Understanding the Nature Impact Score (NIS)
Explore what the Nature Impact Score (NIS) represents, how it is calculated, and what the letter grades mean. This section also explains the methodology, category averages, and data sources behind the scoring system.
▶What is the Nature Impact Score?
The Nature Impact Score (NIS) is a label operated by the Global Sustainable Enterprise System (GSES). It provides a visual indication of a product’s footprint on the environment and society, based on its Environmental, Health and Circularity impacts.
| Grade | Percentage range |
|---|---|
| F | 0 – 4,33% |
| E | 4,33 – 24,33% |
| D | 24,33 – 44,33% |
| C | 44,33 – 64,33% |
| B | 64,33 – 84,33% |
| A | 84,33 – 100% |
▶How is the Nature Impact Score calculated?
The percentage score is the average of three footprints: Environmental, Circular, and Health. Each footprint combines qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Scope: quantitative indicators use Life Cycle Assessment boundaries of Cradle to Gate or Cradle to Market. Products with only a Cradle-to-Gate scope receive a small penalty.
Seven quantitative impact categories:
- Climate change
- Ecotoxicity – freshwater
- Freshwater use
- Human toxicity – cancer
- Human toxicity – non-cancer
- Primary Energy, Non-renewable, Total
- Acidification Potential
Each category is calculated and mapped to thresholds (very low → very high), each with an associated score. We selected these seven due to their broad relevance and strong link to social and environmental costs. Qualitative Yes/No indicators, specific to the product or manufacturer, are combined with the above.
▶What do the letter grades mean?
F Extremely large footprint
- Very high environmental footprint; no practices/materials to mitigate impact.
- Example: fully non-renewable inputs, high energy use, no waste minimization.
E Very large footprint
- Very few practices or materials to reduce footprint; impact remains significant.
- Example: minimal recycled content; mostly unsustainable methods.
D Large footprint
- Some elements to reduce impact, but most processes still have considerable footprint.
- Example: some recycled content/efficiency gains; still largely unsustainable.
C Moderate footprint
- Noticeable efforts (waste or energy reductions); meets basic health & environmental standards.
- Example: reduced packaging waste or energy-efficient processes; room to improve.
B Small footprint
- Lowered footprint in several respects (circular materials, waste reduction, efficiency).
- Example: designed for recyclability; majority biobased; minimized emissions.
A Very small footprint
- Strong balance of circular materials and low-impact production; overall impact minimized.
- Example: almost entirely circular materials; highly circular/low-emission production.
▶What is the category average Nature Impact Score?
The category average represents the average percentage score of verified products in the same category (GPC levels: brick, class, family, segment). The level used must have at least 25 verified products in the GSES database; otherwise, the calculation moves up to the next broader level. Using the percentage (not only the letter) captures finer differences between the product and the category average.
Reference classification: Global Product Classification (GPC).
▶What does the Nature Impact Score exclude?
A typical LCA includes 16 environmental indicators (e.g., ozone depletion, particulate matter, ionizing radiation, photochemical ozone, eutrophication categories, land use, water use, resource use – fossils/minerals, etc.). The NIS focuses on seven widely relevant categories with strong links to social and environmental costs. Some excluded categories may still be important for specific product types.
▶Where does the data come from?
The NIS may use global average data, a manufacturer’s LCA/EPD, or a combination. Global average data means manufacturers provide their bill of materials and weights; impacts are derived from high-quality secondary sources (LCI datasets, official reports on recycling rates). This substitutes detailed local measurements with robust datasets representing typical global production and supply chains—used especially when a full product-specific LCA is unavailable.
Indicator Definitions: Nature Impact Score
Scan landing with structured definitions per footprint. Use the language switch, search, and accordions to explore each indicator.
▶Recycled Content Used in Product or PackagingScope: Material composition of product (for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, this refers to product packaging).
What? Recycled content is the percentage of materials used in a product that have been diverted from solid pre- and post-consumer waste streams. Sourcing secondary materials (recycled content) signifies a tangible commitment to diverting materials from landfills and reducing resource depletion. The term 'recycled' combines three processes: recycling, reuse, and refining (chemical recycling).
Why? Incorporating recycled materials into products conserves natural resources and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with virgin material extraction and processing.
▶Biobased Content Used in Product or PackagingScope: Material composition of product (for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, this refers to product packaging).
What? Biobased content is the percentage of materials used in a product that are biobased. Biobased materials are materials of biological origin, excluding material embedded in geological formations or transformed into fossilized material, and excluding peat.
Why? Biobased materials, derived from renewable biomass sources, offer sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based products.
▶Compostable Content After Use in Product or PackagingScope: Material composition of product (for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, this refers to product packaging).
What? Compostable content is the percentage of materials used in a product that is actually compostable. A material is compostable if it decomposes under certain conditions in a short period (usually a few months) and provides nutrients to ecosystems in the process. The data used to determine compostability is based on European statistical databases or peer-reviewed literature and refers to actual rates of composting of specific waste materials.
Why? Embracing compostability promotes circular nutrient cycles, supports organic waste diversion from landfills, reduces methane emissions, and fosters sustainable agricultural practices.
▶Actual Recyclability After Use of Product or PackagingScope: Material composition of product (for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, this refers to product packaging).
What? The recyclable content indicator illustrates the extent to which a product or its components undergo circular processing after their use phase. The data used to determine recyclability is based on European statistical databases or peer-reviewed literature and refers to actual rates of recycling of specific waste materials.
Why? Recyclability promotes the circular economy by facilitating the recovery and reuse of materials at the end of their useful life. Designing products with recyclability in mind encourages resource conservation, waste reduction, and the development of efficient recycling infrastructure to effectively close material loops.
▶Easily SeparableScope: The product itself. Not applicable for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, Cleaning Products, or Building Products.
What? "Easily separable" means the ability of a member of the general public to remove one homogeneous material from another it is physically attached to, using common tools (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, pliers) with minimal technical experience and instruction.
Why? A product that is easily separable enhances the feasibility of circular economy initiatives by enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable materials. This facilitates efficient recycling and waste management processes, thereby reducing environmental burden and promoting resource conservation.
▶Detachability IndexScope: The product itself. Only applicable for Building Products.
What? The Detachability Index is the ability of a building product to be removed from the building in which it is installed. It is based on the Disassembly Potential method of the Dutch Green Building Council. This indicator is labelled “Yes” if the detachability index is greater than 0.5.
Why? A product that is easily detachable from a building enhances the feasibility of circular economy initiatives by enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable materials. This facilitates efficient recycling and waste management processes, thereby reducing environmental burden and promoting resource conservation.
▶Extended WarrantyScope: The product itself. Not applicable for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products.
What? A guarantee by the manufacturer of at least 3 years, which is 1 year longer than required by EU regulations.
Why? Knowing that a product offers an Extended Warranty assures consumers of its durability and reliability, increasing confidence in its long-term value and reducing concerns about potential repair or replacement costs. Commercial warranties, satisfaction warranties, or warranties without repair do not qualify.
▶Plastic-Free PackagingScope: Consumer packaging. Not applicable for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, because the packaging for these products is already considered in other Circular Footprint indicators.
What? Consumer packaging that does not contain any plastic materials, such as (but not limited to) PP, PE, PS, PET, ABS, EVA, PVC, PVE, etc.
Why? Plastic-free packaging reduces plastic pollution, aligns with sustainable packaging practices, and reduces negative environmental impacts.
▶High Recycled Content PackagingScope: Consumer packaging. Not applicable for Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, because the packaging for these products is already considered in other Circular Footprint indicators.
What? Consumer packaging that contains at least 95% recycled materials.
Why? High recycled content packaging minimizes resource consumption, lowers carbon footprint, and promotes a circular economy, contributing to waste reduction efforts.
▶Refillable/Reusable PackagingScope: Consumer packaging.
What? Packaging that can be filled with the same or a similar product more than once without changing its original form, except for specified requirements such as cleaning and washing.
Why? Packaging that can be reused or refilled helps reduce packaging-related waste.
▶Product Designed for ReuseScope: The product itself. Not applicable to Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products.
What? A product designed to be used more than once, in its original form and without additional processing except for specified requirements such as cleaning or washing. The manufacturer must demonstrate, through testing or documented evidence, that the product is intentionally designed for more reuse cycles than a typical disposable product intended for the same purpose.
Why? To progress to a circular economy, we need innovative, reusable products that can perform the same function as disposable alternatives. This indicator rewards products that have principles of reuse integrated right from the design process.
▶Microplastic-Free ProductScope: The product itself. Only applicable for Cosmetics and Cleaning Products.
What? ‘Microplastic’ refers to all types of tiny plastic particles intentionally added to personal care & cosmetic products. Microplastics are a risk to human health and the environment, and microplastic pollution is irreversible. While a precise definition of microplastics can be challenging, the Product Impact Score uses the Plastic Soup Foundation’s Beat the Microbead App’s categorization of microplastics into Red, Orange, and Green. Companies can either declare that the product contains no microplastics listed in the Red/Orange microplastics list (the product is then on the Green list) or show they have the “Zero Plastic Inside” certification, which indicates the entire product range is free of microplastics from the Red or Orange lists.
Why? Research shows that microplastics can have devastating impacts on human and ecosystem health. When products are used and rinsed off (in the case of rinse-off cosmetics and some cleaning agents), these tiny plastic particles are directly released into wastewater systems. Many wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out these minuscule particles effectively. Consequently, microplastics from these sources end up in rivers, lakes, oceans, and even soil, contributing significantly to overall microplastic pollution in the environment.
▶FLW PublicationScope: The value chain of the food and beverage retailer. Only applicable for Food and Beverages.
What? This indicator is “Yes” if the retailer has published an FLW Protocol-compliant, verified food waste calculation report. The Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Protocol is the gold standard for how to calculate food waste. It also contains verification guidelines for these calculations.
Why? Roughly 33% of food is wasted along the chain. Companies should vigilantly track food wastage across their value chain to measure and understand opportunities to reduce such wastage.
▶Unsold Product ManagementScope: The retailer of the product. Only applicable for Cosmetics and Cleaning Products.
What? This indicator checks for the retailer’s commitment to reducing the amount of unsold products that end up being destroyed (landfilled or incinerated). The policy plan should provide concrete actions and targets being taken to reduce and prevent the destruction of unsold products.
Why? To motivate retailers to ensure they are preventing the incineration and landfilling of goods that are still safe to use.
▶Climate Change of Product or Product and PackagingScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Climate change is the indication of potential global warming resulting from emissions of greenhouse gases into the air from three categories: emissions from fossil resources, bio-based resources, and land use change activities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the sources contributing to climate change, aiding in targeted mitigation strategies and policy formulation. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Tracking greenhouse gas emissions is vital as it provides a clear understanding of a product's contribution to climate change and can assist in reducing the product’s environmental impacts and mitigating global warming.
How is it measured? The Climate Change impact category measures the potential contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to global warming. It expresses all relevant GHGs (e.g., CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs) in terms of a common unit: kilograms of CO₂-equivalents (kg CO₂e), based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP) over a 100-year time horizon. A higher value in kg CO₂e indicates a greater contribution to global climate change.
▶Acidification Potential of Product or Product and PackagingScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Acidification potential measures the capacity of emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides to contribute to the acidification of soils and water bodies, thus harming ecosystems and human health. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Tracking the acidification potential of products is essential as it quantifies the emissions that contribute to impacting ecosystems and human health.
How is it measured? The Acidification Potential impact category measures the potential contribution of emissions such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and ammonia (NH₃) to acidifying effects in soil and water. These emissions are converted into a common unit of moles of H⁺ equivalents (mol H⁺ eq), which reflects their acidifying capacity. A higher value in mol H⁺ eq indicates a greater potential to harm ecosystems, reduce soil fertility, and damage materials.
▶Non-Renewable Primary Energy Use of Product or Product and PackagingScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Primary non-renewable energy consumption, expressed as MJ per functional unit, encompasses the energy required for resource extraction and manufacturing processes. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Tracking primary non-renewable energy consumption provides insights into a product's environmental footprint, helps mitigate reliance on finite energy sources, and reduces the associated environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions.
How is it measured? The total non-renewable primary energy use measures the consumption of non-renewable fossil energy resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas. Results are expressed in megajoules (MJ) of fossil energy used. A higher value in MJ indicates greater dependence on fossil resources and contributes to resource depletion and related environmental impacts.
▶Freshwater UseScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Freshwater use assessment evaluates the environmental consequences of water consumption, including its subsequent effect on water availability for humans and ecosystems, impact on ecosystems, and quality. Understanding freshwater use enables responsible water management practices that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Assessing the environmental impact of water consumption on both human needs and ecosystems works towards ensuring sustainable water management practices that prioritize ecological health and resource conservation.
How is it measured? The Freshwater Use impact category measures the net consumption of freshwater resources, meaning water that is withdrawn and not returned to the same watershed. Results are expressed in litres of water use. A higher value in litres indicates a greater potential pressure on freshwater availability, which can affect ecosystems, agriculture, and human supply.
▶Certified OrganicScope: The product itself. Only applicable for Food and Beverages.
What? This indicator is specifically used for food products in the Product Impact Score. Products containing the EU Green Logo contain more than 95% organically grown ingredients which respect the highest standards for human, animal, and environmental health in the process of farming the raw ingredients. Another acceptable certification is Demeter or EKO (Dutch only).
Why? Organic agriculture is known to significantly reduce the environmental consequences of traditional agriculture.
▶REACH ComplianceScope: REACH compliance of the retailer or manufacturer.
What? REACH, a regulation established by the European Union, aims to enhance protection of human health and the environment by mitigating risks associated with chemicals. It also seeks to boost competitiveness within the EU chemicals industry by encouraging the adoption of alternative, less harmful chemicals. This indicator shows whether the manufacturer has signed a declaration that their product is in compliance with this regulation.
Why? Guaranteeing that products meet stringent safety standards and minimize risks associated with hazardous substances leads to protecting human health and the environment.
▶Additional Product Health Safety DeclarationsScope: Compliance of the retailer or manufacturer.
What? The Additional Declarations include other European regulations on chemical safety as well as restrictions on organohalogen substances or functionally related non-halogenated substances of concern (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs), halogenated polymers, halogenated organic solvents, and other highly halogenated, carbon-based materials). This indicator goes beyond REACH to consider a wider range of product-specific and non-specific regulations: EU RoHS, Toy Safety, Cosmetics, and POPs regulations. Retailers and manufacturers declare that homogeneous materials in the product do not contain organohalogen substances in concentrations more than 1% by weight and that they comply with all other applicable regulations.
Why? Having a global and more encompassing health safety declaration ensures a comprehensive overview of the health impacts of a product.
▶Human Toxicity, CancerScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Assessing human toxicity for cancer considers the potential health risks associated with exposure to toxic substances that were released into the air, water, or land. Human toxicity is calculated using a combination of factors considering emissions of various chemicals throughout the life cycle stages of products including environmental fate factor, human exposure factor, human toxicity effect factor, and toxicity-effect damage factor. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Displaying this indicator highlights the impacts of pollution on human health.
How is it measured? The Human Toxicity, Cancer impact category measures the potential harm to human health from exposure to substances that can cause cancer. Emissions to air, water, and soil are assessed and expressed in comparative toxic units for humans (CTUh), which represent the estimated increase in cancer cases per unit of emission. A higher value in CTUh indicates a higher potential risk of cancer effects in humans.
▶Human Toxicity, Non-CancerScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Human toxicity assessment for non-cancer effects evaluates the adverse health impacts of exposure to toxic substances through inhalation of air, food/water ingestion, or penetration through the skin, excluding carcinogenic effects. Understanding and addressing non-cancer toxicity risks promotes product safety, regulatory compliance, and public health protection. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Displaying this indicator highlights the impacts of pollution on human health.
How is it measured? This category measures the potential harm to human health from toxic substances causing non-cancer effects, such as organ damage, developmental or reproductive disorders, neurological issues, or immune impairment. Emissions to air, water, and soil are expressed in CTUh (comparative toxic units for humans), which represent the estimated increase in non-cancer disease cases per unit of emission. A higher CTUh indicates a greater potential risk of non-cancer health impacts.
▶Ecotoxicity, FreshwaterScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? Ecotoxicity assessment evaluates the ecological risks posed by chemical emissions to nonhuman organisms and ecosystems. Expressed as comparative toxic units (CTUe), it offers an estimation of the proportion of species potentially impacted over time and volume per unit mass of emitted chemical. By quantifying potential impacts and identifying environmentally sensitive areas, ecotoxicity assessments inform pollution prevention measures and ecosystem conservation efforts. The data comes from Life Cycle Inventory Databases and is secondary and global in nature.
Why? Displaying this indicator highlights the impacts of pollution on ecosystem health.
How is it measured? The Freshwater Ecotoxicity impact category measures the potential toxic effects of chemical emissions on freshwater ecosystems such as rivers and lakes. Emissions of harmful substances are expressed in comparative toxic units for ecosystems (CTUe), which represent the potentially affected fraction of species in each volume of freshwater. A higher value in CTUe indicates a greater potential risk of damage to aquatic organisms and ecosystems.
▶BPA and PFAS Free PackagingScope: The product’s contact packaging. Only applicable for Food and Beverages.
What? The Product Impact Score for food and beverage products awards a score of 20% in the Health Footprint if the retailer or their supplier provides a signed declaration that the primary packaging for the food or beverage product is entirely free of Bisphenol A and PFAS. The burden of proof is a signed declaration of compliance.
Why? Eliminating BPA and PFAS from food packaging is crucial for protecting human health from potential endocrine disruption, developmental issues, increased cancer risk, and other adverse effects. Furthermore, it is essential for preventing the continued contamination of the environment with persistent and bio-accumulative substances like PFAS. The growing scientific evidence and increasing regulatory actions reflect the importance of transitioning to food packaging that is free of these harmful chemicals.
▶Transportation (Mode and Kilometers Travelled)Scope: Gate to Market (from the factory gate to the point of sale).
What? Transportation data specifically accounts for product movement from manufacturing to point of sale, excluding sub-components and packaging points, with distances calculated from the production site gate to an average retailer or distribution platform. Transportation values entered on the GSES platform, whether through LCA or Material Index methods, affect the environmental and health indicators. Omitting the transportation data results in a 4% reduction in the overall Nature Impact Score.
Why? Longer distances travelled lead to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for products. Incorporating transportation data allows for a comprehensive cradle-to-market understanding of a product's environmental and health impact, empowering consumers to make choices that minimize energy consumption, reduce emissions, and support sustainable transportation practices.
▶Environmental Cost IndicatorScope: Cradle to Gate (from raw materials extraction to the factory gate) or Cradle to Market (from raw materials extraction to the point of sale). For Food and Beverages, Cosmetics, and Cleaning Products, the value includes both the ingredients/formula and the packaging.
What? The Environmental Cost Indicator integrates diverse environmental impacts into a unified fiat currency (Euros), facilitating decision-making towards sustainable solutions. By monetizing environmental costs, organizations can internalize externalities, prioritize resource-efficient practices, and promote sustainable development. The factors used to calculate the ECI are the monetary impacts of the material on abiotic depletion (non-fuel & fuel), global warming, ozone layer depletion, photochemical oxidation, acidification, eutrophication (freshwater, marine water & terrestrial), and human toxicity (cancer & non-cancer). These prices are calculated from the Environmental Prices Handbook that is regularly updated and verified.
Why? To show a comparable metric of a product's environmental and health impact that considers all life cycle indicators.
▶What is the GSES definition of Sustainability?
▶What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
▶What are circular materials?
▶What is the difference between the Nature Impact Score and an LCA/EPD/PEF?
▶Is the Nature Impact Score an indicator of the product's quality?
▶How is the final score calculated?
▶Which indicators were not chosen?
▶What is a data quality level 3?
▶What is a data quality level 2?
▶What is a data quality level 1?
▶What is global average data and how is it calculated?
▶Why is actual recyclability considered, instead of potential recycling?
▶Why do we use secondary global average data?
▶Why might some products lack a score?
▶Can the Nature Impact Score change?
▶Why is the circular footprint based on packaging for some products?
▶Gerecyclede Inhoud in Product of VerpakkingScope: Materiaalsamenstelling van het product (voor Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten gaat dit over de productverpakking).
Wat? Gerecyclede inhoud is het percentage materialen in een product dat is afgeleid van vaste afvalstromen vóór en na consumptie. Het inzetten van secundaire materialen (gerecyclede inhoud) toont een concrete inzet om materiaal van stortplaatsen weg te houden en grondstoffenuitputting te verminderen. De term ‘gerecycled’ omvat drie processen: recycling, hergebruik en verfijning (chemische recycling).
Waarom? Het opnemen van gerecyclede materialen bespaart natuurlijke hulpbronnen en verlaagt energieverbruik en broeikasgasemissies die gepaard gaan met winning en verwerking van virgin materialen.
▶Biobased Inhoud in Product of VerpakkingScope: Materiaalsamenstelling van het product (voor Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten gaat dit over de productverpakking).
Wat? Biobased inhoud is het percentage materialen in een product dat biobased is. Biobased materialen zijn materialen van biologische oorsprong, met uitzondering van materiaal dat in geologische formaties is ingebed of gefossiliseerd, en met uitzondering van veen.
Waarom? Biobased materialen, afkomstig uit hernieuwbare biomassa, bieden duurzame alternatieven voor conventioneel fossiel-gebaseerde producten.
▶Composteerbare Inhoud na Gebruik in Product of VerpakkingScope: Materiaalsamenstelling van het product (voor Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten gaat dit over de productverpakking).
Wat? Composteerbare inhoud is het percentage materialen in een product dat daadwerkelijk composteerbaar is. Een materiaal is composteerbaar als het onder bepaalde omstandigheden in korte tijd (meestal enkele maanden) afbreekt en nutriënten teruggeeft aan ecosystemen. De beoordeling is gebaseerd op Europese statistische databanken of peer-reviewed literatuur en verwijst naar feitelijke composteringstarieven per afvalmateriaal.
Waarom? Composteerbaarheid bevordert kringlopen van nutriënten, ondersteunt afleiding van organisch afval uit stortplaatsen, vermindert methaanemissies en stimuleert duurzame landbouwpraktijken.
▶Werkelijke Recyclebaarheid na Gebruik van Product of VerpakkingScope: Materiaalsamenstelling van het product (voor Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten gaat dit over de productverpakking).
Wat? De indicator voor recyclebare inhoud toont in welke mate een product of zijn componenten een circulaire verwerking ondergaan na de gebruiksfase. De beoordeling is gebaseerd op Europese statistieken of peer-reviewed literatuur en verwijst naar feitelijke recyclingtarieven per afvalmateriaal.
Waarom? Recyclebaarheid stimuleert de circulaire economie door terugwinning en hergebruik van materialen aan het einde van de levensduur. Ontwerpen met recyclebaarheid in gedachten bevordert grondstoffenbehoud, afvalreductie en efficiënte recyclinginfrastructuur om kringlopen effectief te sluiten.
▶Makkelijk te ScheidenScope: Het product zelf. Niet van toepassing op Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica, Reinigingsproducten of Bouwproducten.
Wat? “Makkelijk te scheiden” betekent dat iemand uit het algemene publiek één homogeen materiaal kan verwijderen van een ander waar het fysiek aan vastzit, met gewoon gereedschap (bijv. hamer, schroevendraaier, tang) en minimale technische kennis.
Waarom? Een goed scheidbaar product vergroot de haalbaarheid van circulaire initiatieven door materiaalterugwinning en hergebruik mogelijk te maken, en zo de milieubelasting te verlagen.
▶LosmaakbaarheidsindexScope: Het product zelf. Alleen voor Bouwproducten.
Wat? De Losmaakbaarheidsindex geeft de mogelijkheid weer om een bouwproduct uit het gebouw te verwijderen. Deze is gebaseerd op de Disassembly Potential-methode van de Dutch Green Building Council. De indicator is “Ja” als de index groter is dan 0,5.
Waarom? Een product dat eenvoudig losmaakbaar is bevordert hergebruik en efficiënter afvalbeheer en verlaagt zo de milieubelasting.
▶Verlengde GarantieScope: Het product zelf. Niet van toepassing op Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? Een garantie van de fabrikant van minimaal 3 jaar, dus één jaar langer dan de EU-verplichting.
Waarom? Verzekert consumenten van duurzaamheid en betrouwbaarheid, verhoogt vertrouwen in langdurig gebruik en verlaagt zorgen over reparatie of vervanging. Commerciële garanties, tevredenheidsgaranties of garanties zonder reparatie tellen niet mee.
▶Plasticvrije VerpakkingScope: Consumentenverpakking. Niet van toepassing op Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? Consumentenverpakking die geen enkele plastic materialen bevat, zoals (maar niet beperkt tot) PP, PE, PS, PET, ABS, EVA, PVC, PVE, enz.
Waarom? Vermindert plasticvervuiling, sluit aan bij duurzame verpakkingspraktijken en verlaagt negatieve milieu-impact.
▶Verpakking met Hoog Gerecycled GehalteScope: Consumentenverpakking. Niet van toepassing op Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? Consumentenverpakking die minstens 95% gerecyclede materialen bevat.
Waarom? Minimaliseert grondstoffenverbruik, verlaagt CO₂-uitstoot en ondersteunt een circulaire economie door afvalreductie.
▶Navulbare/Herbruikbare VerpakkingScope: Consumentenverpakking.
Wat? Verpakking die meer dan eens met hetzelfde of vergelijkbaar product kan worden gevuld zonder zijn oorspronkelijke vorm te wijzigen; reinigen of wassen is toegestaan.
Waarom? Vermindert verpakkingsafval door hergebruik en refill.
▶Product Ontworpen voor HergebruikScope: Het product zelf. Niet van toepassing op Voeding & Drank, Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? Product ontworpen om meermaals in zijn oorspronkelijke vorm te worden gebruikt, zonder andere verwerking behalve reinigen of wassen. De fabrikant moet met testen of documentatie aantonen dat het product bewust is ontworpen voor meer hergebruikcycli dan een vergelijkbaar wegwerpproduct.
Waarom? Om naar een circulaire economie te evolueren hebben we innovatieve herbruikbare producten nodig die dezelfde functie vervullen als wegwerpvarianten. Deze indicator beloont producten die hergebruik vanaf het ontwerp integreren.
▶Microplasticvrij ProductScope: Het product zelf. Alleen voor Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? ‘Microplastics’ verwijst naar alle typen kleine plasticdeeltjes die bewust worden toegevoegd aan persoonlijke verzorgings- en cosmeticaproducten. De Product Impact Score volgt de Beat the Microbead-indeling (Rood/Oranje/Groen). Bedrijven verklaren óf dat het product geen microplastics bevat uit de Rood/Oranje-lijsten (→ Groene lijst), óf tonen “Zero Plastic Inside”-certificering (gehele assortiment vrij van Rood/Oranje microplastics).
Waarom? Onderzoek toont dat microplastics schadelijk zijn voor mens en ecosysteem. Bij gebruik en afspoeling (bijv. cosmetica of reinigingsmiddelen) komen ze in afvalwater, dat ze vaak niet kan filteren, en zo in rivieren, meren, oceanen en bodem terechtkomen.
▶FLW-PublicatieScope: Waardeketen van de retailer (alleen Voeding & Drank).
Wat? Deze indicator is “Ja” als de retailer een FLW-protocolconforme, geverifieerde voedselverspillingsberekening publiceert. Het FLW-protocol is de gouden standaard voor het berekenen van voedselverlies en bevat verificatierichtlijnen.
Waarom? Ongeveer 33% van voedsel gaat verloren in de keten. Bedrijven moeten verspilling meten en begrijpen om dit doelgericht te reduceren.
▶Beheer van Onverkochte ProductenScope: Retailer van het product. Alleen voor Cosmetica en Reinigingsproducten.
Wat? Deze indicator controleert het engagement van de retailer om de vernietiging (storten of verbranden) van onverkochte producten te beperken. Het beleid moet concrete acties en doelstellingen bevatten.
Waarom? Stimuleert retailers om te voorkomen dat bruikbare producten worden vernietigd en moedigt herbestemming aan.
▶Klimaatverandering van Product of Product + VerpakkingScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Potentiële opwarming door emissies van broeikasgassen uit drie categorieën: fossiele bronnen, biobronnen en landgebruiksverandering. Data komt uit Life Cycle Inventory-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Inzicht in de bijdrage aan klimaatverandering maakt gerichte reducties en beleid mogelijk en helpt de milieu-impact te verlagen.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Alle relevante broeikasgassen (bijv. CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFK’s) worden omgerekend naar kilogram CO₂-equivalenten (kg CO₂e) op basis van het Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 100 jaar. Een hogere kg CO₂e-waarde betekent een grotere bijdrage aan mondiale opwarming.
▶Verzuringspotentieel van Product of Product + VerpakkingScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Capaciteit van emissies (o.a. SO₂, NOₓ, NH₃) om verzuring van bodem en water te veroorzaken, met nadelige effecten op ecosystemen en gezondheid. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Maakt emissiebijdragen zichtbaar zodat gerichte maatregelen genomen kunnen worden om schade te beperken.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Omrekening naar mol H⁺-equivalenten (mol H⁺ eq) op basis van acidificatie-karakterisatie. Een hogere mol H⁺ eq-waarde duidt op grotere potentiële schade door verzuring.
▶Niet-Hernieuwbaar Primair Energiegebruik van Product of Product + VerpakkingScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Verbruik van primaire, niet-hernieuwbare energiedragers (bijv. olie, kolen, aardgas) voor grondstoffenwinning en productieprocessen. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Vermindering van afhankelijkheid van eindige bronnen helpt emissies en gerelateerde milieu-impact terug te dringen.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Uitgedrukt in megajoule (MJ) fossiele energie per functionele eenheid. Een hogere MJ-waarde betekent grotere afhankelijkheid van fossiele bronnen.
▶ZoetwatergebruikScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Beoordeelt gevolgen van waterverbruik op beschikbaarheid voor mensen en ecosystemen, en mogelijke effecten op ecosystemen en waterkwaliteit. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Stuurt verantwoord waterbeheer en beschermt zowel hulpbronnen als ecosystemen.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Netto-consumptie van zoetwater (onttrekt water dat niet naar hetzelfde stroomgebied terugkeert), uitgedrukt in liters. Een hogere literwaarde geeft grotere druk op zoetwatervoorraden aan.
▶Gecertificeerd BiologischScope: Het product zelf. Alleen voor Voeding & Drank.
Wat? Indicator voor voedingsproducten. EU Groen Logo betekent ≥95% biologisch geteelde ingrediënten met hoge normen voor mens, dier en milieu. Ook Demeter of EKO (NL) is acceptabel.
Waarom? Biologische landbouw reduceert de milieu-gevolgen van conventionele teelt significant.
▶REACH-NalevingScope: Naleving door retailer of fabrikant.
Wat? REACH is EU-regelgeving om mens en milieu beter te beschermen door risico’s van chemicaliën te beheersen, en stimuleert gebruik van minder schadelijke alternatieven. Deze indicator laat zien of de fabrikant heeft verklaard dat het product aan REACH voldoet.
Waarom? Waarborgt strenge veiligheidsnormen en minimaliseert risico’s door gevaarlijke stoffen, ter bescherming van gezondheid en milieu.
▶Aanvullende Gezondheids- & VeiligheidsverklaringenScope: Naleving door retailer of fabrikant.
Wat? Omvat aanvullende EU-regels rond chemische veiligheid en restricties op organohalogenen of functioneel verwante niet-gehalogeneerde zorgstoffen (PFAS, gehalogeneerde en organofosfaat-vlamvertragers, gehalogeneerde polymeren, gehalogeneerde oplosmiddelen en andere sterk gehalogeneerde koolstofmaterialen). Gaat verder dan REACH en omvat o.a. EU RoHS, Speelgoedveiligheid, Cosmetics en POPs. Retailers/fabrikanten verklaren dat homogene materialen in het product geen organohalogenen >1% (w/w) bevatten en dat aan alle overige relevante regels wordt voldaan.
Waarom? Biedt een breder, integraal veiligheidskader dat een completer beeld geeft van gezondheidsimpact van producten.
▶Humane Toxiciteit, KankerScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Beoordeelt potentiële gezondheidsrisico’s door blootstelling aan toxische stoffen die tijdens de levenscyclus in lucht, water of bodem vrijkomen. Gebaseerd op o.a. milieu-verspreiding (fate), blootstelling, effect en schadefactoren. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Maakt de impact van vervuiling op de menselijke gezondheid inzichtelijk.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Uitgedrukt in CTUh (comparative toxic units for humans): geschatte toename in kankergevallen per eenheid emissie. Een hogere CTUh-waarde impliceert een groter potentieel kanker-risico.
▶Humane Toxiciteit, Niet-KankerScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Beoordeelt schadelijke gezondheidseffecten (exclusief kanker) door blootstelling via inhalatie, ingestie of huidopname. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Benadrukt de gezondheidsimpact van emissies en stimuleert veilige product- en materiaalkeuzes.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Eveneens in CTUh, als geschatte toename van niet-kanker ziektelast per eenheid emissie. Hogere CTUh betekent groter potentieel niet-kankerrisico.
▶Ecotoxiciteit, ZoetwaterScope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Beoordeelt risico’s van chemische emissies voor niet-menselijke organismen en ecosystemen. Drukt uit in hoeverre soorten potentieel worden beïnvloed door een massa uitgestoten stof. Data uit LCI-databanken (secundair, globaal).
Waarom? Ondersteunt beleid voor vervuilingspreventie en behoud van aquatische ecosystemen.
Hoe wordt het gemeten? Uitgedrukt in CTUe (comparative toxic units for ecosystems): potentieel aangedaan fractie soorten per volume zoetwater per massa emissie. Hogere CTUe impliceert groter risico voor aquatische organismen en ecosystemen.
▶BPA- en PFAS-vrije VerpakkingScope: Primaire contactverpakking. Alleen voor Voeding & Drank.
Wat? Voor voedings- en drankproducten kent de Product Impact Score 20% van de Health-footprint toe indien retailer/leverancier een ondertekende verklaring aanlevert dat de primaire verpakking volledig vrij is van Bisfenol A en PFAS (verklaring van conformiteit vereist).
Waarom? Het vermijden van BPA en PFAS beschermt tegen mogelijke endocriene verstoring, ontwikkelingsproblemen, verhoogd kankerrisico en andere effecten, en voorkomt verdere milieu-accumulatie van persistente stoffen zoals PFAS.
▶Transport (Modus en Aantal Gereisde Kilometers)Scope: Gate-to-Market (van fabriekspoort tot verkooppunt).
Wat? Telt uitsluitend de verplaatsing van het eindproduct van productie tot verkooppunt mee (routes van subcomponenten/verpakkingslocaties zijn uitgesloten). Afstanden worden bepaald van de productielocatie tot een gemiddelde retailer of distributieplatform. Ingevoerde transportwaarden (via LCA of Material Index) beïnvloeden de Environmental- en Health-indicatoren. Geen transportdata → −4% op de totale Nature Impact Score.
Waarom? Meer kilometers en ongunstige modaliteit vergroten energieverbruik en emissies. Transportdata geeft een completer cradle-to-market beeld en stimuleert efficiëntere logistieke keuzes.
▶Milieukostenindicator (ECI)Scope: Cradle-to-Gate of Cradle-to-Market. Voor Voeding/Drank, Cosmetica en Reiniging: inclusief ingrediënten/formule en verpakking.
Wat? Integreert diverse milieu-impacten tot een monetaire maat (euro’s) voor besluitvorming richting duurzamere opties. Omvat geprijsde effecten van o.a. abiotische uitputting (niet-brandstof & brandstof), klimaatverandering, aantasting ozonlaag, fotochemische oxidatie, verzuring, eutrofiëring (zoet/marien/terrestrisch) en humane toxiciteit (kanker/niet-kanker). Prijsfactoren zijn afkomstig uit de gevalideerde en periodiek geüpdatete Environmental Prices Handbook.
Waarom? Biedt een vergelijkbare indicator die alle levenscyclusimpacten meeweegt en externaliteiten internaliseert, waardoor duurzame keuzes worden bevorderd.
▶Wat is de GSES-definitie van Duurzaamheid?
▶Wat is een Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
▶Wat zijn circulaire materialen?
▶Wat is het verschil tussen de Nature Impact Score en LCA/EPD/PEF?
▶Is de Nature Impact Score een indicator van productkwaliteit?
▶Hoe wordt de eindscores berekend?
▶Welke indicatoren zijn niet gekozen?
▶Welke footprints zijn niet meegenomen?
▶Wat is datakwaliteit niveau 3?
▶Wat is datakwaliteit niveau 2?
▶Wat is datakwaliteit niveau 1?
▶Wat zijn globale gemiddelde data en hoe worden ze berekend?
▶Waarom feitelijke recyclebaarheid i.p.v. potentiële?
▶Waarom gebruiken we secundaire globale gemiddelden?
▶Waarom ontbreekt soms een score?
▶Kan de Nature Impact Score veranderen?
▶Waarom is de circulaire footprint bij sommige producten gebaseerd op verpakking?
Scoring products
Detailed scoring scheme per footprint and indicator, including thresholds, calculations, and weights.
Circular Footprint — Indicators & Scores (General)
Environmental Footprint — Thresholds & Scores
“All products” vs “Building Products without LCA/EPD”.
Differences — Circular Footprint for Cosmetics & Cleaning Products
Differences — Circular & Health Footprints for Food & Beverages
Circular Footprint (F&B)
Health Footprint — All products
Health Footprint — F&B products
Full methodology & scoring: gses-system.com/resources/