3 June 2026
New programs and enhancements in C2C Certified®
New programmes to verify facilities and packaging, simplify recertifications and centralise sustainability achievements under a globally recognised standard.
The Cradle to Cradle Certified® programme continues to evolve to address the real challenges companies face today: complex supply chains, the need for regulatory credibility, and clear communication of sustainability progress.
Below, we share the most relevant updates to be aware of if you are already working with C2C Certified®—or if you are considering taking the next step.
C2C Certified® Listed Facilities
Independent verification of manufacturing facilities
When your products are manufactured by third parties, the gap between what you declare and what you can actually demonstrate becomes a real risk—regulatory, commercial and reputational.
The C2C Certified® Listed Facility Programme, developed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII), enables independent verification that a manufacturing facility fully complies with the C2C Certified® Standard v5.0.
What does this programme offer?
- Full verification of the facility against the C2C Certified® Standard
- Faster certification of products manufactured at the verified facility
- Elimination of additional site visits and data duplication
📅 Applications open: September 2026
Special launch conditions
- 50% discount on the listing fee
- Waiver of the annual fee for the first three years
👉 If you would like to explore what this programme could mean for your supply chain, we invite you to a 45‑minute introductory session, free of charge and with no obligation, with our team. Book a meeting.
C2C Certified® Circularity for Packaging
Dedicated verification of circularity for packaging solutions
Many organisations in our community are strengthening the circularity and credibility of their packaging solutions. To support this ambition, C2CPII is launching C2C Certified® Circularity for Packaging.
This verification applies the full requirements of the C2C Certified® Circularity framework, specifically adapted to packaging, enabling organisations to:
- Independently verify circularity performance
- Communicate results clearly and credibly
Who is this particularly relevant for?
- Companies with products already C2C Certified®
→ A streamlined process, building on existing work, with strong communication value. - Companies that have not yet started product certification
→ A robust, third‑party pathway to demonstrate real, verifiable progress.
What do you gain from this verification?
- Accurate, verified circularity claims for your packaging
- Recognition on digital platforms for your product packaging
- A dedicated logo for use on packaging
- Invitations to participate as speakers at specialised industry events
To support early adopters, C2CPII is offering a special launch fee, valid for a limited period of 18 months.
👉 If you are considering verifying your packaging and aligning with the PPWR—or simply wish to learn more—please do not hesitate to contact us.
Key updates for companies with C2C Certified® products
If you are already familiar with the programme, this is relevant to you
✅ Three‑year validity for recertifications issued after an extension
If you have been part of the programme for several years, you may have used the extension option during product recertification. In that case, you may have noticed that the issued certificate did not always cover the full validity period (2 years under version 3.1 and 3 years under versions 4.0 or 4.1). This was due to the existing certification policy: extensions allow products to remain visible for longer, but at the expense of the validity period of the subsequent certification cycle.
This is about to change. C2CPII has announced a revision of this policy—pending official publication—that will apply to all recertifications to version 5.0 (from versions 3.1, 4.0 or 4.1). Once in force, all certificates issued after one or more extensions of the previous cycle will have a full three‑year validity, counted from the recertification issue date.
✅ Centralise your sustainability achievements under a single, globally recognised framework
Sustainability is complex. Assessing and validating good business practices through multiple third‑party programmes and standards can be overwhelming, costly and time‑consuming.
The C2C Certified® Product Programme offers a solution: thanks to its multi‑attribute approach and the ongoing recognition of external programmes and standards, companies can centralise all their sustainability achievements under a single, globally recognised framework—while also gaining efficiency throughout the certification process.
What does this mean in practice?
If your product already holds a certification recognised by C2CPII, it will be accepted as meeting the applicable standard requirements, provided that its scope and validity are aligned.
If your product already holds a certification recognised by C2CPII, it will be accepted as meeting the applicable standard requirements, provided that its scope and validity are aligned.
📌 The full list of compatible certifications is updated regularly and available on the Institute’s official website:
Key update: Recognition of SA8000 for Social Fairness
For companies opting for Full Scope certification, which includes the assessment of social fairness performance (Social Fairness, section 8.1 of version 5.0), we would like to highlight the following recent recognition:
-
SA8000:2026
→ Fully recognised as equivalent to the Human Rights Policy requirements (section 8.1, v5.0). -
SA8000:2014
→ Partially recognised.
👉 If you would like to understand how to leverage these equivalencies in your certification process, we would be delighted to support you.
Aya Ulan, Director of Circular Product
+ 34 627 547 015
