GreenCircle Mark Usage Guidelines
Promoting Your Certification
GreenCircle Certified marks represent credible, third-party verified sustainability achievements. When you use a GreenCircle mark, you are communicating that your product or operation has been independently reviewed and meets established standards.
GreenCircle works with companies across industries to help them share their sustainability progress with confidence and clarity. Our marks are designed to support honest communication, reinforce trust with stakeholders, and help prevent misleading or unsubstantiated claims.
The Mark Usage Guidelines are provided to ensure GreenCircle certification marks are used consistently, accurately, and in a way that preserves their integrity and value. By following these guidelines, you help protect the credibility of the certification and the trust it represents.
Using the Guidelines
The guidelines below outline the appropriate use of the GreenCircle Certified, LLC (GreenCircle) marks and associated promotional language when communicating your organization’s environmental claims validation. The certification marks may only be used in conjunction with products that have received a signed GreenCircle Certificate, stating the environmental claim is valid. This document should be distributed to all marketing, communications or other staff or contractors who are responsible for providing information about GreenCircle for packaging, product labels, printed collateral, product brochures, product presentation material, published reports or any other printed communications, as well as advertising, press releases or website content about the product. External certification or affiliation marks, such as those from ANAB or APR, are the property of their respective organizations and require separate licensing or authorization. These logos may not be used in any form without the express written consent of the logo owner and confirmation that all applicable licensing requirements have been met.
Product Labeling Guidelines
This specifies the requirements for use of the GreenCircle marks to ensure consistent and accurate use of the marks on products. When reproducing the marks, it is essential that the appropriate digital format is used. The certification marks should be prominently placed on the front or back of the product or packaging. The marks are meant to be always used in their entirety, unless otherwise specified. The preferred application of the GreenCircle Mark is full color, as shown below. It illustrates how simple, effective and powerful the mark is. GreenCircle recommends that the marks be used in the exact format provided but recognizes that minor modifications may be required in specific instances due to space or printing constraints. Any proposed modification to the mark must be submitted to GreenCircle for prior review and approval and should retain each of the information elements contained in the original mark. The GreenCircle Certified, LLC Mark captured from websites, publications, and other unauthorized sources may not be used.
GreenCircle Review Prior to Use
Any intended use of the GreenCircle marks must be provided to GreenCircle for review prior to publication, printing and other uses, including but not limited to, the GreenCircle name or references to certification, validation or verification work conducted by GreenCircle. Generally, GreenCircle can respond to authorization requests within three business days, depending on the complexity of review required. GreenCircle provides this review service at no charge as part of our Client services.
Format of GreenCircle Certified Marks
Clients/organizations will receive an approved GreenCircle mark upon achieving certification. In general, the mark incorporates the following elements: top arrow and subtext, bottom arrow and subtext, and middle circle and logo (GreenCircle Certified, LLC). The bottom arrow contains the specific certification claim.
Registered Trademark (®) Designation
The GreenCircle Certified, LLC Mark is trademarked property of GreenCircle Certified, LLC all rights reserved in the following territories: US, Canada, and Europe. The ® symbol should be applied to the lower-right of the marks (outside of the “circle”) to indicate that they are owned by GreenCircle Certified, LLC. When using the GreenCircle name in text, the first mention should include “Certified” in the company name with the registered trademark as a best practice. See below for accurate superscript symbol placement. The “C” in “Circle” should always be capitalized and GreenCircle must be one word.
GreenCircle Certified®
General Conditions
As stated in GreenCircle’s Terms and Conditions
Product Compliance
Adequate supervision and control shall be exercised at all stages of manufacture to ensure that the finished product, together with related marking and information, meets all the relevant requirements of the GreenCircle Certification Scheme (GCCS).
The Client shall take caution to ensure that the GCCS Certification mark is not associated with products and operations which do not comply with the GCCS. If a non-conforming GCCS marked product is found in the field, the approval may be suspended pending results of investigation. The full cost of such investigation shall be borne by the Client.
The Client shall not allow the GCCS Certification mark to remain on non-conforming products offered for sale. Such action could invite prosecution under U.S. Trademark statutes or attract other penalty provisions in other U.S. or State law.
If the client provides copies of the certification documents to others, the documents shall be reproduced in their entirety or as specified in the certification scheme.
Change to the GreenCircle Certification System
If the GCCS is amended or re-issued, a transition period for conformance to the revised GCCS will be assigned by GreenCircle, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Following the transition period, the Client shall not apply the GCCS Certification mark to any product covered by the GCCS until compliance of the product with the revised program has been verified by GreenCircle.
Authorized Use of the GreenCircle Certified Mark
The GreenCircle Certified mark may only be applied to products produced after the official certification date on which GreenCircle formally issues the certificate and confirms that the product meets all certification requirements. Products manufactured prior to certification approval are not authorized to bear the GreenCircle Certified mark, as they were not verified under the certification scope at the time of production. This ensures that all labeled products accurately reflect the verified claims and meet the standards established during the certification process. Client agrees to promptly cease display and use of the GreenCircle Certified mark: (1) Upon expiration of the certification period; (2) If Client is no longer in compliance with one or more of GreenCircle's Terms and Conditions. However, product labels that were manufactured and entered circulation during the certification period may continue to display the GreenCircle Certified mark for the duration of their use in the marketplace.
Licensing of the GreenCircle Certified Mark
Client will advise any private label customers, or downstream re-sellers to enter into a separate Agreement with GreenCircle regarding the use of the GreenCircle Mark on private label product and promotional materials. For further information and approval of marks application, please contact GreenCircle.
Proximity of GreenCircle Certified Mark to Sustainability Claims
Client agrees that irrespective of the audit contract, the client will not make any independent claims in its material of the same type and nature as provided by GreenCircle that is out of scope with the audits conducted by GreenCircle. Any sustainability statements that GCC had not certified must maintain an appropriate distance from the GreenCircle mark to avoid confusion.
Color Reproduction
The GreenCircle marks are generated in color but may be reproduced in one color or in black and white. In general, the full color positive mark is the preferred version, although other versions are available for a variety of uses. There are five versions of certificate marks. See in Appendix A, B, C, D, E, F, & G the allowed uses of the mark in full color, one color, black and white, white transparent, full color - no gradient, and the color options for qualified marks.
Color Profiles
The following color profiles can be used:
RGB (Red Green Blue)
RGB is the color space utilized by monitors and televisions. All photos/images/logos used in web or on-screen supplications should be set up in the RGB color space.
CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black)
CMYK is the four printing inks used by the printing press when printing any color photo/graphic/logo. A request may be made for a CMYK TIF (printing press), or an
RGB JPG (web, TV, video).
PMS (Pantone Matching System)
PMS is a standardized series of thousands of colors, each with specific color formulations and identification number. PMS colors are duplicated in swatch books and in computer- graphics programs to allow exact duplication of colors in printing and other marking processes.
Clear Space
To maintain the integrity and clarity of the marks, a “clear space” has been developed. This clear space will separate the mark from the surrounding elements. The mark must not be crowded with other graphical elements or type; otherwise, it will dilute the impact of the mark. Below is the clear space rule that should be followed by all companies and organizations. It is imperative that the appropriate amount of clear space always surrounds each mark variation.
Minimum Size
To maintain optimum clarity in reproducing the GreenCircle marks at a small size, a minimum size has been assigned. Exceptions may be granted on a program-specific basis.
The marks must always be displayed at a size large enough to read both the mark and the trademark. The smallest size the certificate mark can be applied is shown below.
Mark Usage for Multiple Applications or Facilities
For marketing that includes multiple certified GreenCircle products or facilities, a general GreenCircle mark can be used to apply to all. Client should contact GreenCircle and state the planned use for the general mark.
Compliant Uses
It is essential that all GreenCircle marks be reproduced consistently and correctly. The marks must not be altered in any way other than specifically described in this document. The GreenCircle Certified, LLC Mark captured from websites, publications, and other unauthorized sources may not be used. In general, the full color positive marks (FCP) or the full color negative (FCN) are the preferred versions, although other versions are available for a variety of uses. The black and white positive (BWP) is available for use in black and white reproductions.
Enlargements
The marks must be enlarged or reduced in their entirety. All elements of the marks must remain in proportion to one another.
Allowed Backgrounds
Whenever possible, the certificate marks should be used on a white or neutral background. For the applications that require a background color, pattern, photograph, or design, the guidelines should be followed (See Appendix A, B, C, D, & E). Avoid using the certificate marks on a busy background or backgrounds with a similar color of the certificate marks since this will take away from the impact and clarity.
Translations
If a mark or certificate is needed to be reproduced in another language, the Client will need to provide the translation to GreenCircle through a native speaker of the requested language at the Client's company. GreenCircle will then provide the Client with translated marks. GreenCircle will not perform translations of copy for any Client.
Private Labels
GreenCircle has a private label program for companies that purchase GreenCircle Certified products and sell them underneath a separate brand. Private labeling does come at a cost, and anyone with intent to private label a GreenCircle Certified product must enter an agreement with GreenCircle in order to use the GreenCircle mark on packaging or marketing collateral.
Qualified Marks
Some GreenCircle marks may require a qualifier placed beneath the mark as a footnote and an asterisk next to the certification name inside the mark. The use of qualifiers for any certification mark will be determined by GreenCircle on a per Client and per project basis. If GreenCircle determines the need for a qualified mark, the Client must always use the qualified mark with the accompanying asterisk and footnote in every application of the mark on products, packaging, websites, or marketing collateral. Footnotes must be at least an 8 pt font at final reproduction size and legible to the consumer. The guidelines should be followed for the use of all qualified marks (See Appendix F and G).
GreenCircle certifications that require qualified marks include, but are not limited to:
Recyclable Material is a qualified claim because a capable recycler is required to properly process the material. Some areas may not have access to curbside recycling or to an acceptable recycling center for some materials. Recyclable Material certifications also require a specified webpage hosted on the Client's website that outlines recycling instructions for the GreenCircle Certified product. This URL must be stated in the footnote of the GreenCircle mark and cannot be changed or moved during the effective certification period. GreenCircle must approve the language on the webpage to confirm that the recycling instructions are clear, concise, and correct. The asterisk and footnote must always accompany the mark.
Non-Compliant Uses
The use of the GreenCircle mark requires full compliance with these guidelines. GreenCircle performs routine check-ins to ensure that correct and up-to-date marks are being used by Clients.
Downstream Suppliers
Material suppliers of a GreenCircle certified product are not authorized to use the GreenCircle mark. The GreenCircle mark applies only to the product and company certified by GreenCircle.
Upstream Suppliers
Manufacturers who purchase materials that were certified by GreenCircle and incorporate those materials into a separate product are not authorized to use the GreenCircle mark. The GreenCircle mark applies only to the material and company certified by GreenCircle.
Infringements
Do not screen
Do not colorize
Do not rotate
Do not distort dimensions
Do not change font
Do not change or add copy
GreenCircle Certificates
The GreenCircle Certified certificate shown below is provided to the Client/organization as a printable file. For maximum clarity, please use the suggested printing and paper specifics: 8.5” x 11” Uncoated Paper Bright / White Stock 60lb Text / CMYK Color Printing
