In the world of “green”, claims of eco-friendliness and biodegradability abound. Sadly, however, these claims can often not be substantiated, the products and services are not truly green, and consumers and businesses are duped into harming the planet in a different way.

For this reason, the Global GreenTag certification entails a stringent approval process that requires the substantiation of all green claims. This month, local manufacturer, Green Worx Cleaning Solutions, was certified by Global GreenTag as having truly green products.

Global GreenTag is one of the world’s most robust, trusted and widely recognised ecolabels. “We independently assure that every product is fitness tested and certified under one of our two leading certification programmes that use world’s best scientific methods,” confirms the Global GreenTag website. “That’s why we have earned the reputation and trust of thousands of buyers, hundreds of companies and numerous green building councils, certification bodies and governments around the world.”

John J Coetzee, CEO at Green Worx, is proud of this achievement. “This certification is the culmination of many years of hard work. We don’t believe in ‘greenwashing’ – which not all South African manufacturers can claim. Our products, and all of the ingredients used to create them, have a great impact on dirt, and no impact on the environment. That’s our commitment to creating a world that is cleaner, greener and smarter.”

Consumers and businesses are assured that Global GreenTag certified products have passed the world's toughest standards to protect them, their employees, and their families’ health and safety. The focus is placed on minimising the impact on a finite planet, putting the power of selection back into the hands of well-informed consumers.

The GreenTag Programme is intended to fill a current void, nationally and internationally, for a consistent green product rating scheme that is scientifically derived, life cycle assessment based, and includes appropriate assessment of whole of life and holistic sustainability. “This is essential to real credibility in the industry, avoiding fly-by-night organisations that play on the need to retain precious resources in order to make a quick profit,” states Coetzee.

GreenTag strives to simplify the green product sector research and help consumers and procurement professionals to make their decisions in full light of the ecological quality, health, resource and social impacts of their product or supply chain selection. “We’re proud to display the GreenTag logo on our labels, and are committed to continue manufacturing products that are worthy of the certification,” concludes Coetzee.