- Aim/Focus
- Standard organisation
- Good to know
Below is a list of documents and policies that were used in the collection of the scheme data:
The NCP Standard en-NCP-Standard 3.15 en-NCP-Standard 3.15-marked-updates GfaW-Packaging-NCP-NCS-Material-list_1.6 NCP-Annex-RawMaterial-3.2-public Documents for preparation of certification process: NCP-Guidelin-Newcomer-1.11 Documents for the certification process: Vegan Declaration (Version 1.2) GMO Declaration (Version 1.2) GfaW_Product_labeling_guide_12_2022_EN
Credibility 74%
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Availability of Scheme Structure
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Independence of Scheme Owner from Certificate Holder
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Availability of Standard
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Public Consultation of Standard
From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
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Standard Review
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Scheme Legal Status
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Sources of Finance
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Standard-Setting Process
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Assessment Methodology
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Sustainability Goals and Objectives of the Scheme
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Key Issues
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Stakeholder Feedback
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Consistent Interpretation
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Scheme Accessibility
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Assurance Provider Complaints and Appeals Mechanism
From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
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Assessment Reports Availability
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Scope and Duration of Certificate / License
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Certified or Verified Enterprise / Labelled Product List
From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
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Accredited/ Approved Assurance Providers
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Independent Conformity Assessment
From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
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Consistent Decision-Making on Conformity
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Procedure on Non-Conformities
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Claims and Labelling Policy
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Scheme Management
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Governance
-
Does the scheme owner make its organisational structure publicly available, including composition of governance bodies?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (0 points)
- Yes publicly (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Is the scheme owner a legal entity, or an organization that is a partnership of legal entities, or a government or inter-governmental agency?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Is there a mechanism for stakeholders to participate in scheme development and decision-making?
Possible answers
- Yes available publicly (2 points)
- Yes available on request (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Do the voting procedures of the top decision-making body ensure that there is a balanced representation of stakeholder interests, where no single interest predominates?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner make quantitative information on the income sources or financing structure of the scheme available?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
- No (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner have an internal quality management system available?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Is the scheme owner economically independent from the certificate holder?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner have sustainability-oriented goals and objectives?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner have a strategy for meeting its sustainability-oriented goals and objectives?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
-
Does the scheme owner make its organisational structure publicly available, including composition of governance bodies?
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Impact
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Does the scheme owner have a system in place for measuring its impacts and progress towards its sustainability goals?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
-
Does the scheme owner use the results of monitoring and evaluation for learning and improvements to its programme?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner make sustainability results from M&E available?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner have a system in place for measuring its impacts and progress towards its sustainability goals?
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Complaints Mechanism
-
Does the scheme owner have a publicly available and easily accessible complaints mechanism?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner have a publicly available and easily accessible complaints mechanism?
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Supporting Strategies
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Does the scheme implement strategies or activities to support improved performance of participating enterprises, e.g. capacity building, access to finance?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme implement strategies or activities to support improved performance of participating enterprises, e.g. capacity building, access to finance?
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Governance
-
Standard-Setting
-
Is the standard made publicly available free of charge?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (0 points)
- Yes publicly (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Has a set of key sustainability issues in the sector where the scheme operates or product lifecycle been defined in the standard-setting process?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Is the standard-setting procedure or a summary of the process for how stakeholders can engage in standard-setting made publicly available?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (0 points)
- Yes publicly (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Can stakeholders participate in the standard-setting process?
Possible answers
- Members only (1 point)
- Invitation only (1 point)
- All stakeholders (2 points)
-
Are stakeholders who are directly affected by the standard provided opportunities to participate in standard setting?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Are draft standards field tested / piloted for relevance and auditability through the development and revision processes?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner provide information on how the input received from consultations has been included in the final version of the standard?
Possible answers
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
- No (0 points)
-
Do the voting procedures of the decision-making body responsible for standard setting ensure that there is a balanced representation of stakeholder interests?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Is the standard reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least every 5 years?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme ensure that guidance is in place to support consistent interpretation of the standard?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Are there procedures and guidance for application or interpretation of the standard to regional contexts?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is the standard made publicly available free of charge?
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Assurance
-
Assurance System
-
Is there a publicly available documented assessment methodology for assurance providers to assess conformity with the standard?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes available on request (0 points)
- Yes publicly available (1 point)
-
Is application (to get certified/verified) open to all potential applicants within the scope of the scheme?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner provide information on assessment fees or require this of assurance providers?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes available on request (1 point)
- Yes publicly available (2 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to have an easily accessible complaints and appeals mechanism?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes available on request (1 point)
- Yes publicly available (2 points)
-
Does the scheme owner make, or require assurance providers to make a summary of certification/verification reports (with personal and commercially sensitive information removed) available?
Possible answers
- No (no reports) (0 points)
- No (confidential) (1 point)
- Yes (on request) (2 points)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
-
Does the certificate or license define the scope of assurance and duration for which it is valid?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner maintain or require assurance providers to maintain a publicly accessible list of certified or verified enterprises, or a list of verified products/product groups, or a list of members (in case of membership-based initiatives)?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Yes incl. scope of certificate or license (2 points)
-
Does the scheme owner maintain a current and publicly available list of all accredit-ed/approved/suspended assurance providers?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (0 points)
- Yes (publicly) (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner review the effectiveness of their assurance system on a periodic basis?
Possible answers
- Annual (1 point)
- Every 3 years (1 point)
- Every 5 years (1 point)
- Ad hoc (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that clients and other affected stakeholders are notified of changes to the assurance requirements?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme require performance improvements over time to maintain certification?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner have a documented assessment methodology for assurance providers that are assessing chain of custody?
Possible answers
- yes publicly available (2 points)
- yes available on request (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to report to them on complaints received and, on the actions, taken to resolve the issue?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner maintain an information management system?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
-
Has the scheme specified equivalence requirements for any other scheme assurance results it recognises?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is there a publicly available documented assessment methodology for assurance providers to assess conformity with the standard?
-
Conformity Assessment
-
Conformity Assessment Process
-
Does the scheme require a third-party conformity assessment of all clients for compliance with its standard?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (2 points)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner define requirements for decision-making to ensure that assurance providers use consistent procedures for determining the conformity of clients or laboratory testing results with the standard?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to have a procedure in place for how clients are required to address non-conformities, including when a certificate or license is suspended or revoked?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme require a third-party conformity assessment of all clients for compliance with its standard?
-
Sustainability Audits
-
Does the scheme owner have a documented oversight approach that requires assurance providers to be accredited or compliant with ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 (for laboratories) requirements, or alternatively to be compliant with the relevant ISEAL Assurance Code requirements?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that clients are audited on a regular, recurring basis?
Possible answers
- 1 year or less (1 point)
- 1-2 years (1 point)
- 2-3 years (1 point)
- 4-5 years (1 point)
- 5 years or more (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is the frequency or intensity of an audit or oversight assessment based on a risk assessment of the client or assurance provider?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner specify the required intensity for each type of audit and the activities that must be carried out by assurance providers for each of its standards?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner allow or require assurance providers to do unannounced audits?
Possible answers
- Allowed (1 point)
- Required (2 points)
- Not allowed (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Are auditors and assessors required to seek external stakeholder input during the audit and oversight assessment process?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to follow a consistent report format?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that assurance providers and oversight bodies use competent and impartial personnel (other than auditor/assessor/ team) to make decisions on compliance?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner have a documented oversight approach that requires assurance providers to be accredited or compliant with ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 (for laboratories) requirements, or alternatively to be compliant with the relevant ISEAL Assurance Code requirements?
-
Group Certification
-
Is the group required to have a shared management system with clear responsibilities for implementation of the system?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner have a mechanism that prescribes and justifies how all sites within a group certification will be audited over time?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is there a sample size formula and sampling approach to determine the number of group members that is externally verified and how the sample is chosen?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Yes based on risk assessment (2 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Do the requirements on group certification/verification define the conditions under which a group member shall be suspended or removed from a group?
Possible answers
- Member suspended from certification (1 point)
- Member removed from a group (1 point)
- Group suspension (1 point)
- No repercussion (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is the group required to have a shared management system with clear responsibilities for implementation of the system?
-
Chain of Custody
-
Does the scheme owner require all enterprises that are physically handling the certified product to undergo a CoC audit if the product can be destined for retail sale as a certified, labelled product?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require all enterprises that are physically handling the certified product to undergo a CoC audit if the product can be destined for retail sale as a certified, labelled product?
-
Laboratory Testing
-
In the documented assessment methodology, are test methods either referred to or included?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Are there rules on random sampling and testing for the conformity monitoring?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is there a procedure to deal with non-conforming products manufactured by a client / licensee?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
In the documented assessment methodology, are test methods either referred to or included?
-
Conformity Assessment Process
-
Assessor/ Auditor Competencies
-
Does the scheme owner define the qualifications, competency, the required minimum industry audit experience and training requirements for assurance / oversight assessors?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner define the qualifications, competency, the required minimum industry audit experience and training requirements for assurance / oversight assessors?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner require that assurance provider auditors successfully complete auditor training on a standard that is relevant to the scheme and that is based on ISO 19011, or equivalent?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that assurance and oversight providers implement a programme to monitor and ensure the continued competence and good performance of assessors and auditors?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner carry out or require assurance providers to carry out calibration activities to ensure that assessors /auditors are aligned?
Possible answers
- Annually (2 points)
- Ad Hoc (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that assurance providers have a Code of Conduct, or equivalent, and supporting procedures to guide behaviour and actions of assurance providers' personnel and to address misconduct
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner assess potential risks to auditor / assessor impartiality and where warranted, do they require assurance providers and oversight bodies to implement practices to mitigate these risks?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner define the qualifications, competency, the required minimum industry audit experience and training requirements for assurance / oversight assessors?
-
Accreditation / Oversight
-
Does the scheme require an oversight mechanism and is it documented?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Is oversight conducted by a third party independent of the scheme owner and assurance providers?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme define the nature and intensity of oversight activities on assurance providers?
Possible answers
- <1 year (2 points)
- 1 year (2 points)
- 2-3 years (2 points)
- 4-5 years (1 point)
- >5 years (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
- None (0 points)
-
Does the intensity of oversight activities take account of risk factors associated with the assurance providers and their personnel?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner clearly define the application and selection process for assurance providers?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner assess scheme-specific competence when accepting assurance providers that are accredited to other relevant standards (proxy accreditation)?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Yes assess scheme-specific competence (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme have or require oversight providers to have documented and accessible complaints and appeals mechanisms?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner define or request that oversight providers define how assurance providers have to address non-conformities raised through oversight?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that summaries of oversight reports (with personal and commercially sensitive information removed) are made publicly available?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (on request) (1 point)
- Yes publicly (2 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that on-site assessments of assurance providers are included in the oversight cycle?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require that oversight includes reviews of assurance provider performance in the field?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme require an oversight mechanism and is it documented?
-
Assurance System
-
Claims & Traceability
-
Traceability
-
Does the scheme owner have a documented Chain of Custody standard or other traceability requirements that apply to the full supply chain?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes available on request (1 point)
- Yes publicly available (2 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Are there any CoC requirements for non-certified material, in case mixing of certified with uncertified inputs is allowed?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to verify that all enterprises within the chain maintain accurate and accessible records that allow any certified product or batch of products to be traceable from the point of sale to the buyer?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Are companies required to keep CoC records for at least the term of certificate validity?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme have a traceability system that enables checking of product flow between links of the supply chain?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner have a documented Chain of Custody standard or other traceability requirements that apply to the full supply chain?
-
Claims & Labelling
-
Does the scheme owner have documented requirements for the use of its symbols, logos and/or claims related to its scheme and make them publicly available?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- Yes (1 point)
- Not Applicable (0 points)
-
Do claims requirements specify the types of claims that can be made for different types of CoC models, where the scheme owner allows for more than one model?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Are claims and label users required to use unique license numbers or other tracking mechanisms?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme owner require surveillance of the accurate use of claims and labels in the market, including a complaints mechanism to report misuse?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Is the label accompanied by an explanatory text claim or a link to further information?
Possible answers
- Yes (1 point)
- No (0 points)
- Not applicable (0 points)
-
Does the scheme have a procedure that defines specific consequences of misuse of claims and do they also require this of their assurance providers?
Possible answers
- No (0 points)
- yes (1 point)
-
Does the scheme owner have documented requirements for the use of its symbols, logos and/or claims related to its scheme and make them publicly available?
-
Traceability
Environment 72%
-
Aquatic Toxicity
-
Biodegradability of Substances
-
Chemicals harmful to human health
-
Quantity of Packaging
-
Recyclability of Packaging Material
-
Consumer information regarding sustainable use and disposal of product
-
Chemicals
-
Chemical Use
-
Does the standard include criteria on chemicals listed on the REACH Candidate List as substances of very high concern?
Possible answers
- Basic: Restrict use (1 point)
- Advanced: Prohibit use except for defined derogations (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
[...] NCP-certified products shall not contain SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concerns)3 or CMR substances, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP), except for the fragrances (according to ISO 9235). However, the final product may not be classified in the H400 series, according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, with the exception of products whose natural essential oils (fragrances according to ISO 9235) result in H400-classification. [...]
Referenzdokumente:
2. General Criteria
-
Does the standard include criteria on ready biodegradability of substances?
Possible answers
- Basic: Monitor and restrict use (1 point)
- Advanced: Prohibit use (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
4.2.1 Surfactants Surfactants must be derived from raw materials of natural origin. All surfactants must demonstrate a biodegradability of > 60% within 28 days, in accordance with the OECD test 310 (EN ISO 14593, CO2 headspace test) for aerobic degradation and OECD test 311 (EN ISO 11734) for anaerobic degradation. 5. Prohibited Materials Materials from the following groups may not be used for NCP-certified products: [...] • Poorly biodegradable organic substances and anaerobically non-degradable organic substances listed in the DID list of the EU Regulations EcoLabel6
Referenzdokumente:
4.2.1 Surfactants 5. Prohibited Materials
-
Does the standard include criteria on H statements?
Possible answers
- Basic: Restrict use by e.g. a risk based approach (1 point)
- Advanced: Prohibit use with exemptions for some ingredients (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
NCP-certified products shall not contain SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Con- cerns) or CMR substances, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP), except for the fragrances (according to ISO 9235). However, the final product may not be classified in the H400 series, according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, with the exception of products whose natural essential oils (fragrances according to ISO 9235) result in H400-classification. [...] 5. Prohibited Materials Materials from the following groups may not be used for NCP-certified products: • Materials of petrochemical origin, with the exceptions listed in the white list. • Poorly biodegradable organic substances and anaerobically non-degradable organic substances listed in the DID list of the EU Regulations EcoLabel6 • Surfactants from coniferous resins • EDTA-chelating agents, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde or formaldehyde splitters • Halogenated organic compounds • Synthetic fats, oils, waxes or silicones, with the exception of the crystallisation accelerator for candles • Aromatic amines, ethanolamines and ethanol derivatives • Synthetic fragrances • Mercury • Musk compounds • Phthalates • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEG derivatives • Synthetic surfactants such as alkylbenzolsulphonates • Quaternary ammonium compounds • Borium and its derivatives • Phosphorus and synthetic phosphates • Mineral acids (H3PO4, HCl, H2SO4, ...) and their derivatives • Ethoxylated substances, with exceptions according to 4.4.2 [...] 7 Packaging Ban on PFAS. The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to re-place the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027
Referenzdokumente:
2. General Criteria and 5. Prohibited Materials and 7 Packaging
-
Does the scheme include criteria on other substances which have impact on human health and the environment?
Possible answers
- Basic: Restrict use (1 point)
- Advanced: Prohibit use (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Products that fall under DIN EN 71 are subject to separate conditions. Therefore products such as "finished finger paints" must be preserved with the preservatives listed in the DIN EN 71-7. NCP-certified products that fall under DIN EN 71-7 may therefore contain the following preservatives or bitter substances up to the specified maximum percentages: Phenoxyethanol: 1% Potassium sorbate: 0.5% Sodium benzoate: 0.5% Bitter Denatonium Benzoate: 4ppm Furthermore, the raw materials listed in the positive list may be used as pigment constituents with a time limit for this product category. For products from the field of letterpress printing (at least 80% of the product consists of paper), the following applies: The paper is FSC, PEFC or recycled paper or board. If individual components of the products cannot be manufactured using the permitted chemical processes from Chapter 4.2, e.g. inks, varnishes, individual additional components such as screws or rubber, these at least meet food law requirements according to Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, are free of mineral oils, do not contain any substances from Chapter 5, no SVHC substances, no CMR substances and have not been classified in an H400 series (see also Chapter 2 General criteria). The entire product follows the principle "reduce, reuse, recycle". 7 Packaging [...] Ban on PFAS. The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to re-place the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027
Referenzdokumente:
4.4.3 Letterpress Products and Products according to DIN EN 71-7 and 7 Packaging
-
Does the standard include criteria on limitations of aquatic toxicity of the product?
Possible answers
- Basic: Limitation of aquatic toxicity (1 point)
- Advanced: Definition of a product specific critical dilution volume (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
[...] Testing on animals in order to determine the LD50 values for vertebrates and/or the aquatic toxicity for raw materials is not allowed. Data on similar substances may be used to calculate an analogy or data may be determined through in-vitro-experiments. [...] [...] Surfactants from coniferous resins are not permitted due to their aquatic toxicity.
Referenzdokumente:
2. General criteria 4.2.1 Surfactants
-
Does the standard include criteria on the prohibition of microplastic?
Possible answers
Excerpt from standard:
The NCP seal on a product guarantees all the properties mentioned here: - only ingredients of plant/animal origin - no microplastics [...]
Referenzdokumente:
NCP – The Quality Label For Natural-Based Products
-
Does the standard include criteria on the limited use of propellants?
Possible answers
Excerpt from standard:
Propellant gases are considered to be components of the final product. NCP-certified products may use the following propellant gases: carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and compressed air.
Referenzdokumente:
4.2.3 Aerosols
-
Does the standard include criteria on chemicals listed on the REACH Candidate List as substances of very high concern?
-
Chemical Use
-
Water
-
Water use
-
Does the standard include criteria on water consumption in the production phase?
Possible answers
- Basic: Monitor volumes of water consumption over time (1 point)
- Advanced: Monitor water volumes & increase efficiency (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
The following extraction agents for natural materials are permitted: water, vegetable alcohol, carbonic acid, vegetable fats and oils, and glycerin stemming from plant material. Furthermore, only enzymatic and microbiological methods that also occur in nature may be used.
Referenzdokumente:
4.2.2 Extraction Agents and Catalyzers
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Does the standard include criteria on water consumption in the production phase?
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Water use
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Inputs
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Packaging
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Does the standard include criteria on the quantity of packaging?
Possible answers
- Basic: General requirement to minimize the amount of material used (1 point)
- Advanced: Defined calculations to measure the quantity of packaging (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Natural products in environmentally harmful packaging do not go together. Especially not if the packaging gives a green impression even though it interferes with the recy-cling process or is even non-recyclable. The standard sets its criteria against such greenwashing packaging: These packaging criteria apply to products marketed under own brand or own pro-duction for end consumers. Packaging for B2B transport or sale is not covered here. In principle, when using packaging materials and packaging materials, care should be taken to ensure that the packaging task can be fulfilled with the lowest possible over-all impact (economic, social, ecological). The impact is always to be determined across the entire value chain (raw material pro-duction, processing, logistics, use, end of life, reprocessing and new raw material use). Packaging is used according to the following order of priority: 1st priority Avoid: As little as possible. Guiding question is: Is the packaging indis-pensable? 2nd Priority Reduce: Packaging that is necessary should use as little material as pos-sible. Guiding question is: Can the packaging material be reduced e.g. by refill pos-sibilities? 3rd priority Reuse: Prefer reusable to disposable packaging. This means that before disposable packaging made of recyclate is designed, it should be clarified whether a reusable system, regardless of its design, would not be possible. Guiding question is: Is there a reusable system for the planned packaging? 4. priority recyclability: recyclability of packaging and packaging materials, which is required by the EU and in Germany. This is not about a theoretical recyclability of ma-terials, but about the recyclability of a complete packaging material (incl. closure and labels) in the existing recyclable material streams. Guiding question is: Is the packag-ing currently actually recyclable? Can it be easily allocated to the appropriate recycla-ble material streams by the consumer? 5. priority dischargeability: residual dischargeability of the packaging. In order not to disturb the sorting and recycling process, the packaging must be easy to empty. Guiding question is: The packaging can be emptied of residues? The materials listed in the appendix, which are marked green, may be used. All orange and red marked materials are interfering materials for the recycling pro-cess. The orange marked materials are tolerated, but are currently not recommended by the standard setter. The materials marked in red may not be used. Since the technical possibilities of the recycling industry are subject to immense change, the criteria and material list is reviewed every 2 years by the standard setter to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, adapted. In addition, the following minimum requirements apply to materials: Ban on PFAS. The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to re-place the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027. Paper packaging: Fully recycled paper materials shall be preferred to virgin paper. The recycled content in paper packaging corresponds to at least 50%. (Exceptions are granted in the food sector for specific legal requirements for the packaging). Raw paper materials shall come from either FSC or PEFC sources. Paper must not be bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Only TCF is allowed. In particular, wet strength agents, greaseproofing agents and finishes based on PFC are not allowed. Coatings and laminations should generally not be used on paper materials. Wood-based packaging: The wood shall be from FSC or PEFC sources. Packaging must be constructed in such a way that separation of different materials is possible. Plastic-based packaging: No multilayer structures, except PE-/ PP-EVOH. If multilayer structures made of PE-EVOH and/or PP-EVOH are used, the company shall submit a plan of action for adapt-ing the packaging to recyclable material by 2027. This does not apply to food prod-ucts. Requirements for the recycled content in plastic packaging in relation to the product type: Material / Type of Pro-duct Food Cosme-tics Natural Pro-duct PET 90% 90% 90% PP -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** PE -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** *The possibility to use PE and/or PP with recycled content for food will be adapted to market conditions by the standard setter. Currently (as of end of 2023) there is no food compliance to be met with rPE and rPP. ** Unless an own recycling facility has been established and the return rate is not at 90% or the material to be purchased is contaminated with synthetic fragrances or genotoxic substances. In this case, the company will present an action plan on how it can gradually reduce the use of petrochemical-based virgin material by 2027. *** Does not apply to product-contacting parts of the packaging if food conformity is required. Intelligent packaging solutions, e.g. with several layers that can be separated by consumers, are expressly desired. No different plastics on front and back. Printing inks suitable for recycling (minimum standard : EuPIA compliant printing inks). If labels or sleeves made of foreign materi-als are used, they are smaller than 50% of the packaging surface (see minimum stand-ard NIR interfering materials). No PETG sleeves or components in PET bottles. No cellulose-based labels in tight contact with polyolefin packaging except for over-stickering standard labels or to save re-packaging. No silicone components. Adhesives: Only REACH compliant adhesives may be used. Glass packaging: No permanently adhesive (non-water soluble/hydrophobic) large-area plastic labels.
Referenzdokumente:
7. Packaging and Instructions for Use
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Does the standard include criteria on the packaging material in order to facilitate recycling?
Possible answers
- Basic: Either recyclability of packaging material OR the use of recycled material in packaging (1 point)
- Advanced: Recyclability of packaging material AND the use of recycled material in packaging (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Natural products in environmentally harmful packaging do not go together. Especially not if the packaging gives a green impression even though it interferes with the recy-cling process or is even non-recyclable. The standard sets its criteria against such greenwashing packaging: These packaging criteria apply to products marketed under own brand or own pro-duction for end consumers. Packaging for B2B transport or sale is not covered here. In principle, when using packaging materials and packaging materials, care should be taken to ensure that the packaging task can be fulfilled with the lowest possible over-all impact (economic, social, ecological). The impact is always to be determined across the entire value chain (raw material pro-duction, processing, logistics, use, end of life, reprocessing and new raw material use). Packaging is used according to the following order of priority: 1st priority Avoid: As little as possible. Guiding question is: Is the packaging indis-pensable? 2nd Priority Reduce: Packaging that is necessary should use as little material as pos-sible. Guiding question is: Can the packaging material be reduced e.g. by refill pos-sibilities? 3rd priority Reuse: Prefer reusable to disposable packaging. This means that before disposable packaging made of recyclate is designed, it should be clarified whether a reusable system, regardless of its design, would not be possible. Guiding question is: Is there a reusable system for the planned packaging? 4. priority recyclability: recyclability of packaging and packaging materials, which is required by the EU and in Germany. This is not about a theoretical recyclability of ma-terials, but about the recyclability of a complete packaging material (incl. closure and labels) in the existing recyclable material streams. Guiding question is: Is the packag-ing currently actually recyclable? Can it be easily allocated to the appropriate recycla-ble material streams by the consumer? 5. priority dischargeability: residual dischargeability of the packaging. In order not to disturb the sorting and recycling process, the packaging must be easy to empty. Guiding question is: The packaging can be emptied of residues? The materials listed in the appendix, which are marked green, may be used. All orange and red marked materials are interfering materials for the recycling pro-cess. The orange marked materials are tolerated, but are currently not recommended by the standard setter. The materials marked in red may not be used. Since the technical possibilities of the recycling industry are subject to immense change, the criteria and material list is reviewed every 2 years by the standard setter to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, adapted. In addition, the following minimum requirements apply to materials: Ban on PFAS. The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to re-place the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027. Paper packaging: Fully recycled paper materials shall be preferred to virgin paper. The recycled content in paper packaging corresponds to at least 50%. (Exceptions are granted in the food sector for specific legal requirements for the packaging). Raw paper materials shall come from either FSC or PEFC sources. Paper must not be bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Only TCF is allowed. In particular, wet strength agents, greaseproofing agents and finishes based on PFC are not allowed. Coatings and laminations should generally not be used on paper materials. Wood-based packaging: The wood shall be from FSC or PEFC sources. Packaging must be constructed in such a way that separation of different materials is possible. Plastic-based packaging: No multilayer structures, except PE-/ PP-EVOH. If multilayer structures made of PE-EVOH and/or PP-EVOH are used, the company shall submit a plan of action for adapt-ing the packaging to recyclable material by 2027. This does not apply to food prod-ucts. Requirements for the recycled content in plastic packaging in relation to the product type: Material / Type of Pro-duct Food Cosme-tics Natural Pro-duct PET 90% 90% 90% PP -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** PE -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** *The possibility to use PE and/or PP with recycled content for food will be adapted to market conditions by the standard setter. Currently (as of end of 2023) there is no food compliance to be met with rPE and rPP. ** Unless an own recycling facility has been established and the return rate is not at 90% or the material to be purchased is contaminated with synthetic fragrances or genotoxic substances. In this case, the company will present an action plan on how it can gradually reduce the use of petrochemical-based virgin material by 2027. *** Does not apply to product-contacting parts of the packaging if food conformity is required. Intelligent packaging solutions, e.g. with several layers that can be separated by consumers, are expressly desired. No different plastics on front and back. Printing inks suitable for recycling (minimum standard : EuPIA compliant printing inks). If labels or sleeves made of foreign materi-als are used, they are smaller than 50% of the packaging surface (see minimum stand-ard NIR interfering materials). No PETG sleeves or components in PET bottles. No cellulose-based labels in tight contact with polyolefin packaging except for over-stickering standard labels or to save re-packaging. No silicone components. Adhesives: Only REACH compliant adhesives may be used. Glass packaging: No permanently adhesive (non-water soluble/hydrophobic) large-area plastic labels.
Referenzdokumente:
7. Packaging and Instructions for Use
-
Does the standard include criteria on the quantity of packaging?
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Packaging
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Energy & Climate
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Climate Change Mitigation
-
Does the standard include criteria on energy consumption in the production phase?
Possible answers
- Basic: Monitor energy consumption over time (1 point)
- Advanced: Increase efficiency OR increase use of renewables (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Referenzdokumente:
-
Does the standard include criteria on energy consumption in the production phase?
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Climate Change Mitigation
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Waste and Air Pollution
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Waste Management
-
Does the standard include criteria on volumes of waste?
Possible answers
- Basic (0 points)
- Advanced: Reduction of volumes of waste (1 point)
-
Does the scheme include criteria on consumer information on the sustainable use and disposal of the product?
Possible answers
- Basic: Information provided to consumers on the disposal of the product (0 points)
- Advanced: Consumer information on the sustainable use of the product (1 point)
Excerpt from standard:
Natural products in environmentally harmful packaging do not go together. Especially not if the packaging gives a green impression even though it interferes with the recy-cling process or is even non-recyclable. The standard sets its criteria against such greenwashing packaging: These packaging criteria apply to products marketed under own brand or own pro-duction for end consumers. Packaging for B2B transport or sale is not covered here. In principle, when using packaging materials and packaging materials, care should be taken to ensure that the packaging task can be fulfilled with the lowest possible over-all impact (economic, social, ecological). The impact is always to be determined across the entire value chain (raw material pro-duction, processing, logistics, use, end of life, reprocessing and new raw material use). Packaging is used according to the following order of priority: 1st priority Avoid: As little as possible. Guiding question is: Is the packaging indis-pensable? 2nd Priority Reduce: Packaging that is necessary should use as little material as pos-sible. Guiding question is: Can the packaging material be reduced e.g. by refill pos-sibilities? 3rd priority Reuse: Prefer reusable to disposable packaging. This means that before disposable packaging made of recyclate is designed, it should be clarified whether a reusable system, regardless of its design, would not be possible. Guiding question is: Is there a reusable system for the planned packaging? 4. priority recyclability: recyclability of packaging and packaging materials, which is required by the EU and in Germany. This is not about a theoretical recyclability of ma-terials, but about the recyclability of a complete packaging material (incl. closure and labels) in the existing recyclable material streams. Guiding question is: Is the packag-ing currently actually recyclable? Can it be easily allocated to the appropriate recycla-ble material streams by the consumer? 5. priority dischargeability: residual dischargeability of the packaging. In order not to disturb the sorting and recycling process, the packaging must be easy to empty. Guiding question is: The packaging can be emptied of residues? The materials listed in the appendix, which are marked green, may be used. All orange and red marked materials are interfering materials for the recycling pro-cess. The orange marked materials are tolerated, but are currently not recommended by the standard setter. The materials marked in red may not be used. Since the technical possibilities of the recycling industry are subject to immense change, the criteria and material list is reviewed every 2 years by the standard setter to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, adapted. In addition, the following minimum requirements apply to materials: Ban on PFAS. The packaging used is free of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. If PFAS are found in the current packaging, the company will present an action plan to re-place the packaging with PFAS-free packaging by 2027. Paper packaging: Fully recycled paper materials shall be preferred to virgin paper. The recycled content in paper packaging corresponds to at least 50%. (Exceptions are granted in the food sector for specific legal requirements for the packaging). Raw paper materials shall come from either FSC or PEFC sources. Paper must not be bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Only TCF is allowed. In particular, wet strength agents, greaseproofing agents and finishes based on PFC are not allowed. Coatings and laminations should generally not be used on paper materials. Wood-based packaging: The wood shall be from FSC or PEFC sources. Packaging must be constructed in such a way that separation of different materials is possible. Plastic-based packaging: No multilayer structures, except PE-/ PP-EVOH. If multilayer structures made of PE-EVOH and/or PP-EVOH are used, the company shall submit a plan of action for adapt-ing the packaging to recyclable material by 2027. This does not apply to food prod-ucts. Requirements for the recycled content in plastic packaging in relation to the product type: Material / Type of Pro-duct Food Cosme-tics Natural Pro-duct PET 90% 90% 90% PP -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** PE -* 50%**,*** 80%**,*** *The possibility to use PE and/or PP with recycled content for food will be adapted to market conditions by the standard setter. Currently (as of end of 2023) there is no food compliance to be met with rPE and rPP. ** Unless an own recycling facility has been established and the return rate is not at 90% or the material to be purchased is contaminated with synthetic fragrances or genotoxic substances. In this case, the company will present an action plan on how it can gradually reduce the use of petrochemical-based virgin material by 2027. *** Does not apply to product-contacting parts of the packaging if food conformity is required. Intelligent packaging solutions, e.g. with several layers that can be separated by consumers, are expressly desired. No different plastics on front and back. Printing inks suitable for recycling (minimum standard : EuPIA compliant printing inks). If labels or sleeves made of foreign materi-als are used, they are smaller than 50% of the packaging surface (see minimum stand-ard NIR interfering materials). No PETG sleeves or components in PET bottles. No cellulose-based labels in tight contact with polyolefin packaging except for over-stickering standard labels or to save re-packaging. No silicone components. Adhesives: Only REACH compliant adhesives may be used. Glass packaging: No permanently adhesive (non-water soluble/hydrophobic) large-area plastic labels.
Referenzdokumente:
7. Packaging and Instructions for Use
-
Does the standard include criteria on volumes of waste?
-
Waste Management
-
Environmental Management
-
Does the standard include criteria on environmental policy or management instruments (like EMAS or ISO 14001)?
Possible answers
- Basic: Verification (self-declaration) of final manufacturing plant (1 point)
- Advanced: Certification (third party) of final manufacturing plant (2 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Referenzdokumente:
-
Does the standard include criteria on environmental policy or management instruments (like EMAS or ISO 14001)?
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Quality
-
Quality and Suitability
-
Does the standard include criteria on the fitness for use of the product for the intended purpose?
Possible answers
Excerpt from standard:
Recyclability: Recyclability is the individual gradual suitability of a package or product to be recycled in the post-consumer phase. product to actually substitute material-identical new goods in the after-use phase; "actually" here means material-identical virgin material in the after-use phase; "actual" here means that collection and industrial scale are a prerequisite.
Referenzdokumente:
Definition
-
Does the standard include criteria on the fitness for use of the product for the intended purpose?
-
Quality and Suitability
Socio-Economic 0%
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Verification of Core Labour Standards along the Supply Chain
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Equal Opportunities
-
CSR Strategy
-
Labour Rights and Working Conditions
-
ILO Core Conventions
-
Does the standard require compliance with (at least) all ILO core labour standards for different suppliers along the supply chain?
Possible answers
- Basic: Main tier 1 suppliers (1 point)
- Advanced: All tier 1 suppliers (2 points)
-
Does the standard require compliance with (at least) all ILO core labour standards for different suppliers along the supply chain?
-
ILO Core Conventions
-
Business Practice and Ethical Issues
-
Economic Development and Fair Business Practice
-
Does the standard include a requirement for compliance with relevant local, regional and national laws and regulations?
Possible answers
-
Does the standard include a requirement for compliance with relevant local, regional and national laws and regulations?
-
Corruption and Bribery
-
Does the standard include criteria on the prevention of corruption and bribery?
Possible answers
- Basic: Corruption and bribery is prohibited (1 point)
- Advanced (0 points)
Excerpt from standard:
Referenzdokumente:
-
Does the standard include criteria on the prevention of corruption and bribery?
-
Economic Development and Fair Business Practice
-
Company Responsibility
-
Company Responsibility in Europe
-
Does the standard require the implementation of measures that aim at generating equal economic opportunities for women and men?
Possible answers
Excerpt from standard:
Referenzdokumente:
-
Does the standard require the definition of a company-wide CSR strategy?
Possible answers
- Basic: A CSR strategy is defined (1 point)
- Advanced: CSR strategy is publicly available (2 points)
-
Does the standard include criteria on community engagement?
Possible answers
-
Does the standard include requirements on measures that aim at managing demographic change?
Possible answers
-
Does the standard require the implementation of measures that aim at generating equal economic opportunities for women and men?
-
Impact Assessment
-
Does the standard include criteria on assessing the impacts of operations on human rights?
Possible answers
- Basic: Human Rights Impact Assessment OR Social Impact Assessment (1 point)
- Advanced: Human Rights Impact Assessment AND Social Impact Assessment (2 points)
-
Does the standard include criteria on assessing the impacts of operations on human rights?
-
Company Responsibility in Europe