Monthly Roundup: Environment Standards from September 2025

Reflecting on September 2025, the Environment sector saw the publication of five impactful standards. These documents underscore the industry's growing focus on robust environmental monitoring, waste management, occupational safety, and ergonomic well-being. This overview offers professionals a consolidated look at recent standardization activity, highlighting not only what was published but why these developments matter—whether you are in compliance, operations, research, or procurement. Staying informed on these updates positions organizations to proactively adjust to regulatory shifts and industry expectations.

Monthly Overview: September 2025

September 2025 marked a noteworthy period for standardization in the Environment domain. The month's publications were diverse, spanning water quality assessment, analytical chemistry of environmental matrices, personal protective equipment for specialized professions, the analytic detection of hazardous substances, and indoor environmental ergonomics.

Compared to prior months, September’s releases balanced environmental and occupational health, signaling continued prioritization of both ecological stewardship and worker well-being. The mix of updates—ranging from methodology harmonization (e.g., dry matter calculation in waste) to sector-specific innovations (such as glove standards for hairdressers)—point to a maturing regulatory landscape where data quality and specific end-user risks are jointly addressed.

This month's standards collectively reinforce trends of greater cross-sectoral harmonization, heightened chemical scrutiny, and refined practical guidance to support compliance with evolving EU and global regulations. For professionals navigating regulatory complexity, this roundup highlights critical changes and areas for focused attention.

Standards Published This Month

EN 15843:2025 - Water quality - Guidance standard on determining the degree of modification of river hydromorphology

Water quality - Guidance standard on determining the degree of modification of river hydromorphology

EN 15843:2025 provides comprehensive guidance for characterizing modifications in river hydromorphology, heavily leveraging the framework set out in EN 14614:2020. Its primary contribution is to enable consistent comparison and assessment of hydromorphological forms and processes—such as alterations to river channels, banks, riparian zones, and floodplains—across Europe.

The standard’s methodology is particularly valuable for regulatory agencies, ecological consultants, water authorities, and restoration practitioners. It introduces a “departure from naturalness” approach, measuring human-induced changes over time. While it supports broad-based characterizations essential for Water Framework Directive (WFD) reporting and river basin management, local context remains vital for site-specific assessments.

This revision enhances harmonization and ensures data generated at the national and transnational level are comparable, supporting not only environmental compliance but also biodiversity strategies and flood risk management.

Key highlights:

• Structured approach to rating hydromorphological modification severity
• Alignment with EU Water Framework Directive and nature conservation policies
• Emphasizes comparability across regions and datasets

Access the full standard:View EN 15843:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 11465:2025 - Sludge and solid environmental matrices - Determination of dry residue or water content and calculation of the dry matter fraction on a mass basis (ISO 11465:2025)

Sludge and solid environmental matrices - Determination of dry residue or water content and calculation of the dry matter fraction on a mass basis (ISO 11465:2025)

EN ISO 11465:2025 details standardized methods for quantifying the dry matter fraction in a range of environmental matrices: sludge, sludge products, treated biowaste, soil, and waste. Based on drying (Method A) or Karl-Fischer titration (Method B), the procedures address both solid and liquid (or volatile-laden) samples.

This revision draws content from EN 12880 and EN 15934, furthering consistency across laboratories and industries such as waste management, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and landfill operations. Organizations needing compliance data for landfill, soil treatment, recycling, or biosolid applications will find this standard indispensable, ensuring that reported parameters are robust and comparable.

Updates in this edition include the removal of azeotropic distillation and editorial streamlining, reflecting the sector’s move towards safer, more precise and harmonized analytical methods.

Key highlights:

• Dual-method approach covers both solid and volatile-rich matrices
• Harmonization with preceding European and international standards
• Critical for regulatory reporting and inter-laboratory consistency

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 11465:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 374-6:2025 - Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms - Part 6: Protective gloves for hairdressers (ISO 374-6:2025)

Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms - Part 6: Protective gloves for hairdressers (ISO 374-6:2025)

EN ISO 374-6:2025 represents a novel advance, setting out requirements for gloves used by hairdressers—a group specifically at risk of exposure to chemical agents and biological hazards. This standard differentiates itself by targeting an occupational sector with unique risks, such as frequent wet work, contact with dyes, bleaches, and disinfectants, alongside potential exposure to micro-organisms.

It defines physical and chemical performance criteria, permeation testing, and labeling requirements, while integrating user ergonomics and comfort. It also supports conformity with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment, providing a robust reference for hair salon operators, PPE suppliers, health and safety managers, and regulatory bodies.

By delivering a technical solution tailored to hairdressing environments, the standard bridges a previous gap and affirms the rising importance of occupational health even in non-industrial settings.

Key highlights:

• First standard uniquely tailored to the hairdressing industry
• Covers resistance to both chemicals and micro-organisms
• Ensures manufacturer compliance with PPE regulatory frameworks

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 374-6:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 15192:2025 - Soil and waste - Determination of chromium(VI) in solid material by alkaline digestion and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection

Soil and waste - Determination of chromium(VI) in solid material by alkaline digestion and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection

ISO 15192:2025 provides the definitive method for measuring hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in soils and wastes via alkaline extraction and ion chromatography coupled with spectrophotometric detection. Suitable for solids with Cr(VI) > 0.1 mg/kg, this procedure is vital for regulatory monitoring and risk assessment in contaminated land remediation, landfill management, and industrial waste analytics.

A critical aspect is the method’s control over redox interferences, minimizing conversion between Cr(III) and Cr(VI) during preparation—a key concern since Cr(VI) is carcinogenic and strictly regulated. New features in this edition include alternative reagents for method verification and expanded procedural controls, enhancing reliability across varying waste matrices. The standard is applicable to both regulatory compliance authorities and private laboratories working on environmental liability assessments.

Organizations must be aware of matrix limitations (e.g., samples that are highly reducing or oxidizing) and follow national handling requirements due to the hazardous nature of chromium(VI) compounds.

Key highlights:

• Precise analytical method for toxic Cr(VI) in soils and waste
• Includes stringent QA/QC procedures for sample prep and testing
• Crucial for environmental due diligence and remediation projects

Access the full standard:View ISO 15192:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 7730:2025 - Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal comfort criteria

Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local thermal comfort criteria

ISO 7730:2025 defines international best practices for evaluating the thermal comfort of occupants in indoor environments, essential for offices, industrial facilities, healthcare, and public buildings. Through the formalized use of the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD) indices, it quantifies both overall and localized thermal comfort or discomfort.

This fourth edition streamlines calculation protocols and aligns the standard with the latest scientific understanding, benefiting HVAC professionals, facility managers, building designers, and occupational health specialists. It recognizes the implications of comfort on worker productivity, health, and safety and prescribes environmental and physiological criteria for assessment and design. Updates remove outdated methods, clarify computational processes, and enrich guidance for non-steady-state environments.

Applicable not only to classic workspaces but to any public or private indoor area, the standard fosters harmony across global ergonomic practices, supporting both regulatory compliance and well-being trends.

Key highlights:

• Widely recognized indices for assessing and designing for indoor comfort
• Addresses both steady-state and variable conditions
• Supports global benchmarking in building certification and workplace wellness

Access the full standard:View ISO 7730:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

The standards published in September 2025 reveal several interconnected industry themes:

• Integration of Environmental and Occupational Focus: Publications simultaneously address natural resource stewardship (e.g., hydromorphology, chromium assessment) and occupational health (e.g., glove standards, thermal environment), reflecting a “360-degree” view on health and safety.
• Harmonization and Consistency: Methodological harmonization is evident, particularly in the updated sludge and soil analytics and in comfort assessment, enhancing data comparability between jurisdictions and organizations.
• Targeted Risk Mitigation: Sector-specific solutions (like gloves for hairdressers) expand the reach of standardization into previously under-regulated professions.
• Analytical Precision: New and updated standards prioritize robust, reproducible measurement approaches—especially for chemical/environmental analysis and ergonomic evaluation.
• Compliance with Evolving Directives: A keener focus on alignment with EU and international directives (Water Framework Directive, PPE Regulation, etc.) is visible, making these standards relevant for regulatory strategy.

Sectors garnering the most attention include waste/environmental analytics, public health, occupational PPE, and comfort/ergonomics, indicating where future compliance investment may be required.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

The breadth of this month’s standards calls for a tailored, risk-based compliance approach:

• Prioritize standards directly affecting regulatory status and operational risk. For instance, the new Cr(VI) protocol is critical for sites under environmental review, while the glove specification impacts health and safety in the beauty sector.
• Review and update existing procedures in labs, facilities, and supply chains to align with the newly harmonized test methods and criteria.
• Provide staff training on new procedures—particularly for methods that incorporate more robust QA/QC requirements or new technologies (e.g., Karl-Fischer titration, PMV/PPD calculations).
• Monitor transition periods for regulatory adoption of these standards, and anticipate requests for compliance evidence from certification bodies and customers.
• Leverage resources and technical support from iTeh Standards [https://standards.iteh.ai] for implementation guides, updates, and training materials.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from September 2025

September 2025 represented a month of strategic progress for the Environment field. The five standards published enhance rigor in environmental assessment, bolster protection for niche worker groups, and support healthier, more sustainable built environments.

Professionals in quality management, compliance, operations, and procurement should:

• Audit their processes against these updated standards to ensure readiness for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Engage with stakeholders—from laboratory partners to frontline workers—to support adoption and awareness.
• Stay vigilant for further sector-specific developments, particularly those bridging health, safety, and sustainability concerns.

Keeping current with these standards not only reduces compliance risk but catalyzes continuous improvement and innovation across the sector. To explore these and other foundational standards, visit iTeh Standards for full documentation and authoritative resources.