Cradle to Cradle® Certification
Prior to formal Cradle to Cradle® certification being granted, products, materials and components must all undergo a rigorous assessment procedure. The initial stages of the certification process comprise assessing raw materials in terms of human and environmental health criteria, and evaluating the manufacturing process according to recycling potentials, energy and water use, and social responsibility. EPEA will be supplied with detailed information regarding all the materials involved in Desso’s products and processes.
The materials are placed in one of four categories (ABC-X categorisation)1) based on human health and environmental criteria.
Green (A-B)
Little to no risk associated with this substance. Preferred for use in its intended application.
Yellow (C)
Low to moderate risk associated with this substance. Acceptable for continued use unless a
GREEN alternative is available.
Red (X)
High hazard and risk associated with the use of this substance. Develop strategy for phase out.
Grey
Incomplete data. Cannot be characterized. Grey materials must be fully assessed within one year or they will be considered Red.
After all the ingredients in the materials of the products have been assessed, they are then optimised by selecting replacements, if necessary, and using only tolerable or optimal chemical ingredients or materials as they become available.
1) Cradle to Cradle® Certification Program Version 2.1.1, prepared by MBDC September 2008, updated January 2010.
