Environmentally Friendly Dust Cloths


12.12.2019

In 2014, Masslinn cloths were certified by the Research and Testing Institute for Facility Management (German abbreviation: FIGR) for their high effectiveness against germs and outstanding cleaning performance. Since August 2019, the dust cloths have also been certified with one of the world’s strictest ecological and environmental standards: the Cradle to Cradle Bronze Label. But what is the Cradle to Cradle approach all about?

It’s all in the name: Everything that is taken from nature for the manufacture of products should be given back. There are two cycles by which products can be returned: the biological cycle and the technical cycle. All Cradle to Cradle certified products must be designed in such a way that they can be recycled and reused.

The Two Cycles at a Glance

Biological Cycle
Consumables (e.g. cosmetics) are designed in such a way that they can be returned to the biological cycle and fully reused. They are composted or turned into other nutrients from which new products can be created. Effect: The waste from an old product becomes the nutrients for a new product.

Technical Cycle
After fulfilling their function, non-consumables (e.g. televisions) are broken down into technical nutrients, which are then recycled to produce new non-consumables. Effect: Materials remain in the cycle through recycling systems.

All Masslinn cloths (except Masslinn orange) are Cradle to Cradle certified. All certified Masslinn cloths (with the exception of the Masslinn 2000 roll) are part of the biological cycle as they are made of 100% natural fibres (viscose).

Criteria
Both ecological and social aspects are of relevance to Cradle to Cradle. For certification purposes, each product is assessed on the basis of five categories.

1. Material hygiene:
Are the ingredients safe for people and the environment?
In which of the two cycles can they be reused?
2. Reutilisation of the materials used
Is the product biodegradable or can it be recycled as part of the biological or technical cycle?
How much of the product can be recycled?
3. Renewable energies and CO2 management
How much energy is used in production?
How much of the energy used is renewable?
Does the manufacturer offset CO2 emissions?
4. Responsible water management
Does the manufacturer use water responsibly in their production processes?
5. Social responsibility
Does the manufacturer adhere to social principles and allow these to be verified by third parties?

Products are given a certification level in each category. The lowest certification level achieved determines the overall rating. There are five levels: basic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Masslinn dust cloths have been awarded bronze certification. Every two years, manufacturers must demonstrate the measures they have taken to improve their products in order for their products to be recertified – or to move up a level. Wetrok sees the bronze certification as an important first step in the Cradle to Cradle approach, and as an incentive to continuously improve the environmental friendliness of its products.


Cradle to Cradle – More Than Just an Eco-Label
Is Cradle to Cradle just another eco-label? Definitely not! Unlike environmental labels, which are mostly based on isolated criteria, Cradle to Cradle takes a holistic approach to the evaluation of products. The principle of the circular economy is that it is potentially endless and differs in this respect from classic product or packaging recycling.


FIGR-Certified: Not Just Environmentally Friendly, But Also Highly Effective
Masslinn cloths are not only environmentally friendly, they also provide excellent cleaning results. The Research and Testing Institute for Facility Management (German abbreviation: FIGR) has tested the effectiveness of Masslinn cloths and come to the following conclusion: When customers use Masslinn cloths for dust-binding wiping before wet cleaning or disinfection, they achieve maximum germ reduction and optimum cleaning results (over 90% dirt removal).