What should organizations do to prepare their supply chains for this change?

The period after the publication of the standard, leading up to the effective date, will focus on preparation and readiness. Stakeholders—including producers, suppliers, and brands— will have opportunities to align internal systems, adapt processes, and begin capacity-building activities.  

The transition plan has been designed to keep stakeholders informed and ensure the transition is manageable. Rather than introducing all changes at once, the system elements will be introduced in phases, broken down into key components—the standard, assurance (auditing and verification), claims and labeling, and traceability tools. At each phase, stakeholders will receive updates, test how new requirements apply to their operations, and adapt their management systems accordingly. This phased approach helps ensure that stakeholders not only understand each change but also have the time and resources to implement it effectively before the next element is introduced. 

We invite stakeholders to engage through the Hub community. Signing up for this community will subscribe you to our Standards Newsletter, provide opportunities to participate in advisory groups, and join targeted outreach efforts to stay informed and ready to adapt. 

To explore the transition roadmaps for brands and retailers, recyclers, and farmers, please do so here.