Providing third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development.

Benefits

Certification of the biodegradability of your product can help you:

• Build consumer confidence
• Provide a clear choice in a crowded market
• Demonstrate leadership by ensuring that water resources are not impacted by use of your product
• Satisfy purchase requirements and customer specifications

Certification Support

SCS provides on-going program support, including staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. You will receive information about use of the SCS Kingfisher certification mark for both on-product and off-product promotions.

Process

1. Apply for Certification

   Complete and submit an SCS Application Form. SCS scopes the project based on information provided in the application and prepares a proposal for your approval with a suggested timeline and quote. Once you approve the proposal, you sign a Work Order.  An SCS account manager is be assigned to guide you through the certification process.

2. Data Collection

   An SCS technical coordinator helps you assemble preliminary data that will be submitted to SCS. SCS reviews the product data, corporate documentation, manufacturing process, product formulation, testing, etc., and assesses your readiness for an audit. Once sufficient data is collected, an auditor is assigned.

3. On-site Audit

   The auditor conducts an on-site audit to evaluate your data. The auditor interacts with your technical staff to clarify and obtain any additional information that might prove essential to reaching an accurate supportable evaluation.

4. Draft Assessment Report

   The auditor writes a draft assessment report that details the findings of the audit, which includes data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement.

5. Internal peer review

   A qualified SCS representative reviews the report, making any necessary corrections or changes before the report is sent to the client.

6. Corrective Actions

   You respond to any non-conformities with a Corrective Action Plan. You may also make comments and responses to the information contained in the report and the conclusions drawn by the auditor.

7. Certification Decision

   SCS conducts a final technical review of the assessment report and makes the final certification decision. If certification is granted, SCS issues the certificate and final report to your facility or operation. Once certified, your company is listed in the Green Products Certificate Database on the SCS website.

8. Certification Maintenance and Renewal

   Periodic audits as required under the standard are conducted to maintain your certification and support continual improvement.

FAQs

What products qualify for SCS biodegradable certification?

SCS certifies biodegradable liquid cleaning products - liquid soaps, detergents, degreasers, and cleansers. In addition to being biodegradable, products must not contain phosphates or be toxic to aquatic species. SCS only certifies products that meet the OECD's definition for "Ready Biodegradability".

What is a biodegradable material?

Biodegradable materials break down into smaller compounds via biological activity. Microbial organisms transform the chemicals through metabolic or enzymatic processes. Biodegradation processes vary greatly, but the final product of aerobic degradation usually is carbon dioxide (CO₂), water and minerals (salts). Other gases (e.g., N₂ or H₂S) may also result.

What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?

Biodegradable - biodegrades under aerobic conditions when released into the environment (e.g. soil or water) and results in CO₂, water, and minerals. Usually used for liquid products.

Compostable - biodegrades under aerobic conditions in a controlled environment (e.g., municipal and industrial composting facilities) at a rate similar to known compostable items (e.g., food), and results in a relatively homogeneous and stable humus-like substance. Usually used for solid products.

Does SCS provide certification support?

SCS provides on-going program support, including staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. Certified clients will receive information about the use of the SCS Kingfisher certification marks for both on-product and off-product promotions.