Enviro-credentials
'Recognised - environmental credentials scheme'
A brand-new eco-label will shortly be seen on commercial cleaning products (also known as industrial & institutional, or I&I cleaning products) in the Australian marketplace. "Recognised - Environmental Credentials Scheme" is a voluntary, multiple-criteria based third-party accreditation scheme developed by industry body Accord. |  |
This Scheme has two parts:
- A rigorous set of criteria defining the characteristics of environmentally preferable commercial cleaning products.
- An independent third-party scientific assessment to determine whether products meet the criteria.
The Scheme was reviewed by an independent Expert Panel of toxicologists as a "sound and robust...science-based, targeted and pragmatic set of criteria", coupled with a "sound and transparent" third-party scientific accreditation process.
This Scheme covers, but is not limited to, the following products for use in commercial applications: hard surface cleaning products including general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, glass cleaners, floor cleaners and oven cleaners; carpet & upholstery cleaners; hand hygiene products; laundry detergents; dishwashing products; automotive cleaners; sanitisers.
Click here for access to Scheme documentation, including the Standard Criteria and information on the application process.Timelines
The first tranche of applications for the "Recognised - Environmental Credentials Scheme" closed on 31 December 2011. These applications are now being assessed by Toxikos and will all be completed before any licences are issued by Accord. Any applications received after 31 December will be processed once the initial tranche has been completed, in the order in which they are received.
Application process summary
Complete and return the Short Form Agreement to Accord to signify your intention to submit products to the "Recognised - Environmental Credentials Scheme".
Then go to www.toxikos.com/envirocreds. This secure website is managed by the third-party assessor Toxikos, and handles all aspects of the technical assessment.
Following assessment, if your product meets the requirements of the "Recognised - Environmental Credentials Scheme", Accord will handle the licensing arrangements. All licensed products will be listed on the online register.
Click here for more information on the application process.
If you would like to know more, please contact Accord on 02 9281 2322 or email jsemple@accord.asn.au.