P R O L E A R N
SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS
Sustainability Certifications are voluntary standards assessed by third parties to ensure that organisations or products meet specific environmental, social, and ethical criteria. These certifications help companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and provide consumers with assurance about the products they choose.
Key Characteristics
Third-Party Assessment: Certifications are typically verified by independent organisations to ensure credibility.
Wide Scope: Cover various aspects such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and ethical practices.
Voluntary Participation: Companies choose to pursue certifications to showcase their sustainability efforts.
Benefits
Enhanced Credibility: Certifications can improve brand reputation and consumer trust by up to 30%.
Market Differentiation: Certified products often stand out in competitive markets.
Operational Improvements: The certification process can lead to more efficient and sustainable business operations.
Challenges and Considerations
Cost and Complexity: Obtaining and maintaining certifications can be resource-intensive.
Scope Limitations: Some certifications may not cover all aspects of sustainability, leading to potential gaps.
Risk of Greenwashing: Without rigorous standards, some certifications may be used superficially for marketing purposes.
Innovative Applications
Cradle to Cradle Certified: Assesses product safety and circularity across five sustainability categories.
B Corporation Certification: Evaluates overall social and environmental performance of companies.
LEED Certification: Focuses on sustainable building design and operation.
Future Outlook
As consumer demand for transparency grows, sustainability certifications will likely become more integral to business strategies across industries. We can expect the development of more comprehensive standards that address emerging sustainability challenges and incorporate new technologies for verification.
Call to Action:
Evaluate which sustainability certifications align with your business goals and industry standards. Consider the potential benefits of certification in enhancing your brand's reputation and operational efficiency while contributing positively to environmental and social outcomes.
Kvadrat Really is a subsidiary of Kvadrat, established to upcycle end-of-life textiles into high-quality engineered materials. Launched in 2017, Kvadrat Really aims to challenge the conventional use of resources and promote circular design. The company's mission is to transform waste into valuable materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry. Kvadrat Really's core values include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to create materials that can be recycled repeatedly, contributing to a waste-free future.
Location
Headquarters: Ebeltoft, Denmark.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Denmark.
Note: Strategic local production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Upcycling waste textiles, designing for longevity, and creating fully recyclable products.
Key innovations: Development of Textile Tabletop™, Textile Board, and Textile Felt from end-of-life textiles, promoting circular design.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to reduce environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Really Solid Board, Textile Tabletop™, Textile Board, and Textile Felt.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, durable materials made from upcycled textiles, innovative design processes, and a strong focus on sustainability.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards more responsible consumption.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available through Kvadrat's platform and select partners.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Kvadrat Really's Solid Board transforms waste textiles into high-quality, durable materials, setting a benchmark for circularity and sustainability in the design industry.
Explore Further
Kvadrat Really website: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/really
Sustainability overview: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/kvadrat-really/about
Example product: Really Solid Board - https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/kvadrat-really/kvadrat-really-products/textile-board
FabBRICK is a French company founded by Clarisse Merlet in 2018. The company was established with the mission to create sustainable building materials from recycled textiles, transforming waste into valuable resources. FabBRICK's current mission focuses on developing innovative, eco-friendly bricks for design and architecture. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to reduce textile waste and promote circular economy practices.
Location
Headquarters: Paris, France.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Paris, with plans to automate and expand production capabilities.
Note: Strategic location in Paris to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled textiles, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of patented FabBRICK technology that transforms various types of textile waste, including EPI (personal protective equipment), into durable and aesthetic building materials. The process involves shredding textiles, mixing them with a bio-based binder, and compressing them into bricks.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using local textile waste and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Recycled textile bricks for wall cladding, interior design, and custom furniture.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable building materials that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. FabBRICK's products are known for their unique textures, colors, and eco-friendly properties.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for recycled textile materials.
Ambitious goals: To lead the construction and design industries in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative built environment.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available through direct sales and partnerships with designers and architects.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled textiles.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
FabBRICK transforms textile waste into high-quality, sustainable building materials, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in the design and construction industries.
Explore Further
FabBRICK website: https://www.fab-brick.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.fab-brick.com/recyclageepi
Example product: Recycled textile bricks - https://www.fab-brick.com/projets
Circular.Fashion is a sustainable change agency founded by Ina Budde in 2018. The company was established with the mission to create a circular economy in the fashion and textile industry by developing innovative software and system solutions. Circular.Fashion aims to make circular design easy and actionable for brands, designers, and supply chain partners. The core values of the company include sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, with a purpose to increase the share of textiles being recycled and to accelerate the transition towards a circular future in fashion.
Location
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Berlin, with collaborations and partnerships globally.
Note: Strategic location in Berlin to foster innovation and collaboration with international partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using sustainable and recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of the Circular Design Kit, circularity.ID, and software solutions that enable circular design and recycling processes.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Circular Design Kit, circularity.ID, and consulting services for brands and designers.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable design solutions that incorporate circularity, innovative use of materials, and a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the fashion industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards more responsible consumption.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products and services available globally through direct purchase on the Circular.Fashion website and collaborations with brands.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Circular.Fashion, led by Ina Budde, is a pioneering agency that transforms the fashion industry through innovative circular design solutions, setting a benchmark for sustainability and circularity.
Explore Further
Circular.Fashion website: https://circular.fashion
Sustainability overview: https://circular.fashion/en/about/about-us.html
Example product: Circular Design Kit - Download PDF
Renewcell is a Swedish sustaintech company founded in January 2012 by innovators from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, including Prof. Mikael Lindström, Prof. Gunnar Henriksson, and Dr. Christofer Lindgren. The company was established with the mission to revolutionize the textile industry by making fashion circular through innovative recycling technologies. Renewcell's current mission is to transform textile waste into high-quality, biodegradable raw materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The core values of Renewcell include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to close the loop in the textile value chain and promote a circular economy.
Location
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Kristinehamn and Sundsvall, Sweden.
Note: Strategic locations in Sweden to leverage renewable energy and optimize local sourcing and production.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of Circulose®, a branded dissolving pulp made from 100% textile waste, enabling the production of biodegradable regenerated fibers.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Circulose® pulp used to produce viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and other man-made cellulosic fibers.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable materials made from textile waste, innovative recycling processes, and a strong focus on circularity.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To recycle the equivalent of more than 1.4 billion t-shirts every year by 2030, significantly reduce global textile waste, and lead the industry in sustainable practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Circulose® pulp is available for use by various industries through partnerships and collaborations.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
Cost Rating: Information not available.
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of 100% recycled textile waste.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Renewcell is a pioneering company that transforms textile waste into high-quality, biodegradable materials, driving significant advancements in circularity and sustainability within the fashion industry.
Explore Further
Renewcell website: https://www.renewcell.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.renewcell.com/en/about/
Example product: Circulose® - https://www.renewcell.com/en/circulose/
Nike Grind is a global sustainability program initiated by Nike, Inc. in 1992. The program was founded with the mission to repurpose manufacturing scrap and end-of-life shoes into new, high-performance materials. Nike Grind's current mission is to drive a circular future where waste is eliminated, and materials are continuously reused. The core values of Nike Grind include innovation, sustainability, and responsibility, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources and reduce the environmental impact of Nike's products.
Location
Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations globally, leveraging Nike's extensive manufacturing network.
Note: Strategic locations for local sourcing and distribution to minimize environmental impact.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of high-performance materials from manufacturing scrap and end-of-life shoes, integration of recycled materials into new products, and closed-loop manufacturing processes.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to reduce environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Nike Grind materials used in sports surfaces, footwear, and apparel.
Unique value propositions: High-performance, sustainable materials that reduce waste and environmental impact, and support for a circular economy.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To scale circularity across the entire Nike product line, significantly reduce global waste and carbon emissions, and lead the industry in sustainable practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Nike Grind materials are used in various Nike products and available for use in other industries.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Nike Grind is a pioneering program that transforms waste into high-performance materials, driving significant advancements in circularity and sustainability within the sportswear industry.
Explore Further
Nike Grind website: https://www.nikegrind.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.nikegrind.com/about
Example product: Nike Grind materials - https://www.nikegrind.com/materials
Dirk van der Kooij is a design studio founded in 2009 in the basement of the Design Academy Eindhoven. The studio was established with the mission to explore the potential of plastic as an honest, durable material. The founding inspiration came from the innovative use of six pizza ovens welded together to create the Elephant Skin series, which showcased the unique properties of recycled plastic. The current mission of the studio is to create "forever furniture" that sustains generations of use, guided by the core values of longevity, functionality, and joy. The purpose of Dirk van der Kooij's work is to transform waste materials into valuable, high-quality furniture through a delicate union of machine and craft.
Location
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Amsterdam-based factory.
Note: The studio operates in a 1920’s ex-military warehouse, optimizing local sourcing and production.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of furniture from waste plastic, discarded CDs, leather sofas, kitchen appliances, chocolate moulds, and diseased wood. Use of house-developed presses, robots, and extruders.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Elephant Skin series, furniture made from recycled plastic and other unconventional materials.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, durable furniture made from waste materials, innovative design processes, and a strong focus on sustainability.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To scale circularity in the furniture industry, significantly reduce global waste and carbon emissions, and make high-quality design accessible to a broader audience.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available through direct purchase on the Dirk van der Kooij website and select retailers.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Premium pricing with a focus on long-term value and sustainability).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Dirk van der Kooij transforms waste into high-quality, durable furniture through innovative design and sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for circularity in the furniture industry.
Explore Further
Dirk van der Kooij website: https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com/about
Example product: Elephant Skin series - https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com/elephant-skin
Richlite is a premium surface material made from resin-infused paper, produced by Richlite Company founded in 1943 in Tacoma, Washington. The company pioneered the paper-composite surface industry, initially producing materials for industrial tooling in the aerospace sector. Richlite's founding mission was to create durable, high-performance surfaces from sustainable materials. Today, their mission focuses on providing innovative, eco-friendly surface solutions while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Core values include quality craftsmanship, durability, and a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. Richlite aims to transform waste into valuable design surfaces that enrich modern living.
Location
Headquarters: Tacoma, Washington, USA
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Tacoma, Washington
Note: Strategic location in the Pacific Northwest to leverage renewable energy sources and optimize local sourcing
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled/FSC-certified paper, and creating fully recyclable products
Key innovations: Proprietary manufacturing process transforming paper into durable surfaces, waste-to-energy technology, and development of recycled product lines
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains is a key focus
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Paper composite surfaces for countertops, furniture, wall cladding, and architectural applications
Unique value propositions: Extremely durable yet sustainable surfaces with a distinctive look and feel, innovative use of recycled materials, easy maintenance
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, optimizing circular design processes
Ambitious goals: Achieve zero waste manufacturing, expand use of recycled content, promote material reuse and recycling
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through distributors and retail partners
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Available for transparency on environmental impacts
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity)
Key Certifications: FSC, Greenguard, NSF, HPD, Declare
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with premium alternatives)
Material Passport: Detailed traceability of recycled/FSC paper sources
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products can be disassembled for reuse/recycling
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing emissions through renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and sustainable manufacturing
Key Takeaway
Richlite transforms recycled paper into premium, durable surfaces, pioneering innovative circular solutions that minimize environmental impact while enriching modern design.
Explore Further
Richlite website: https://www.richlite.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.richlite.com/sustainability
Example product: https://www.richlite.com/shopall
The New Raw is a research and design studio founded in 2015 by architects Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki. Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the studio was established with the mission to give new life to discarded materials through design, robots, and craftsmanship. The New Raw's current mission focuses on transforming plastic waste into beautiful and meaningful products that are 100% circular. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and digital craftsmanship, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between waste, design, and environmental responsibility.
Location
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations for projects and collaborations, including Thessaloniki, Greece.
Note: Strategic location in Rotterdam to leverage local expertise in design and technology and foster international collaborations.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable and sustainable.
Key innovations: Development of robotic 3D printing techniques to transform plastic waste into functional and aesthetic products. Projects like "Print Your City" and the "Zero Waste Lab" exemplify the integration of circular design principles and community engagement.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced plastic waste and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "Print Your City" (transforming city plastic waste into urban furniture), "Zero Waste Lab" (a community recycling initiative in Thessaloniki), and "Pots Plus" (3D-printed street furniture with integrated planters).
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. The New Raw's work is known for its ability to create immersive, community-focused environments that promote sustainability and circular economy principles.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing robotic 3D printing techniques, exploring new applications for recycled plastic materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products and installations, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and environmental stewardship.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through direct collaborations, exhibitions, and select clients.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles in design and production).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with high-end design services, with significant value in sustainability and innovation).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and recyclable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products and installations are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of recycled materials and local production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and production processes.
Key Takeaway
The New Raw transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material reuse in contemporary design.
Explore Further
The New Raw website: https://www.thenewraw.org
About: https://thenewraw.org/Studio
Example project: Zero Waste Lab
Kvadrat is a global leader in textile design, founded in 1968 by Poul Byriel and Erling Rasmussen in Ebeltoft, Denmark. The company was established with the mission to create high-quality, innovative textiles that push the boundaries of design and technology. Kvadrat's current mission focuses on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to provide architects, designers, and consumers with textiles that enhance the quality of life. Core values include creativity, sustainability, and excellence, with a purpose to lead the textile industry in sustainable practices and innovative design.
Location
Headquarters: Ebeltoft, Denmark.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations across Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.
Note: Strategic locations to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and sustainable materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of sustainable textiles and materials, including the Kvadrat Really initiative, which transforms end-of-life textiles into new, high-quality materials.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: High-quality textiles for furniture, curtains, and accessories, including the Kvadrat Really materials made from recycled textiles.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable textile solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Kvadrat's products are known for their innovative design, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing recycling processes, and developing new circular design principles.
Ambitious goals: To lead the textile industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales, distributors, and retail partners.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Available for many product categories, providing transparency on the sustainable character of products.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Cradle to Cradle, EU Ecolabel, ISO 14001.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Kvadrat transforms the textile industry through innovative, sustainable solutions, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility.
Explore Further
Kvadrat website: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en
Sustainability overview: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/about/our-company
Example product: Kvadrat Really - https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/kvadrat-really/about