3. Circular

What renewable, metal, mineral or fossil material is used?

• Fossil = 0 points
• Peat = 0 points
• Metal = 5 points
• Mineral = 5 points
• Renewable (within 100 years) = 8 points
• Renewable (within 5 years) = 10 points

Explanation

The type of material determines whether or not a material can be seen as circular in itself. Only renewable materials can be seen as circular and the quicker a material is renewed, the higher the score. Metals and minerals are types of materials for which recycling is common and relatively easy, while fossil materials get the lowest scores, because they usually are incinerated or end up as pollution in the environment.

How much circular content does the raw material or product contain?

• 0% = 0 points
• 100% = 10 points

Explanation

Based on how much circular content the raw material or product contains a maximum score of 10 points can be achieved. For example, a product that consists of 90% recycled materials will get 9 points. A good example of a material that obtains the maximum score is compost from green waste, but also woodfiber would obtain the maximum score, following the WBCSD approach.

To emphasize the importance of giving waste a valuable second life, the recycled content will be shown in the sustainability score card as well.

Is there a valuable second life?

• No, (part of) the product or raw material likely ends up in landfill or is incinerated after use = 0 points
• Yes, the product or raw material can be composted, recycled or reused after its first use and instructions are given to the user = 5 points
• As above, and the second life is compatible with local waste processing infrastructure = 10 points

Explanation

The minimum effort that we can do is to make sure that our products can be given a second life, through composting, recycling or reuse. However, for the maximum score that actually has to happen. So a maximum score is only possible if the local infrastructure facilitates a valuable second life. No second life automatically means a zero score.