ZOOM ON // New Sustainable Materials offer at Ecocert!

In a world facing major environmental challenges, Ecocert is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new Business Unit: Sustainable Materials. In response to today's challenges, this initiative aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the materials sector by offering certifications and guarantees that encourage the adoption of best practices. For its launch, the Business Unit will primarily focus on plastic materials.

Sector Overview Each year, significant quantities of plastics end up in our oceans, highlighting the need for viable solutions for the health of the planet and its population. With global plastic production estimated at 400 million tons in 2022 (1) and a steady increase over the past five years, it is important to act quickly and effectively. Additionally, a recent survey revealed that 90% (2) of the French population wants alternatives to reduce or compensate for plastic use in food packaging, and 78% (3) of the global population wants manufacturers and retailers to take responsibility for reducing, reusing, and recycling their packaging. This is a prime moment to innovate, transform, and reduce the use of plastics, while adopting more sustainable materials.

Ecocert's Response to These Challenges

Based on priority environmental and societal themes, our Service Evaluation COmmittee (SECO) selects impactful, relevant standards to address these challenges. For example, recycling is an important theme that Ecocert has chosen to promote through the GRS label. Similarly, through the Ocean Bound Plastic standard, Ecocert has chosen to highlight initiatives that combat plastic pollution in oceans. For both certifications, our approach is to promote sustainability at every stage of production by prioritizing the use of recycled plastics and ensuring production adheres to strong social and environmental standards.

Acting for a Sustainable Materials Sector Means:

• Integrating environmental protection at every stage of production by adopting an eco-design approach and implementing a circular economy that promotes reuse, recycling, and reduction of single-use plastics.

• Developing socially responsible supply chains: ensuring dignified and safe working conditions, fair prices, ethical and long-term business relationships.

• Securing the supply chain in the face of its complexities: guaranteeing traceability and transparency of raw materials up to the consumer, verifying the origin of recycled raw materials, and managing environmental and social risks.

Our Certification Offer for Sustainable Materials

We offer the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which values the integration of recycled materials. This label, historically used in the textile sector, extends to a wide range of products: plastic, leather, paper, glass, metal... A GRS-labeled product, with its logo, contains at least 50% recycled materials and ensures responsible management throughout the supply chain.

To address the issue of ocean plastic pollution, Ecocert offers the Ocean Bound Plastic certification, which values the collection and use of plastic waste destined to end up in the ocean. This standard guarantees strict social and environmental criteria.

Packaging recyclability is a central issue. To ensure the true recyclability of packaging, Ecocert is now qualified to deliver RecyClass certification. This standard objectively assesses recyclability through a rating from A to F and/or a recyclability rate, considering the country where the finished product is sold.

The teams of the Sustainable Materials Business Unit are working on launching new certifications aimed at encouraging the reduction, or even the total elimination, of single-use plastics. These initiatives will allow companies, regardless of their sector, to have their efforts recognized in limiting their environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for our upcoming developments!

Why Choose Ecocert for Your Sustainable Materials Project?

As a recognized leader in the certification of sustainable practices, Ecocert stands out for its expertise in sustainability.

Our approach goes beyond certification; it also includes consulting and training services, provided by our independent subsidiaries, designed to support companies in their transition to more environmentally friendly materials and practices.

By choosing Ecocert, you opt for a brand recognized and valued by consumers worldwide. Thanks to our international presence in key producer countries, we are able to provide support and services tailored to the specific needs of each region.

Finally, our experts are regularly consulted by authorities and standard owners, reflecting our influence and credibility in the sector.

By partnering with Ecocert, you benefit from a trusted partner, capable of guiding you through the complexities of sustainability and helping you achieve your social and environmental impact goals.

Conclusion

The launch of the Sustainable Materials Business Unit at Ecocert marks an important milestone in our commitment to working towards a sustainable world. We are confident that, with our expertise and guarantees, we can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of materials, starting with plastics but also extending to metals and paper/cardboard, while promoting responsible and ethical economic growth.

1 Source : Plastiques – the fast facts 2023 • Plastics Europe

2 Source : Emballage Digest

3 Source : Rising Tides II