The new Cradle to Cradle Certified® Version 5 (C2C Certified® v5) marks a turning point in how manufacturers design, assess, and position their products in an increasingly demanding sustainability market.

With more than 20 years of history, the C2C Certified® standard has been key in enabling leading brands to develop safer, more circular products with verified performance. Today, this new version takes that legacy to the next level, turning it into a data-driven competitive advantage.

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An evolution aligned with new market demands

Version 5 directly responds to the current requirements of corporate buyers and regulators. Sustainability claims are no longer enough: the market now demands auditable data, real transparency, and verifiable metrics.

C2C Certified® v5 provides:

• Full material transparency
• Advanced circularity metrics
• Verified environmental impacts

In addition, a single certification enables compliance with multiple procurement requirements, facilitating access to B2B marketplaces and global supply chains.

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Why it matters more than ever

Requirements for products and materials are changing rapidly. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”: it is often a market access requirement.

Companies with strong and verified ESG profiles already show up to 10% lower cost of capital. Being prepared is no longer optional—it is a direct pathway to financing and new business opportunities.

The business case is clear

• Supply chain disruptions can reduce shareholder value by 7–10%
• 89% of investors already integrate ESG strategies into their decisions
• Material traceability is no longer optional

The market is already rewarding sustainable products

• They generated 32% of growth in consumer packaged goods (CPG)
• They grew 2.7x faster than conventional products
• In construction, green buildings can achieve 6–11% higher asset value

In this context, the difference is no longer just being sustainable, but being able to prove it with verifiable data.

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What does C2C Certified® v5 bring?

C2C Certified® v5 positions itself as a key tool to respond to this new environment:

✔ Audited transparency of materials and circularity metrics
✔ Reduced regulatory and compliance risk
✔ Greater supply chain resilience
✔ Increased visibility in AI-driven procurement and green building schemes
✔ Trusted third-party verification, recognized by buyers

A single certificate to meet multiple requirements.

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Why choose C2C Certified®?

Adopting this standard is not only an environmental decision, but a strategic one:

• Market access: connect with customers prioritizing sustainability and circular economy
• Competitive differentiation: add tangible value to your products
• Credibility: avoid greenwashing with verifiable data
• Regulatory alignment: consistent with the EU Taxonomy and CSRD
• Risk reduction: anticipate future regulations
• Tender advantage: improve positioning in public and corporate procurement

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More than a decade driving circular products

With more than a decade as the only C2C Certified® Assessment Body in Iberia, we have helped more than 200 companies innovate and optimize over 10,000 materials and products.

Our goal is clear: to move from a “checkbox exercise” to a real strategic business tool.

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Take the step toward Version 5

Transitioning to C2C Certified® v5 requires a structured approach—from material analysis to full certification. Working with an expert partner can accelerate this process and maximize results.

Eco Intelligent Growth, S.L. supports companies throughout the entire journey, helping them transform their products into future-ready solutions.

More details about Versión 5 

* Sources:

1. McKinsey (2020) – Five ways that ESG creates value. 
2. BCG (2020) – The Hidden Costs of Supply Chain Disruptions.
3. PwC (2022) – Global Investor Survey. 
4. NYU Stern (2023) – Sustainable Market Share Index. 
5. World Green Building Council – Business Case for Green Building.