Cradle to Cradle

Fair Trade

In each category, one of four levels is assigned. A product receives the level equal to the lowest score of all categories. These levels are:

1. Bronze level certification: means that a company has assessed the environmental risks in the final manufacturing phase. They have an environmental policy in place to reduce said environmental risks and progress towards eliminating these risks is a big part of the reassessment of the certificate.
2. Silver level certification: means that the company not only has an environmental policy in place but also has management systems in place to adopt said policies at their manufacturing facilities.
3. Gold level certification: means that the company also has a responsible sourcing management system in place. It means a product has a net positive impact on society and the environment, so that it not only reduces harm or offsets negative impact, but also is actively creating a positive impact.
4. Platinum level certification: environmental objectives are incorporated in employee performance performance evaluations and incentives for employees to actively participate in achieving the company’s environmental goals.

Score: Although Cradle to Cradle emphasizes fair working conditions for re-certification, it does not always imply there are fair working conditions throughout the full supply chain as there are different levels to the certification.