The Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP) has been confirmed as an approved verification partner by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII).

Cradle to Cradle Certified® is the leading multi-attribute standard used globally across industries by designers, brands and manufacturers for designing and making circular products that enable a healthy, equitable and sustainable future.

Products are assessed via five key pillars, including Social Fairness, which focuses on social commitment and working conditions along the supply chain. This includes respect for fair labor, human rights and a just society. Under the partnership, ESCP’s factory certification program is recognized as evidence a company meets requirements of the Social Fairness section of Cradle to Cradle Certified®.

The ESCP and Cradle to Cradle Certified® partnership will also include collaborative efforts to help businesses create more sustainable, ethical and circular supply chains through a series of educational webinars, editorials and future events.

Carmel Giblin, CEO and President at the Ethical Supply Chain Program, said: “ESCP and Cradle to Cradle Certified® both exist to help businesses operate more ethically. This partnership means we can work together to help more organizations demonstrate their commitment to embracing more ethical, sustainable practices. Through the partnership, we also hope to raise awareness of the positive impact of certification programs and help build knowledge on circularity and social compliance across a wide range of industries.’’

Elwyn Grainger-Jones, Executive Director of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, stated, “The collaboration between ESCP and C2CPII exemplifies how partnerships can drive progress, positive impact and facilitate transitions. To maximize impact and efficiency, C2CPII acknowledges reliable programs that meet aspects of our comprehensive, multi-category standard. This approach helps eliminate redundant audits, saving companies valuable time, effort, and costs.”

German toy company, Schleich GmbH, is one organization that has used ESCP’s factory compliance program to accelerate their journey towards Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification of their Circular Schleich Toy Figures.

Dr.Philipp Hummel, Head of Global Sustainability & EHS at Schleich GmbH said, ‘‘As a member of the Ethical Supply Chain Program, their factory certification program will be an easy and efficient route to meet the Social Fairness requirement and propel us towards Cradle to Cradle Certified®. In doing so, we ensure that our toys are fully circular, while also guaranteeing that they are produced in a social and environmentally friendly way. Every production step meets high standards for climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness, with the supply chain monitored for human rights.’’ 

About the Ethical Supply Chain Program
The Ethical Supply Chain Program was founded by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), and now champions integrity and sustainability across all sectors. We facilitate communication, certification and cooperation between manufacturers, suppliers, licensors and retailers worldwide to build a network with transparency at its core. We’re much more than an ethical rubber stamp, our program is a commitment to respect, fairness, and inclusivity. Together, we can create a better life for workers worldwide.

About the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the circular economy by setting the global standard for materials, products and systems that positively impact people and the planet. Across the value chain, Cradle to Cradle Certified® is used to innovate and optimize materials and products according to the world’s most advanced science-based measures for material health, product circularity, renewable energy and climate, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Today, it is possible to reshape the way we design and make things, using innovation as a driver of change.