UL Environment Releases Second Edition of its EcoLogo® Standard for Sustainability for Toys

First Environmental Toy Standard Revised With Input from the Toy Industry Association

OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), launched today its revised EcoLogo Standard for Sustainability for Toys: UL172, which establishes a points-based model for the evaluation of performance, and recognizes manufacturers for sustainability leadership and true innovation with the addition of a Platinum level certification for the highest achievement.

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The standard, originally released in 2012, is a third-party, lifecycle-based, environmental performance standard designed to reduce environmental and human health impacts of toys by specifying criteria for: chemicals, recycled and recyclable materials, sustainably sourced materials, reduced energy use, and minimized pollution generated by the production, use, and disposal of toy products and their packaging. Products that achieve certification to this standard will earn the right to carry UL Environment's EcoLogo certification mark.

"The EcoLogo Certification mark from UL Environment is more than an ecolabel, it is a tool for market transformation," says Sara Greenstein, president of UL Environment. "This certification empowers manufacturers to more fully understand, measure, and credibly communicate the environmental performance of their products –and it empowers consumers to easily identify toys that are healthier for their children today and healthier for the environment that their children will inherit tomorrow."

Developed with input from the Toy Industry Association (TIA), this voluntary Standard for Sustainability for Toys covers toys designed for children under 14 that are made from wood, plastic, rubber, textiles, metal and bio-based materials. Toys recognized by the standard range from balls to action figures and dolls.

"TIA's members are businesses and manufacturers that bring toys of all types to children and many are incorporating environmental and sustainability innovations into these products. Our participation in the revision of UL Environment's Toys Standard helped the UL standards committee to find ways to recognize sustainability achievements that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer," says Al Kaufman, TIA senior vice president of technical affairs.

The revised standard's new points-based system establishes baseline requirements and awards points for sustainability leadership indicators in six key areas:

• Health and environment
• Materials
• Energy
• Product stewardship
• Manufacturing and operations
• Supply chain

Products can earn up to 100 points for the established indicators, and up to ten additional points, if products demonstrate sustainability leadership that is truly innovative. Manufacturers must earn at least 50 points to be eligible for certification, and those earning 65 points or more will receive UL Environment's prestigious EcoLogo Platinum certification.

"A points-based model was chosen to help recognize the many avenues in which environmental leadership performance is demonstrated, while ensuring the achievement of a leadership level for cumulative overall performance," says Greenstein.

To learn more about EcoLogo certification, or to inquire about initiating the certification process, visit www.ul.com/environment. To download a free copy of the standard, visit www.comm-2000.com.

About EcoLogo:

EcoLogo is a third-party, multi-attribute eco-labeling program approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network, an international association of eco-labeling programs, as meeting the ISO 14024 standard. Originally formed in 1988 by the Canadian Federal Government and now managed by TerraChoice, EcoLogo is now one of the most recognizable ecolabels in North America. EcoLogo is a Government of Canada official mark used under license from Environment Canada. TerraChoice is not an agent of Environment Canada. In 2010, The Program became part of the UL global network, significantly expanding its reach as a leading certifier of the world's most sustainable products. For more information, visit www.ecologo.org.

About UL Environment

UL Environment works to advance global sustainability, environmental health, and safety by supporting the growth and development of environmentally preferable products, services, and organizations. We help companies achieve their sustainability goals—and help purchasers, specifiers, retailers, governments, and consumers find products they can trust. UL Environment offers environmental claim validations, multi-attribute product certifications, environmental product declarations, indoor air quality certification, product emissions testing, organizational sustainability certification, and consulting. For more information, visit www.ul.com/environment.

SOURCE: UL Environment

Kate Rusnak, UL Environment, +1-613.247.0400, ext. 250, [email protected]

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