The Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide supports project teams in designing and delivering effective learning and training activities that facilitate remediation action aligned with the Harmonized Framework. This tool helps identify who needs training, what capacity areas are critical, and how best to build stakeholder knowledge and readiness to implement, monitor, and sustain Remediation Solutions. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Begin by outlining your core goals and capacity-building objectives: What knowledge, skills, or practices do stakeholders need to effectively implement remediation actions?
  • Map out key groups (e.g., recyclers, procurement teams, civil society organizations, aggregators, waste picker associations, and workers) and the training they require. 
  • Facilitate and carry out need-based capacity-building activities tailored to each group.
  • Document the capacity-building sessions conducted, stakeholder participation, and immediate outcomes.
Download the Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Build Capacity Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To systematically track and assess progressive improvements in responsible sourcing practices, aligned with the Harmonized Framework indicators.

 

By gathering insights and identifying areas for improvement, this phase aims to establish a cycle of continuous improvement, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability across the value chain. This feedback loop is essential for continuously enhancing the effectiveness and impact of responsible sourcing practices over time. It also enables organizations to adapt and plan more informed, targeted interventions while building trust among stakeholders.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review the Harmonized Framework indicators that are linked to the remediation solutions and supplier engagement program.
  • Define measurable outcomes and success indicators aligned with remediation and responsible sourcing goals.
  • Establish data collection methods and assign responsibilities to track activities, outputs, and improvements across the value chain.
  • Use the collected insights to inform internal reviews, partner updates, and future planning for responsible sourcing improvements.

Tools and Resources

Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment  Tool

 

The Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment Tool helps users monitor, evaluate, and learn from their practices while tracking progress on their responsible sourcing journey. It supports tracking of key indicators over time, monitoring the implementation of remediation actions, and evaluating supplier engagement and management systems.

Download the Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Monitor, Evaluate, and Report Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To establish a shared understanding of responsible sourcing 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 meaningful outcomes for informal waste sector workers. Effective actions – including stakeholder education, participatory decision-making, and grievance mechanisms – depend on strong and inclusive engagement. The Engage Phase includes mapping of stakeholders and the value chain, understanding local regulations, and preparing for due diligence and risk assessment. 

 

Getting Started 

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Form a responsible sourcing project team within the lead organization.
  • Introduce the Harmonized Framework to internal and external stakeholders to align understanding and objectives.
  • Engage key value chain actors, including suppliers and informal waste workers.
  • Use the Stakeholder and Value Chain Mapping Tool to map all relevant actors in order to visualize relationships, identify gaps, and inform next steps.
  • Use the Human Rights Due Diligence Readiness Guide to prepare for the participatory Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment in upcoming phases.
Tools and Resources

The Engage Phase begins by bringing together the project team and key partners to map stakeholders and the supply chain, clarifying the size, scope, and structure of the recycled plastics value chain. This step is essential for identifying key actors and uncovering data or visibility gaps, laying the foundation for further assessment and responsible sourcing efforts.

 

Steps:

  • Gather the project team and introduce them to the Harmonized Framework to ensure a shared understanding of the initiative and expectations for the process going forward.
  • Identify and map all key actors across the value chain to visualize connections, understand the size and scope of the value chain, and identify data or traceability gaps.
Download the Stakeholder & Value Chain Mapping Tool Actual PDF Name

This tool helps consolidate outputs from earlier activities to ensure readiness for the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment in selected value chains, which sets a baseline. The due diligence should be tailored to the specific context of your value chain, with customization of the tools, approach, and team preparations based on findings from previous steps. During this phase, the data collection team should be introduced to the Harmonized Framework and oriented on its principles to carry out the assessment effectively – particularly to engage meaningfully with both informal and formal waste sector workers.

 

Steps:

 

  • Review and compile the outputs from the Stakeholder and Value Chain Mapping to inform the design of the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment.
  • Assemble and orient the data collection team, ensuring they understand the assessment scope, indicators, and approach to engaging with diverse worker groups.
  • Complete the Preparation Checklist, including assessment tools, consent protocols, and contextual adjustments, to ensure readiness for the next phase of implementation.
Download the Human Rights Due Diligence Readiness Guide Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Engage Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To conduct a thorough assessment of current practices and human rights risks in order to establish a baseline against the indicators of the Harmonized Framework and identify potential remediation action.

 

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

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review outputs from the Engage Phase to tailor the assessment approach to the specific value chain context.
  • Conduct a Supplier Engagement Assessment to understand current practices among upstream suppliers.
  • Use the Regulatory Landscape Mapping Tool to develop a clear understanding of the legal and policy landscape governing the selected recycled plastics value chain.
  • Use the Sample Size Development Guide to determine a representative sample size of workers and stakeholders from the selected value chain for data collection.
  • Conduct the value chain assessment across all tiers using the Human Rights Due Diligence Tools.
  • Analyze findings to identify risks, working conditions, and root causes – especially for informal workers – using the Root Cause Analysis Tool.
  • Compile and validate findings with key stakeholders using the Assessment Reporting and Feedback Guide to prepare for remediation and improvement planning in the next phase.
Tools and Resources

Recycling companies play a central role in enabling responsible sourcing within the recycled plastics value chain. As key intermediaries, they help connect upstream informal collection with downstream brand or buyer demand. While not solely accountable for every activity across the value chain, they are critical entry points for improving practices and influencing suppliers.

 

This activity involves assessing the recycling company’s existing supplier engagement practices, as well as their readiness and management systems, to establish a strong foundation for responsible sourcing improvements. 

 

Steps:

  • Engage a senior representative from the recycling company as part of the project team to ensure leadership buy-in.
  • Complete the Supplier Engagement Assessment checklist to evaluate the company’s current practices, policy readiness, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Acknowledge and document existing efforts that can be strengthened during the implementation phase.
Download the Supplier Engagement Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name

After assessing the recycling company’s supplier engagement practices, readiness, and management systems, the next step is to develop a clear understanding of the legal and policy landscape governing the selected recycled plastics value chain. This involves identifying relevant local, national, and international laws and guidelines that apply to both formal enterprises and informal actors. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Research applicable legal and policy instruments at local, national, and global levels. 
  • Develop an inventory that covers waste management guidelines, environmental and business regulations, and informal sector protections.
  • Review and validate the inventory with project stakeholders to confirm its completeness, identify gaps, and build a shared understanding of the regulatory context.
Download the Regulatory Landscape Mapping Tool Actual PDF Name

The next step in the Assess Phase is to develop a credible and realistic sample size for assessing the recycling company’s value chain. Given the informal and often undocumented nature of these supply chains, the recycling company may not have complete information on every supplier, tier, or informal waste worker involved. 

 

Several complexities must be considered when determining the sample size. These include the recycling company’s relationship with its suppliers, the level of existing support for workers, and legal or regulatory constraints that may limit access or progress. As a result, traditional sampling methods may need to be adapted to fit the unique context of informal recycling value chains and to ensure the Baseline Assessment process is both meaningful and robust.

 

Steps:

 

  • Identify contextual factors that may influence the sample size, such as limited data availability, regulatory constraints, or informal supplier relationships.
  • Gather and review all information from the previous steps to provide the team with a solid understanding of the value chain and the known characteristics of the people working within it.
  • Set a credible sample size for the Baseline Assessment that covers the full value chain, taking into consideration existing relationships and ensuring representation from each tier. 
Download the Sample Size Development Guide Tool Actual PDF Name

The key focus of the Assess Phase is to conduct human rights due diligence and establish a baseline against the Harmonized Framework indicators. This tool helps stakeholders identify human rights risks, assess current responsible sourcing practices, acknowledge existing efforts, and build a foundation to drive meaningful progress.

 

Steps:

 

  • Based on the information gathered in the previous steps, including value chain and regulatory landscape mapping, and the Supplier Engagement Assessment, review and adjust the Human Rights Due Diligence Tools to ensure they are contextualized and applicable for the selected value chain.
  • Using the tools, conduct the on-site assessment by engaging the selected sample, ensuring representation of all actors across the value chain.
Download the Human Rights Due Diligence Tool Actual PDF Name

After completing the Baseline Assessment, the next step in the Assess Phase is to understand why the identified challenges exist. This tool helps teams dig deeper to uncover the underlying causes of those issues – whether they arise from individual behavior, business practices, or broader system-level problems.

 

Root causes can vary depending on local context and the structure of the value chain. This tool guides teams to engage stakeholders in a structured way to identify these causes and explore practical opportunities for lasting, system-wide improvements.

 

Steps:

 

  • Review the Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment findings and list key challenges faced across all tiers of the value chain, including those experienced by aggregators, informal waste workers, and waste pickers. 
  • Facilitate structured discussions or workshops with responsible sourcing teams and relevant stakeholders to brainstorm underlying root causes for each challenge.
  • Document the root causes and start mapping out possible solutions or opportunities for improvement.
Download the Root Cause Analysis Tool Actual PDF Name

The final step in the Assess Phase is to share the assessment findings with the project team and value chain partners – including both formal and informal actors who participated in the assessment – to gather feedback, incorporate additional context, and begin developing solutions. This step is critical to ensure the data is accurate, grounded in local realities, and serves as a starting point for identifying an initial list of solutions.

 

Ideally, this step should be completed at an in-person workshop to facilitate open conversations and continued relationship building. Once feedback is incorporated, the project team should present the data and insights to all other relevant partners and stakeholders. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Draft the Baseline Assessment Report using the report template to compile and summarize findings from the assessment, including identified risks, gaps, and key thematic insights.
  • Facilitate a stakeholder workshop to present the draft findings to all key stakeholders representing the full value chain, and create space for discussion, feedback, and contextual insights.
  • Gather feedback, capture any missing information, clarify misunderstandings, and enrich the findings with local or operational context.
  • As part of the workshop, engage participants in identifying early ideas or recommendations to address the identified challenges, which will inform the Remediate Phase.
  • Incorporate feedback into the final Baseline Assessment Report and share it with the broader group of partners, laying the foundation for collaborative solution planning.
Download the Assessment Reporting and Feedback Guide Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Assess Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To plan, design, and implement interventions that address the most pressing issues identified in the recycled plastics value chain.

 

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 the integration and organization of informal waste sector workers, and implementing solutions to increase wages, improve safe working conditions, address child labor, or take other appropriate measures to mitigate human rights impacts.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review key findings from the Assessment Report to identify priority risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement across the value chain.
  • Engage stakeholders – particularly informal waste workers and waste pickers – to co-design and prioritize remediation solutions that directly address the most pressing issues identified during the Assess Phase.
  • Tailor remediation solutions to the specific context, risks, and needs of each value chain segment, ensuring they are systemic, inclusive, and designed for long-term impact.
  • Develop a Remediation Action Plan that clearly outlines solution objectives, implementation steps, timelines, and roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
  • Begin implementing the prioritized remediation interventions and establish mechanisms to regularly monitor progress, ensuring learning and continuous improvement throughout the process.
Tools and Resources

The Remediation Action Plan provides a structured framework to plan, implement, and track Remediation Solutions that have been identified and prioritized to reduce risks and strengthen responsible sourcing practices. It outlines specific challenges, proposed solutions, expected outcomes, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The tool can be adapted to include additional elements, if needed, ensuring it meets the specific needs of each implementation project.

 

Steps:

 

  • Prioritize solutions using clear criteria or guiding questions focused on intended impact, stakeholder involvement, and logistical feasibility (e.g., available resources, timelines, and capacity).
  • Draft the Remediation Action Plan by linking each identified barrier with a proposed solution, expected outcomes, and KPIs.
  • Customize the plan format as needed by adding roles, responsibilities, timelines, resources, or other relevant fields to suit the preferences of the implementation team and/or project.
Download the Remediation Action Plan Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Remediate Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: 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 stakeholders across the value chain, guided by assessments of their specific needs. Capacity-building opportunities include supporting value chain participants to improve their management practices and operating models, as well as providing worker education – such as basic rights awareness – at all tiers of the value chain, including for informal waste sector workers.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review the Harmonized Framework to ensure all team members have a clear understanding of its indicators and thematic areas. 
  • Use the Capacity Assessment Tool checklist to identify existing strengths, capacity gaps, and resource needs within the project team or lead organization.
  • Define the roles of key participants, including implementation leads, training facilitators, and support partners. Ensure diverse stakeholder groups, including informal workers, are included in the training and engagement strategy.
  • Customize training and support based on the remediation solutions being implemented, the specific context, and the needs of different stakeholder groups, using the Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide as a reference.
Tools and Resources

The Capacity Assessment Tool is a practical, optional tool designed to help teams evaluate their current knowledge and capabilities, identify areas for capacity building, and plan resources effectively. It supports internal planning by ensuring key considerations are addressed before implementing responsible sourcing strategies.

 

Steps:

 

  • Gather your core project team and review each section of the checklist together, discussing responses based on your organization’s current capacity, resources, and partnerships.
  • Review your responses to identify gaps and outline next steps – such as assigning team roles, engaging partners, or allocating resources to strengthen internal readiness.
Download the Capacity Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name

The Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide supports project teams in designing and delivering effective learning and training activities that facilitate remediation action aligned with the Harmonized Framework. This tool helps identify who needs training, what capacity areas are critical, and how best to build stakeholder knowledge and readiness to implement, monitor, and sustain Remediation Solutions. 

 

Steps:

 

  • Begin by outlining your core goals and capacity-building objectives: What knowledge, skills, or practices do stakeholders need to effectively implement remediation actions?
  • Map out key groups (e.g., recyclers, procurement teams, civil society organizations, aggregators, waste picker associations, and workers) and the training they require. 
  • Facilitate and carry out need-based capacity-building activities tailored to each group.
  • Document the capacity-building sessions conducted, stakeholder participation, and immediate outcomes.
Download the Capacity-Building Strategy and Planning Guide Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Build Capacity Phase Actual PDF Name

Objective: To systematically track and assess progressive improvements in responsible sourcing practices, aligned with the Harmonized Framework indicators.

 

By gathering insights and identifying areas for improvement, this phase aims to establish a cycle of continuous improvement, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability across the value chain. This feedback loop is essential for continuously enhancing the effectiveness and impact of responsible sourcing practices over time. It also enables organizations to adapt and plan more informed, targeted interventions while building trust among stakeholders.

 

Getting Started

 

To initiate this phase, follow the steps below and use the Tools and Resources provided:

  • Review the Harmonized Framework indicators that are linked to the remediation solutions and supplier engagement program.
  • Define measurable outcomes and success indicators aligned with remediation and responsible sourcing goals.
  • Establish data collection methods and assign responsibilities to track activities, outputs, and improvements across the value chain.
  • Use the collected insights to inform internal reviews, partner updates, and future planning for responsible sourcing improvements.
Tools and Resources

Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment  Tool

 

The Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment Tool helps users monitor, evaluate, and learn from their practices while tracking progress on their responsible sourcing journey. It supports tracking of key indicators over time, monitoring the implementation of remediation actions, and evaluating supplier engagement and management systems.

Download the Responsible Sourcing Performance Assessment Tool Actual PDF Name
Download all Tools for the Monitor, Evaluate, and Report Phase Actual PDF Name

Download Tools

Download All Resources Actual PDF Name

By clicking the "Download" button, you are agreeing to The Circulate Initiative’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Who Should Use the Tools?

These tools are for anyone seeking to build a more responsible recycling supply chain – from brands and recyclers to aggregators and civil society organizations. Whether you’re focused on human rights, sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, or ethical procurement, these tools support teams and individuals to operationalize, improve, and scale responsible sourcing practices.

Investors
Buyers of recycled plastics (including brands) 
Recycling companies
Aggregators
Civil society organizations & informal waste worker associations
Third-party auditors