Consumers value choice and transparency in the products they purchase. Certifications and standards exist to help inform customers and investors about the quality of a product or that it meets specific criteria as defined by international stakeholder groups. There are tons of certifications available. It can be challenging to determine which are most strategic for your product, have the most value in your industry, and are feasible based on your available documentation. Our sustainability experts not only know how to help your team compile the necessary information to apply for a certification but will guide you to choose a standard that meets your goals and is attainable for your product. Once achieved, you can use the certification label across your brand messaging, marketing, and sustainability reporting.

Foresight’s sustainability team can help with certifications and standards in two ways:

1) Specific Standard/Certification: If you already know what certification you want, we will come prepared with our application rubric to ensure we collect all of the necessary documentation. Our team is experienced and efficient in knowing where to look within the company and supply chain to gather the required data.

2) Multiple Standard/Certification Comparison: If multiple certifications have value in your industry, our experts can work backward to determine which are feasible based on the available documentation. We will determine which standards you qualify for, compare their marketplace values, and suggest one that fits within your more extensive sustainability journey.

In either case, our team will bring our tools and expertise to the table to ensure the documentation is compiled and presented in the best possible way for your certification auditor.

In addition to one-time certifications, our team is available to smooth the recertification process. Suppose you know that you would like to maintain a standard or certification on a product. In that case, our sustainability team can collect the data all year round to make the recertification process as seamless as possible.

• Meet investor standards
• Transparency for consumers
• Improved marketing opportunities
• Meet regulatory requirements

Before Foresight
To become more competitive in the marketplace, a furniture company wanted to get Level Certified through BIFMA. This certification takes into account the physical and chemical components, as well as the environmental and sustainable impact of a product. Being a small team, they needed assistance to engage with their supply chain and collect the data required to achieve such a rigorous certification.

After Foresight
Our sustainability experts began by evaluating their product against our scorecard. Aware of the data gaps, our team engaged with the supply chain to gather missing data around chemical composition, scope one and two emissions, and energy expenditures during manufacturing. With experience in standards and certifications, our team knew how to organize and present to an auditor in the best possible way. The company achieved BIFMA Level Certification for its product, giving it an extra edge in the marketplace.

Don’t take our word for it: Using Product Certification to Win Consumers’ Hearts and Minds

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends significantly on the number of products, the industry, number of facilities, and size of your supply chain. Typically anywhere from $20,000-$50,000.

Anywhere from 1-3 years depending on the certification. Typically staying certified is easier and cheaper than getting certified initially.

This is mainly dependent on the certification you are pursuing, but most can be completed in 6-12 months.

Our team has built a framework around standard management that allows us to work in various industries. We can extrapolate our expertise to fit any certification.

“Thank you for spearheading this project and keeping us all on track. We couldn’t have done it without your guidance and constant support!”

Quality Assurance Manager, UNICOR