Certificates: Proof of our progress
Our Green Care Professional portfolio offers a broad assortment of certified products. For all areas of application we have products that have earned at least one certification. This fact distinguishes us from other manufacturers and makes clear that genuine sustainability has to be practiced in the entire company if it is to be credible. We are a pioneer in the industry with the most Cradle to Cradle® certified products and are proud that we have proof of the recyclability of our formulas and our packaging.
At our production sites in Mainz and Hallein, we implement the highest quality and environmental standards and see them reflected in our certifications.
Holistic sustainability is multidimensional
Numerous aspects must be covered
Product certifications
Cradle to Cradle
Typ-I-Ecolabel
The Type-I-Ecolabel is an environmental label certified in accordance with criteria of ISO 14024 “Environmental Labels and Declarations – Type 1 Environmental Labelling – Principles and Procedures”. These Ecolabels are distinguished by their transparency and credibility as they are issued by an indepedent body. Type 1 environmental labelling therefore is an important and sufficient factor for many calls for tenders. Every Green Care Professional product receives a Type-1 environmental label (except for Biobact Scent). European Ecolabels concentrate on increasing eco efficiency. Ecolabel products are less environmentally harmful; however, products may still consume materials irreversibly and use fossil-based raw materials and energies.
In addition, the quality level of all awarded products is evened out because—without gradations in certification results—no further differentiation is made beyond the criteria. Some European countries may develop their own country-specific Type 1 environmental labelling based on the EU Ecolabel. Criteria may vary by region and focus, but may not be weaker than the EU Ecolabel requirements. Examples are the Blue Angel (Germany) and the Nordic Swan (northern European countries).
EU Ecolabel
Nordic Swan
Austrian Ecolabel
Air Label A+
Packaging certifications
RAL Quality Mark Recycled Plastic
The “RAL Quality Mark Recycled Plastic” shows that plastic is obtained from household waste collections like the Yellow Bag. The quality requirements ensure that the origin of the plastic can be traced through every phase of the process. It is possible to see where the plastic comes from, starting with the sorting process in recycling facilities to the use of the recycled material in new products. The RAL Quality Mark indicates how much post-consumer recyclate (in percent) is used in all the primary packaging (e.g., bottle + cap + label). With the RAL Quality Mark, the packaging of the Green Care Professional range can verifiy its high recyclate share in the complete primary packaging.
Building certifications
LEED
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design, is a classification for high-quality ecological buildings. It is both a guideline and an incentive for the development and realization of sustainable construction projects. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is considered one of the world’s most widely used certifications for green buildings. In 2012 the headquarters in Mainz was awarded LEED Platinum, the most demanding sustainability certification for buildings. The new construction was then Germany’s first industrial management building in the highest award class. Most impressive is the building’s energy efficiency. With wind power, photovoltaic cells and geothermal groundwater use, the building generates 20 percent more energy than it needs for ongoing operations.
Company certifications
EcoVadis Platinum
EMAS
Since 2003 Tana-Chemie GmbH at its Mainz site and since 2005 Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein, Austria, have voluntarily had their environmental management system validated against EMAS criteria. The EMAS validation stands as proof of our exemplary ecological orientation and our integrally sustainable corporate philosophy. Every year an independent auditor examines our sites’ fulfillment of requirements from the EMAS regulations. EMAS, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme of the European Union, is recognized as the world’s most demanding system for sustainable environmental management. Successes are communicated as transparently as areas requiring further action. EMAS-validated companies provide strong impetus toward a sustainable, legally compliant economy.
DIN ISO 14001
For many years Tana-Chemie in Mainz and Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein have been ISO 14001 certified. The ISO 14001 is the globally accepted and applied standard for environmental management systems. By satisfying the requirements of the international norm, our Environmental Management System ensures that we improve our environmental performance, fulfill legal obligations and achieve our environmental goals. Compliance with standard requirements is examined annually by an independent auditor.
DIN ISO 50001
Tana-Chemie GmbH in Mainz and Werner & Mertz Professional Vertriebs GmbH in Hallein have been ISO 50001 certified for several years. The ISO 50001 is the globally accepted and applied standard for energy management systems. The international norm stipulates the requirements for our Energy Management system with which we increase our energy efficiency and continuously improve our energy performance. Every year an independent auditor examines our compliance with the standard requirements.