Our sustainability screening​

What makes a packaging sustainable?

Together with experts, we have developed a holistic view on what defines how sustainable a packaging is - from the planet’s perspective.​
All packaging on our platform has gone through a rigorous screening process, ensuring they meet our very high sustainability criteria. So you can be assured that which ever you pick is a truly sustainable one. To further guide you in your decision process, we have also developed an index guiding you between the good, better and best alternatives.​
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Circulate's packaging sustainability index

Our sustainability screening process

The packaging sustainability index is designed to simplify your decision-making process when it comes to purchasing environmentally friendly packaging. We understand that sustainability can be a complex issue, which is why we have developed a comprehensive screening process that evaluates each product based on six criteria. Our criteria have been established by a team of internal and external experts and are based on the Sustainable Packaging Coalition principles. To ensure that our products meet our high standards, we have established six minimum criteria that each product must meet. If a product fails to meet any one of these criteria, it will not be listed on our platform. By choosing from our selection of products, you can be confident that you are making a responsible and sustainable choice that benefits both the environment and society.

  • The packaging product is made of, at least, 95% renewable content. In the case of bioplastics, due to high technological challenges in film production, the minimum content of renewable material is 60%.

  • Packaging components are designed to be recyclable or compostable according to the EU 2030 objectives (components are easy to separate, use of monomaterials, etc)

  • Materials used in the packaging product are not sourced from protected and indigenous lands.​​

  • The packaging unit is free from Substances of Very High Concern (toxic substances)

  • The working conditions throughout the supply chain are ethical and up to satisfactory levels​.​​​

  • Fossil energy used during production is less than 50%

Sustainability score

The minimum criteria represent the bare minimum that a product must meet to be accepted onto our platform. However, we want to empower our customers to make informed and sustainable purchasing decisions, so we have developed a comprehensive sustainability index that takes into account additional criteria beyond the minimum requirements. This sustainability index allows us to assess and compare the sustainability of different products and packaging options, helping our customers to choose the most environmentally and socially responsible option available. To calculate the sustainability index score, we consider the following criteria in addition to the minimum requirements:
  • The presence of recycled/waste content

    The presence of recycled/waste content

  • Carbon neutrality

    Carbon neutrality

  • Recyclability and compostability

    Recyclability and compostability

  • Reusability of packaging

    Reusability of packaging

  • Product certification under Cradle to Cradle

    Product certification under Cradle to Cradle

  • Responsible use of ink and glue

    Responsible use of ink and glue

    • How it Works

    Once we have screened each product and evaluated them based on the sustainability criteria, we assign a score to each criterion that the product meets. Then, we calculate the final score by adding up all the scores and weighing them based on their level of accomplishment. This final score is then expressed as a sustainability percentage, which we display to our customers to help them make informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.
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    How circulate8.com screen and evaluate packaging

  • 5 out of 10: Good sustainability score. The product meets all our minimum criteria for sustainability.

    5 out of 10: Good sustainability score. The product meets all our minimum criteria for sustainability.

  • 6 out of 10: Very good sustainability score. The product meets our minimum criteria and also meets some additional sustainability criteria.

    6 out of 10: Very good sustainability score. The product meets our minimum criteria and also meets some additional sustainability criteria.

  • 7 out of 10: Excellent sustainability score. In addition to meeting our minimum criteria, the product also meets several additional sustainability criteria.

    7 out of 10: Excellent sustainability score. In addition to meeting our minimum criteria, the product also meets several additional sustainability criteria.

  • 8 out of 10: Outstanding sustainability score. The product meets most of the additional sustainability criteria evaluated, in addition to our minimum criteria, and achieves high levels of sustainability.

    8 out of 10: Outstanding sustainability score. The product meets most of the additional sustainability criteria evaluated, in addition to our minimum criteria, and achieves high levels of sustainability.

  • 9 out of 10: Exceptional sustainability score. The product meets nearly all of the additional sustainability criteria evaluated, in addition to our minimum criteria, and is highly sustainable.

    9 out of 10: Exceptional sustainability score. The product meets nearly all of the additional sustainability criteria evaluated, in addition to our minimum criteria, and is highly sustainable.

  • 10 out of 10: Unmatched sustainability score. The product not only meets all of our minimum sustainability criteria, but also achieves the highest level of sustainability across all the additional criteria evaluated.

    10 out of 10: Unmatched sustainability score. The product not only meets all of our minimum sustainability criteria, but also achieves the highest level of sustainability across all the additional criteria evaluated.

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