EcoLogo® Releases First Canadian Standard Addressing Toxicity, Environmental Impact of Children's Toys
CCD-172 to Help Leading Manufacturers Promote Healthier, Safer, More Environmentally-Preferable Toys
OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Toy manufacturers wishing to demonstrate environmental leadership and a commitment to safeguarding children's health can now pursue certification to Canada's first and only third-party environmental toy standard: CCD-172.
Launched today by EcoLogo, one of Canada's most trusted and recognizable eco-labeling organizations, this groundbreaking, multi-attribute standard will serve as the basis of a third-party, voluntary certification that recognizes manufacturers that use safer chemicals and healthier, more environmentally-preferable materials in their toys.
"The release of this toy standard is a significant accomplishment for EcoLogo and a great new tool for manufacturers working to create safer, more healthful, more environmentally-responsible toys," says Dr. Angela Griffiths, executive director of the EcoLogo Program. "Consumers have become increasingly wary about the impact toys have on their children's health due to news of toxic toy recalls over the last several years. CCD-172 will provide parents with confidence when purchasing toys and give innovative manufacturers the marketplace recognition they deserve."
CCD-172 requires testing and verification to ensure that toys do not contain measurable carcinogens, certain neurotoxins, reproductive toxins, anti-microbial agents, heavy metals, or added fragrances. Its criteria meet or exceed U.S. and European Union requirements for toy toxicity. The standard also places strict limits on emissions of volatile organic compounds, a key contributor to childhood asthma; encourages socially responsible manufacturing practices; and helps minimize pollution generated by the production, use, and disposal of toys and their packaging.
CCD-172 is applicable to play products made from wood, plastic, rubber, textiles, metal, and bio-based materials—from balls and action figures to costume clothing and jewelry. Due to the high number and diversity of toy components on the market today, certain categories of toys—such as arts and crafts; cosmetics; video games; sporting equipment; furniture; and juvenile products, like strollers and car seats—are not covered by the standard at this time. Nevertheless, CCD-172 is the first standard of its kind in Canada.
"We're proud of the collaborations we've had with the toy industry in producing this standard," Griffiths says. "We hope it will be a catalyst to help transform the toy marketplace."
To learn more about CCD-172, or inquire about initiating the certification process, visit www.ecologo.org.
About EcoLogo:
EcoLogo is a third-party, multi-attribute eco-labeling program approved by the Global Ecolabelling Network, an international association of eco-labeling programs, as meeting the ISO 14024 standard. Originally formed in 1988 by the Canadian Federal Government and now managed by TerraChoice, EcoLogo is now one of the most recognizable eco-labels in North America. EcoLogo is a Government of Canada official mark used under license from Environment Canada. TerraChoice is not an agent of Environment Canada. In 2010, the Program became part of the UL global network, significantly expanding its reach as a leading certifier of the world's most sustainable products. www.ecologo.org.
SOURCE EcoLogo
CONTACT: Kate Rusnak, T: +1-800-478-0399 ext. 250, E: [email protected]
http://www.ecologo.org
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