1 GENERAL

1.1 This procedure defines criteria to be used when determining the content of ocean plastics and ocean bound plastics in materials, components, and products. The requirements and definitions from UL ECVP 2809-1 concerning supply chain management and applicable Chain of Custody models are to be applied.

1.2 The procedure to validate ocean bound plastics does involve waste management criteria in the considered region the waste is collected and sorted for further processing in the recycling process. In case of improper waste management, the collection and sorting are often conducted by actors in the informal supply chain, so called waste pickers. Their activity by collecting and sorting waste contribute in a majority to the circularity of the material flow in regions lacking popper waste management

and therefore only waste collected in these regions is applicable for obtaining an ocean bound plastics claim.

“A Call for a Socially Restorative Circular Economy: Waste Pickers in the Recycled Plastics Supply Chain”, A. Barford, S. R. Ahmad, Circular Economy and Sustainability (2021) 1:761–782; https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-021-00056-7.

1.3 To differentiate formal from informal actors within an ocean bound plastics supply chain, this procedure contains criteria, related to determine the level of decent working conditions, as the absence of fair labor practices is a main characteristic of the work conducted in the informal economy. To minimize the risk for waste pickers related to unfair work conditions, the validation of the informal part of the supply chain contains additional social requirements to be fulfilled.

1.4 The goal of using any of these content claims is to extend the life of materials and reduce consumption of natural resources, thus providing substantial environmental benefit and encouraging the circular use of materials.

1.5 This Environmental Claim Procedure does not address whole product lifecycle effects and environmental tradeoffs, health and safety regulations, and is not intended to replace any applicable legal regulations.