• Eco Intelligent Growth and The Flax Company collaborate on pioneering certification awarded by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.
• Marmara Hemp®: the certified product at Platinum level is cottonized hemp fiber.

 

In a significant achievement for the textile sector, The Flax Company obtained the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ Platinum version 4.0 for its product Marmara Hemp®, completing the transition from version 3.1 to the more demanding new standard. 

Version 4.0 of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® represents a significant advancement by setting strict standards for safer, circular, and equitable products, driving innovation and business leadership. 

“C2C Certified® certification came to our mind because it is a globally recognized certification, which through its in-depth analysis and laboratory study guarantees and quantifies sustainability criteria, as well as the absence of over 270 chemical substances,” stated Denis Druon, CEO of The Flax Company. 

The collaboration between The Flax Company, a specialist in the flax and hemp fiber industry, and Eco Intelligent Growth (EIG), a consultancy specialized in circular economy implementation and accredited assessment body by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, has been key to this product improvement and recertification. 

 

Ensuring safety for people and the environment through the Cradle to Cradle® paradigm 

The design paradigm known as Cradle to Cradle®, serves to underpin the principles of the circular economy by stating that the best way to achieve sustainability is to emulate nature. In this approach, the waste from one system is transformed into nutrients for another, reflecting the inherent efficiency of natural cycles where nothing is wasted. 

Thus, the Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification emerges as a rigorous standard that evaluates product sustainability in five categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. 

The Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program takes into account the policies and practices of the company throughout the value chain, integrating a holistic approach to address all impacts on people and the planet (greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, management of human rights risks, etc.). Transparency is crucial in C2C Certified® to determine these impacts, prevent them, and mitigate them. 

Addressing the specific territory of the Material Health analysis methodology of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Standard version 4.0, it is noteworthy that it goes beyond regulations. It is based on scientific knowledge and is regularly updated to maintain a high level of rigor. Analyzing products against the requirements of the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ allows not only to validate the healthiness of their chemical composition throughout their lifecycle but also to anticipate the identification of problematic substances in the supply chain and develop actions for their optimization. 

On this occasion, the focus was on the material health of Marmara Hemp®, highlighting the production of hemp fibers prioritizing the protection of human health and the environment throughout the value chain. 

 

Transforming the Textile Industry: an opportunity for sustainability and positive impact 

The hemp fibre used in Marmara Hemp® comes from a textile breed, guaranteed non-gmo and most sustainable. Its cultivation requires no irrigation or chemical inputs, making it an environmentally friendly resource. The Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification further highlights its positive impact on the textile industry. 

From the perspective of the end customer, the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ at Platinum level assures consumers that Marmara Hemp® is free from harmful substances detrimental to health and the environment. 

” While it may be challenging to attain due to the stringent requirements, the effort to obtain the certification is worthwhile for both the brand and the customers.” stated Druon, The CEO of Marmara Hemp®. 

On the other hand, Aya Ulan, Senior Consultant and C2C specialist at EIG, stated that “conducting the assessment of the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ Marmara Hemp® was an inspiring experience for both parties. The Flax Company is firmly committed to the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ principles, and its product Marmara Hemp® is evidence that they can be embodied. Our collaboration has been instrumental in defining the product optimization strategy beyond regulatory compliance.” 

Environmental and Stakeholder Commitment 

To achieve the Platinum level of C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ Version 4.0, EIG conducted a detailed study of critical points focused on environmental and human health impacts, such as toxicity, the presence of particulate matter, and acidification, among others. Additionally, the consultancy examined individual emissions and resource usage underlying the aggregated results of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), assessing their level of uncertainty and the degree of control exerted by the company over those emissions and resource usage. 

In this regard, EIG played a fundamental role in leading the process analysis that allowed the identification of specific areas of the product lifecycle with the greatest impact. Moreover, it collaborated closely with The Flax Company in defining a strategy to reduce emissions in the supply chain of Marmara Hemp®. 

 

The lifecycle of Marmara Hemp® 

In addition to the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™, the life cycle of Marmara Hemp® seeks to assess environmental impact as a fundamental action to identify areas for improvement and develop optimization strategies. The production process of this product takes place in a reduced circuit and in close collaboration with farmers, guaranteeing exhaustive control at each stage of production. 

This starts from the initial phase of seed planting, where genetic integrity and soil health are prioritized, through the agricultural phase, where environmentally friendly practices are implemented without harmful phytosanitary products, and without irrigation. 

The extraction phase is carried out through a localized mechanical process, avoiding chemicals, and highlighting the commitment to community-level production. The fiber selection stage ensures its complete traceability, from the field to the final product. 

Finally, the cottonization phase is fundamental, as it allows transforming thicker fibers, such as hemp, to acquire characteristics and properties like those that make cotton softer and more uniform. It is important to note that there are different cottonization methods: mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic. In the case of Marmara Hemp®, only mechanical processes are used, without water consumption. This practice not only preserves water resources but also contributes to the economic development of communities. 

“Marmara Hemp® is now the only hemp fiber in the world with a C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™, allowing the brand to enhance its image and reaffirm its commitment to sustainable textiles that are good for the health,” Denis Druon recalled. 

The attainment of the Platinum C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ is, therefore, a testament to The Flax Company’s commitment to producing healthy products and supporting the circular economy. 

“C2C Certified® in its 4.0 version is very demanding from the entry requirements to the information that must be provided throughout the process. The support from EIG was greatly appreciated, as we felt accompanied by someone who was expert and very familiar with the certification process, guiding us and helping us provide accurate and complete information,” Denis Druon concluded.