The quality standard for the certification of sustainable corporate management
CSE Certified Sustainable Economics
A standard of the GfaW Gesellschaft für angewandte Wirtschaftsethik mbH. Developed and updated by the “Living Sustainability” working group.
Version 7.1/2023 – valid from 01.01.2024
All GfaW standards are not only open to any company that complies with the criteria, but are an explicit invitation to embark on the path to an economy that is sustainable and in harmony with the resources available.

Preamble
We are living in times of great challenges: The planetary limits of an economy based on finite resources have been reached. The global community has recognized this and set itself global survival goals – the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Sustainable, conservative economic activity is establishing itself as the basis for a good and sustainable community.
At the same time, old habits and economic concepts dominate in many places. For example, the world that has grown together is currently experiencing a collective market failure: store prices do not reflect the actual costs of the products on offer. External effects are not included in the price calculation, although their impact is clearly increasing.
Politicians are too slow to react to the urgent signs of the times and are reluctant to change the framework conditions in favor of a comprehensively sustainable economy.
This is where GfaW offers solutions. In the situation described above, companies and banks play a key role at the interface between production and consumption, in the production of – more or less – existential goods and in supplying the population. Their contribution to the transition to a resilient post-growth economy is becoming increasingly important in view of the political paralysis. Their pioneering achievements in terms of sustainability can provide social impetus, set an example and show how the future works.
And finally, this pioneering role as an image factor ensures economic success. After all, a feel for what is necessary, the courage to implement innovative ideas and a consistent focus on ethical values are increasingly rewarded.
The CSE standard offers the courageous pioneers of this promising path the right instrument for the introduction of holistic, “strong” sustainability. It provides companies with guidelines for sustainable management and at the same time creates the greatest possible commitment through certification. The label provides consumers with reliable guidance in their purchasing decisions and thus contributes to a pioneering change in the economic system.
CSE has been and continues to be developed in close cooperation with entrepreneurs. The criteria reflect the level that corresponds to the current state of technology, knowledge and individual demands for strong ecological sustainability. Climate-neutral production and sustainability management are assumed to be mandatory and the principles of the post-growth economy apply in the other areas of impact: Sufficiency, efficiency and consistency.
In this way, CSE develops, manifests and documents your company’s contribution to the quality of life and sustainability of human existence on earth.
1. definition of terms
Efficiency: As a cost-benefit ratio, efficiency in this standard means achieving a desired result with the least possible effort (resources) and the greatest possible benefit.
Fair Company: The Fair Company initiative has developed criteria for dealing with internships to ensure fair treatment of interns and prevent exploitation:
- The internship offered serves as an orientation for students and is not a substitute for permanent employment
- Clearly defined tasks and objectives are assigned
- The period of the internship is adapted and reasonable
- No putting off university graduates who have applied for a permanent position
- Interns are paid an appropriate expense allowance
- There is transparency about the task, contact person and objective of the internship
GHG: Greenhouse Gas Protocol¹
Green IT: Similar to the area of “green chemistry”, there are still no verifiable criteria or even a standard for the sustainable use of IT and technology. In the CSE standard, green IT is understood to mean the environmentally friendly and resource-saving use of information and communication technologies. In terms of implementation, the CSE standard follows the guidelines “Sustainable IT infrastructure, guidelines for implementation in SMEs” from Kaneo and Unternehmensgrün²:
Green IT operation of the IT infrastructure
- Minimize resource and energy requirements in the use of IT. (e.g. reducing energy requirements by consolidating several servers into one).
- Minimize resource and energy consumption through the use of IT. (e.g. optimized control processes in production, replacing desktop PCs with mini-computers, adapted handling of data storage)
- Sustainable IT procurement: Environmental and social labels can provide guidance here. TCO is an environmental and social label, while the Blue Angel or Ecolabel are environmental labels.
- System design and IT infrastructure: Automation and standardization take place to save resources, structured data storage, use of open source and free software
- Corporate responsibility for sustainable IT: When purchasing, pay attention to repairability and upgradability, exert influence by asking manufacturers or joining relevant associations or initiatives
Green chemistry: The type of chemistry that attempts to reduce pollution, save energy and produce in the most environmentally friendly way possible. At the same time, production and product hazards should be avoided. In order to achieve these goals, the development and use of new technologies is necessary.
Paul Anastas of the Environmental Protection Agency and John C. Warner developed the basic principles of Green Chemistry. The following seven of these twelve principles are relevant for the CSE standard with regard to the chemical reactions and auxiliary substances in accordance with the natural cosmetics and care products standards listed in point 6 (Production):
- Avoid environmental pollution: Design chemical synthesis processes and reactors to avoid pollution and contamination.
- Intensive use of renewable energies
- Use safe solvents and reaction conditions; avoid the use of additives if possible.
- Increase energy efficiency: if possible, carry out reactions at room temperature
- Production of chemicals and products that can be degraded naturally after use without harming the environment.
- Real-time monitoring, control and management of all processes to prevent soiling and contamination and thus waste.
- Accident risk
GMO: Genetically modified organisms
Indicators: In this standard, indicators are understood as hints. Ideally, these indications consist of key figures. Where it is not yet possible to collect key figures or figures are not useful, a change in the desired direction is considered an indicator
Ingredients: Components of a product, both the end product and the packaging.
Young companies: We see young companies as companies in the process of being established. As a rule, these companies do not exist on the market for more than five years. Depending on the business model, however, the development can extend far beyond this 5-year limit, especially if it is a sustainable business model with organic growth without outside capital. The CSE standard therefore defines “young companies” as companies that were founded within the last 10 years and have a sustainable business model with organic growth.
kbA: controlled organic cultivation. This refers to all plant products that have been produced in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or USDA or the specifications of the IFOAM family.
kbT: controlled organic animal husbandry. This refers to all animal products that have been produced in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation or USDA or the specifications of the IFOAM family.
Climate-neutral company: Scope 1, 2 and company-relevant parts of Scope 3 according to GHG were calculated, the savings potential exhausted and offset.
Consistency: quality, coherence, unity – in this standard, this refers to the cycle of materials. There is no waste, only products. Consistent products are therefore products that can be easily broken down into their components, from which new products can then be created.
Cosmetics: substances or mixtures intended to come into external contact with parts of the human body or with the teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity for the sole purpose of cleaning, perfuming, altering their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or influencing body odor.
Supplier: Organization that supplies raw materials or finished products.
Contract manufacturer: Companies that manufacture products on a contract basis.
Subcontracting: Activity within a production process that takes place on behalf of a customer.
Multi-component packaging: Packaging that consists of various individual components such as paper, aluminum, plastic, etc.
Indirect suppliers within the meaning of this law (§ 2 para. ) is any company that is not a direct supplier and whose supplies are necessary for the manufacture of the company’s product or for the provision and use of the relevant service.
Sustainable bank: A sustainable bank fulfills the criteria according to 6.1. A2
Sustainable building according to the DGNB system: The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) awards graded (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) awards for sustainable building projects. Criteria for process quality, technical quality, socio-cultural and functional quality and economic quality are assessed. The CSE standard defines “sustainable construction” as the planning and implementation of construction projects in accordance with the DGNB criteria.
Sustainability management system: The system that organizes all activities relating to sustainability.
Green electricity: electricity from renewable energy sources
Product: Product or service provided for the market.
Production companies: Companies that manufacture their own products for the market.
Quality: Based on the more general definition of “quality” as the correspondence between aspirations and performance, quality in relation to sustainable management is understood here. The claim is therefore to implement sustainable management, the performance, the way of doing business that the companies actually provide. In this understanding, a quality management system therefore not only includes the classic attributes such as documentation, traceability, continuous improvement, etc. in accordance with ISO 9001, but also includes the sustainability topics of this standard, including ISO 14001:2015.
Raw materials: working materials and source materials for products and services.
Start-up: A start-up was recently founded, offers innovative, predominantly technical solutions and is designed for rapid, steep growth.
Subcontractor: Company that carries out activities on our behalf. Subcontractors are not suppliers.
Sufficiency: Sufficiency in economic activity means the right level of consumption, renunciation of consumption and decommercialization. In the CSE standard, sufficiency also takes into account the natural limits of resources and thus the lowest possible consumption of raw materials.
Direct supplier within the meaning of the Supply Chain Act (§ 2 para. ) is a party to a contract for the supply of goods or the provision of services whose supplies are necessary for the manufacture of the company’s product or for the provision and use of the relevant service.
NIR: Near infrared. NIR (near infrared) refers to a spectrum in a range between 760 and 2,500 nm that is not visible to humans. In this wavelength range, typical material patterns based on molecular vibrations can be detected after excitation with light. This technology is used to sort packaging.
Recyclability: Recyclability is the individual gradual suitability of packaging or a product to actually substitute material-identical virgin material in the post-consumer phase; “actually” here means that collection and recycling structures on an industrial scale are a prerequisite.
Recycled content: Proportion of recycled raw materials in relation to all raw materials.
Foreign materials: Different material composition than the basic packaging – e.g. for sleeves or labels
Impurities: Substances that disrupt or prevent the recycling process according to the current state of the art.
Composite packaging: Packaging that consists of different types of material that cannot be separated manually, none of which exceeds 95% by mass of the total packaging.
² https://www.kaneo-gmbh.de/green-it/leitfaden-zur-umsetzung-einer-nachhaltigen-it-infrastruktur/
2. framework for the impact of the CSE standard and introduction
THE CSE FRAMEWORK
Sustainability in its complexity aims to preserve and maintain our livelihoods. CSE contributes to this goal in economic practice for SDG 12* and its criteria define a process with a positive impact on the above-mentioned goal. The need to change our economic practices has a profound impact on business processes. At the same time, the urgency requires clear minimum requirements. For this reason, CSE is made up of process-oriented criteria and minimum requirements . Taking into account that companies want to and should continue to develop, CSE requires company-specific sustainability targets in the third module of the standard. In the fourth and final building block, the sustainability focus areas, companies can find a collection of areas in which they can go beyond the CSE requirements. This commitment can be part of the CSE audit.
Products labeled with the “CSE – Certified Sustainable Enterprise” quality seal make it clear to consumers that they originate from the “sustainable management” process and enable consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
INTRODUCTION TO THE CSE STANDARD
This standard regulates requirements for acquiring the authorization to use the “CSE” quality sustainability label for companies. Laws and regulations are not considered part of this standard. The standard assumes that all legal provisions – including avoidance of corruption, no creation of tax havens, no financing of militant organizations, etc.– are complied with.
The CSE standard was designed for commercial enterprises that can be assigned to the production, service and trade sectors.
The systemic requirements as process-oriented criteria comprise ISO 14001:2015. This standard provides the right tool to systematically set up a management system that not only ensures that the minimum requirements are met, but also that sustainability targets are achieved.
The minimum requirements are the absolute criteria for sustainability certification. All three areas of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – are taken into account. For a clear structure, the criteria have been divided into categories. The differentiated sustainability aspects can then be found within each category.
The company-specific sustainability targets are criteria that can be freely selected by the company for further development. They are based on the minimum requirements and are a consistent continuation of the approaches to sustainability.
During the initial audit, the objectives that the company wishes to achieve are determined. The definition of at least 3 objectives from at least 2 dimensions is a prerequisite for certification. As soon as a target has been achieved, a new target and its date are set. This is repeated until the optimum level of sustainability is reached.
If one of the criteria of the minimum requirement is not met or a target is not achieved within the specified period without justification, there is no conformity with the standard and therefore no authorization to use the label. (See also the following chapter.)
The sustainability focal points are made up of comprehensive topics that each company can address on an optional basis and can receive a separate award from the GfaW if desired. The collection of focus areas is an open list and can be added to at any time.
The CSE standard is continuously developed and adapted to the current state of knowledge at regular intervals. New versions of the standard are published on the GfaW website and sent to CSE users and certification bodies.
*The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global sustainability goals set by the UN for 2030. SDG 12 is aimed at sustainable consumption and production patterns. It includes the efficient use of natural resources, reduction of food waste, environmentally sound waste management, reduction of waste production, promotion of sustainable business practices, sustainable public procurement and awareness raising for sustainable development.
3. requirements for certification bodies and the certification process
Compliance with the CSE standard for sustainable management is certified annually by an independent certification body.
The certification and inspection bodies approved by the CSE standard work in accordance with ISO 17065:2013 and have many years of experience in certifying ethically oriented standards. In this sense, the CSE standard is a product or process. It regulates the quality requirements for the process of sustainable management. Every result of this certified process is therefore authorized to use the CSE label.
From the perspective of the CSE standard, the introduction and maintenance of a sustainability management system that complies with ISO 14001:2015 is the tool for an effective sustainability strategy for the process of sustainable management.
CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE
The certification and mark usage procedure is regulated in contracts between the standard owner, the certification body and the companies. After concluding the contract with GfaW and the certification body, the standard participant receives access to the online tool CSE-STAR. The STAR guides the standard participant through the preparation for certification and is also the tool with which the audits are carried out.
The CSE certification process follows the sequence of management system certifications:
Stage I (pre-audit) – can also be appointed retroactively as the first audit if no deviations were found.
Stage II certification audit – (year 1, no later than 6 months after stage I audit) – issue of initial certificate
Surveillance audit (year 2 and 3) – Extension of the certificate
Recertification audit (year 4) – issue of new certificate
The audits take place once a year. Initial and recertification audits must be carried out on site.
TEST FINAL
The certification audit takes place every 3 years as a comprehensive audit. Surveillance audits take place once per calendar year and have the character of a random sample audit. Provided there have been no significant changes to the standard participant, these audits can also take place as a digital audit (remote audit) using the STAR.
REACTIONS TO DEVIATIONS
Reactions to deviations depend on the criteria area in which these deviations occur. If a deviation is found in the minimum requirements, this results in prompt reactions up to the withdrawal of the certificate. If the deviations occur in the area of sustainability targets, there are deadlines with longer periods (up to 6 months) to rectify these deviations.
If no remedial action is taken in either case, the certificate is withdrawn and the authorization to use the CSE mark expires.
4. revision of the standard
A revision of the standard is considered annually by the standard setter. The necessary changes are prepared by an advisory board made up of the standard setter and the standard users. Topics to be discussed are supplemented by experts if necessary. The standard setter prepares a draft amendment on the basis of such a preliminary discussion. This is discussed in a working group at the annual meeting of the GfaW “Sustainability Workshop”. All interested persons are invited to the annual event, as well as experts on the respective topics. The standard setter prepares a revised draft based on the results of the working group. This is sent to all affected parties (standard users) with a deadline for comments. If necessary, the standard setter prepares a third draft, which is again sent to the affected parties with a deadline. This procedure is repeated until there are no more comments.
The final standard can then be found on the standard setter’s website.
5 Systemic requirements
CSE-certified companies have introduced a sustainability management system to ensure the quality of their sustainable management. The company’s individual quality management system must be incorporated into an integrated management system. This sustainability management system serves to systematically maintain a high quality of sustainable management and is based on ISO 14001:2015. The standard only relates to the environment. Part of the standard is, for example, the identification of environmental aspects including a systematic procedure for dealing with them. However, the CSE standard goes far beyond this standard by not only including the additional pillars of sustainability, but also setting absolute criteria.
The sustainability management system of all CSE companies follows the continuous improvement principle (CIP), uses the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and includes the core content of ISO 14001:2015.
It includes at least the following parts:
1. definition of the relevant sustainability aspects
The company defines those aspects that it considers relevant to its own business model. The relevant aspects include at least all sustainability aspects of this standard. A justification for aspects that go beyond this (e.g. from an economic, technological, ecological, socio-cultural, religious and/or political perspective) and an argumentation (e.g. by defining the impact of the business activity in the respective aspect) for the relevance have been developed. They are available in the company in written form.
2. analysis of the relevant interest groups (stakeholders)
The company is aware of its stakeholders and has identified them. An analysis is available in written form, which sets out mutual expectations and requirements. The suppliers are an integral part of the stakeholder analysis. See also Requirements for the supply chain (Chapter 6.9).
3. risks and opportunities of the aspects and stakeholders
The company defines the sustainability risks and opportunities arising from its business activities with regard to the specific aspects and stakeholders, including the supply chain.
4. setting sustainability targets
The company sets itself targets based on the relevant sustainability aspects, stakeholder analysis and the respective risks and opportunities, which are specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic and scheduled. (see also chapter 7) The targets are available in written form in the company.
5. sustainability strategy to improve sustainability performance and achieve sustainability targets
The company develops a sustainability strategy with which it can improve its sustainability performance and achieve its sustainability goals. The strategy is described and is available to all employees in the company for inspection.
6. integration of strategy elements to improve sustainability performance in operational processes and procedures
The company has adapted its operational processes so that the strategy can be implemented. (procedural instructions, work instructions, documentation,…)
7. monitoring and evaluation of the sustainability management system in accordance with the continuous improvement principle (CIP)
The company monitors and evaluates its sustainability management system and its performance at least once a year. It draws conclusions from the monitoring and evaluation.
The subject of monitoring is at least
a) Aspects,
b) Stakeholders,
c) Strategy,
d) Target achievement
The results of the monitoring are integrated into the management system.
The company is also introducing the following optional procedures:
8. emergency plan
9. controlling
10. complaint management
11. procedures for identifying and complying with binding obligations
12. ensuring the control of documents
13. evaluation of the product life cycle and improvement of the environmental impact
14. communication process both internally and externally of relevant information regarding sustainability
Service providers and non-manufacturing companies as well as micro-enterprises are invited to comply with ISO 14001:2015 in its entirety.
Production companies with 15 or more FTEs fully comply with the ISO 14001:2015 standard with their sustainability management system.
The STAR software tool, which is used to carry out CSE certification, contains information, assistance and attachments for meeting the requirements.
6. minimum requirements - RUBRIK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
6.1. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Wertesystem/ Geschäftsmodell
CSE-certified companies offer services and products that contribute to the protection and preservation of the environment and/or serve the common good. Their actions are not motivated by profit, but by the added value of their business activities. The generation and use of profit follows economic, ecological, ethical and social principles as described in this standard. They follow the intention of the standard and operate both within their system and at the system boundaries.
A credible argument for the benefits of the product in terms of sustainability is presented. The added value of the product for people and the environment is clearly described. Based on the sustainable corporate philosophy, CSE-certified companies define their code of honor or refer to industry-standard sustainability criteria (e.g. ecological product certifications, DGNB assessment system for sustainable construction) to which their products are based.
In particular, this Code includes at least the following points in the following sectors (for young companies and start-ups, the respective requirements of their sector apply).
The requirements for the business model of the company to be certified are based on the sector in which the company is registered with the trade office. Trading companies purchase finished products and have no influence on the recipe or product design. Retail companies must pay particular attention to the requirements for the supply chain. As soon as the company has an influence on product development and design, it falls into the “production” area with the products concerned. (e.g. company XY is registered with the trade office as a trading company, but has some products manufactured according to its own recipe. In this case, the requirements for trade apply, but the requirements for production apply to the named products)
A Companies from the service sector
Clients of the CSE-certified service provider are selected on the basis of ethical principles. The principles include exclusion criteria for external tax havens, the arms industry, etc.
The service provided by CSE-certified companies results in significant added value for the customer or the common good in the sense of the term sustainability used in this standard.
A1 Agencies for marketing and communication
Agencies have a special responsibility in times of greenwashing. CSE-certified agencies are aware of this responsibility. They only support projects, products and companies from the organic sector that operate within the sustainable economy and/or make a contribution to the common good.
A2 Banks
All products are sustainable financial products (no investment in the arms industry, fossil fuels or nuclear power, no violation of human rights (ILO standards) and exclusion of abusive child labor, no industrial animal husbandry, no gambling).
The CSE-certified bank does not speculate in food or land use rights.
The focus of lending (at least 75% of loans granted) is on ethical, social and ecological values that serve the common good (education, energy measures, renewable energies, health and care, church and charitable institutions, hospitals, ecological construction, resource efficiency, etc.).
B Companies from the retail sector
At least 75% of the traded mass (weight) is certified according to an ecological standard of the product category.
Foodstuffs: EU-Öko VO, USDA, organic farming associations, IFOAM family
Cosmetics: NaTrue, COSMOS, BDIH, EcoCert, Soil Association, Cosmebio, demeter, naturland, Vivaness 2011, organic and natural cosmetics according to the Austrian Food Code, NCS, EcoGarantie,
Raw materials for cosmeticsNaTrue, NCS, COSMOS, EU-Öko-VO, Union of Ethical Bio-Trade (UEBT), organic and natural cosmetics according to the Austrian Food Manual
Detergents and cleaning agentsEcoGarantie, NCP, EcoCert, Bio-Austria, Nordic Ecolabel,
Textiles: GOTS, IVN, Naturland, demeter, UEBT and synonyms
organic non-food products such as care products, fertilizers, pesticides, hygiene articles and other natural products: NCP.
Pet supplies: The material of the products comes from a recycling process in which at least 50% of the materials were recycled. In the case of leather, this was produced from animals from species-appropriate (at least free-range) animal husbandry with an environmentally friendly tanning process using organic tanning agents.
Pet food: The feed is tailored to the needs of the animals and therefore contains no sugar, no fillers and no preservatives. It comes from regional suppliers. The animal protein content is a by-product of meat production from species-appropriate animal husbandry. In the case of vertebrates, this means at least from free-range farming, and in the case of insects according to Naturland guidelines.
All other sectorsIf no product standard exists for the sector, comparable processing guidelines of the recognized organic associations can be taken into account. Auxiliaries, fertilizers, plant protection products and plant strengthening agents that are approved for organic farming according to the EU Organic Farming Regulation may also be used in CSE-certified companies.
Products made from non-renewable raw materials are only traded in line with the circular economy concept.
C Companies from the production sector
C (a) If only part of the production is carried out by one or more external companies, the root of the number of contract manufacturers shall sign a declaration of commitment to comply with the minimum requirements for subcontractors specified in this chapter:
Based on the sustainable corporate philosophy, audits are carried out at subcontractors by the company to be certified, in which the sustainability aspects that are important to the company are queried**. If relevant aspects are not fulfilled, the possibilities for improvement and objectives for fulfilling the relevant aspects are investigated. If it becomes apparent that the significant sustainability aspects cannot be implemented in the longer term, the company looks for alternatives.
The audits are carried out at an appropriate interval for the order (as a guide: every 3 years for permanent orders, after every 3rd order for irregular orders).
C (b) If the complete production of the company’s entire product range is carried out by a contract manufacturer, the following requirements must be met:
- The product concept (e.g. recipes, casting patterns, cuts, print templates, etc.) belongs to the company to be certified.
- Product-relevant raw materials (e.g. active ingredients, promotional ingredients) are selected and procured by the company to be certified in accordance with its specifications.
- Production takes place in Europe or in a third country if it is linked to an environmental or social project.
- The subcontractor has a sustainability strategy that comprehensively covers the areas of environment, supplier relations, working environment, market & ethics and finance. The company to be certified carries out annual contract manufacturer audits in order to be able to demonstrate this requirement. (Recommendation: On-site audit at least every 3 years, with digital audits in between).
C1 Production company for non-food products
Production companies for non-food products made from renewable raw materials account for at least 80% by weight of the raw materials used to manufacture their products conform to an existing product standard for the industry:
Cosmetics: NaTrue, COSMOS, BDIH, EcoCert, Soil Association, Cosmebio, demeter, naturland, Vivaness 2011, organic and natural cosmetics according to the Austrian Food Code, NCS, EcoGarantie,
Raw material manufacturers for cosmetics and detergents: NaTrue, NCS, COSMOS, EU-Öko-VO, Union of Ethical Bio-Trade (UEBT), NCP
Detergents and cleaning agents: EcoGarantie, NCP Nature Care Product Standard, Bio-Austria, Ecolabel, EcoCert
Textiles: GOTS, IVN, Naturland, demeter, UEBT and synonyms
organic non-food products, such as care products, fertilizers, pesticides, hygiene articles and other natural products: NCP Nature Care Product Standard.
Special regulation for natural cosmetics:
None (0%!) of the raw materials used is a silicone, aluminum chlorohydrate, PEG, paraben, phthalate, coral-damaging UV filters or nano UV filters, ethanolamine, MOAH, MOSH, formaldehyde, synthetic glycol, microplastic, water-soluble synthetic polymer, synthetic fragrance or kerosene.
In principle, the raw materials used (quantity (weight per year) incl. water) are natural cosmetics compliant in accordance with NaTrue, COSMOS, BDIH, EcoCert, Soil Association, Cosmebio, Demeter, Naturland, organic and natural cosmetics in accordance with the Austrian Food Code, NCS or EcoGarantie.
Exceptions apply to non-natural cosmetics-compliant raw materials under the following conditions:
Max. 20 % of the raw materials used (quantity (weight per year) incl. water) are accepted if they serve the purpose of better skin compatibility, effect or user-friendliness or offer an advantage in terms of sustainability (e.g. saving resources). These raw materials are either
- nature-identical substances and their derivatives, if not available as natural substances or cannot be produced from natural substances from a resource-conserving perspective. A request for naturally derived substances is sent to suppliers/raw material manufacturers with every purchase.
or
- Chemical light protection filters and the esters required to dissolve them. User-friendliness and cancer prevention play an overriding role in this category.
or
- Raw materials consisting of a natural and synthetic component, as well as purely synthetic raw materials.
C2 Production company for food products
Manufacturing companies for food products produce 100% food that is certified according to the EU Organic Regulation or according to the import list of the Organic Regulation.
Products in the category Food supplements meet the following requirements:
1. if the product is made from 100% agricultural ingredients, it complies with the EU Organic Farming Regulation.
2. if a product is enriched with vitamins, trace elements or minerals that are not certifiable under the EU Organic Regulation, the following conditions must be met:
- Colorants and antioxidants may only be used if the corresponding chemical compound also occurs in nature
- No use of products from genetically modified organisms
- No use of synthetic chemical sweeteners, sugar alcohols, sugar substitutes, flavorings and preservatives
- No use of ionizing radiation
- No use of petrochemical fats, kerosenes and PEGs
C3 All other sectors
If no product standard exists for the sector, comparable processing guidelines of the recognized organic associations can be taken into account. The auxiliary fertilizers, plant protection products and plant strengthening agents that are approved for organic farming according to the EU Organic Farming Regulation may also be used in CSE-certified companies.
If a product is made from non-renewable raw materials the product concept is based on the principles of the circular economy. Recycled material is to be preferred. A justification for the use of virgin material must be provided, taking into account the principles of sufficiency, efficiency and consistency.
C4 Lohn manufacturing company/ private label production company
Contract manufacturing companies offer their customers 100% organic-certifiable or natural product-certifiable production. If customers want non-compliant products, they are offered compliant products as an option.
C5 Mixed company
Companies that will correspond to several sectors fulfill the respective requirements of the sector in the various business areas with the exception of C (b) (- no own production).
6.2. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Nachhaltigkeitspolitik
As part of the corporate philosophy the company has formulated visions for sustainability in relation to the environment, society and all interest groups relevant to the company. Stakeholders are customers, employees, investors, suppliers, the social environment and other groups that interact with the company. The sustainability management system contains the documented N The sustainability policy is known within the company and is made available to interested parties. It is based on the three principles of sufficiency, efficiency and consistency.
At least one person responsible is responsible for the topic of “sustainability”.
As achievable sustainability goals at least three are selected. There is a strategy for achieving the goals.
The company takes a responsible approach to the issue of animal testing to. If it cannot be avoided for legal reasons (medical products, REACH, etc.), animal testing is only tolerated to the absolute minimum that is unavoidable. The company endeavors to find alternatives.
** Orientation on the purchasing guideline or the use of the suggestion in the appendix offers assistance here.
HEADING ENVIRONMENT
6.3. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Umgang mit Ressourcen
6.3.1 The company uses a purchasing guideline for all materials and raw materials that is based on the sustainability strategy. It stipulates that no human rights are violated and that no products associated with animal testing (where legally permissible) are used. It is also based on the principles of sufficiency, efficiency and consistency.
6.3.2 No raw material with petrochemical content is used as an ingredient for products excluding packaging, except for the raw materials permitted by the respective standard.
6.3.3 Product packaging complies with the packaging criteria in the appendix, is recyclable, PEFC, FSC or C2C certified or biodegradable (glass, paper, recyclable plastic).
6.3.4 Paper products comply with the following list of priorities with the materials listed, provided they are equally suitable: made from 100% recycled paper, PEFC, FSC, eco-label.
6.3.5 IT devices are procured with the following priority list if they are equally suitable: second-hand, TCO certified, Blue Angel, Ecolabel, epeat.
6.3.6 Purchased energy (electricity, heating and cooling) is based on the purchasing guidelines.
6.3.7 Training on environmental aspects and environmental impacts and their optimization takes place regularly.
Production only:
6.3.8 The products do not contain any raw materials from GMOs and are not produced using GMOs.
6.3.9 Producing companies prefer to use ingredients whose plant source material comes from either organic or wild collection .
6.3.10 Chemically processed raw materials are preferably sourced from Green Chemistry/ gentle manufacturing processes as defined above. As Green Chemistry cannot be certified as a production process, the company shall provide evidence of its efforts to source raw materials from Green Chemistry – synonymous with gentle manufacturing processes – one year after the start of certification.
6.3.11 The company’s internal facilities and rooms are cleaned using thermal, UV radiation, ozonization and/or biodegradable cleaning agents in accordance with the Detergents Regulation, preferably with NCP-certified cleaning agents.
6.4. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Energieverbrauch und Energieeffizienz
6.4.1 A strategy is in place to reduce energy and resource consumption (electricity, heating, cooling, water, IT, etc.), which includes appropriate savings measures (e.g. through adapted behavior at the workplace) and training for employees in this regard.
6.4.2 Energy consumption and energy efficiency are taken into account when planning new work processes .
6.4.3 Only green electricity is used. This applies to companies located in Germany or Switzerland. Companies from other countries that are unable to use green electricity shall provide proof of this. These companies shall draw up an action plan to actively advocate a change.
6.5. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Wasser & Abwasser
6.5.1 The company fulfills at least the legal requirements with regard to wastewater.
6.5.2 It has a water and wastewater management system that aims to reduce wastewater and minimize water pollution.
6.5.3 Surfactants of in-house detergents and cleaning agents are completely biodegradable in accordance with detergents regulation 648/2004.
6.6. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Abfall
6.6.1 The company fulfills at least the legal requirements with regard to waste.
6.6.2 It has a waste management system that aims to reduce waste.
6.7. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Klimaschutz
6.7.1 Warehousing meets the requirements for subcontractors. The warehouse is selected at least according to ecological and logistical criteria. The principle applies: shortest route for the largest possible quantities.
6.7.2 The company draws up a travel policy against the background of “avoid, reduce and compensate”. Priority is always given to resource-saving means of transportation.
6.7.3 Business trips are compressed in mobility .
6.7.4 CSE-certified companies and organizations are climate-neutral. This means that the greenhouse gases emitted are calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol. At least Scope 1, 2 and company-relevant parts of Scope 3 that cannot be assigned to products are determined, reduction potentials are tapped and the emitted gases are offset. The principle of 1. avoid, 2. decrease, 3. Compensating .
1. avoidance and 2. reduction: Savings potentials are identified and exploited on the basis of the carbon footprint. There is a reduction strategy that aims to achieve a maximum reduction. After exhausting all savings potential, the greenhouse gas emissions of production companies remain at least the same in relation to turnover.
3. offsetting: The company takes compensation for the “unavoidable remainder” in the amount of 10% additional CO2 equivalents than it emits or is otherwise active in binding CO2. The declared aim is to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in the atmosphere. Compensation projects demonstrate their climate effectiveness through certification***.
The calculation, reduction and offsetting is gradually extended to product-related areas. The decision on which areas to include is guided by the relevance of the respective area (raw material, flow of goods, packaging, etc.) for the company and, in a second step, the feasibility of climate neutrality for this area.
6.8. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Naturschutz & Artenvielfalt
6.8.1 No raw material comes from plants or animals that are threatened with extinction and are on the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Exceptions to this are plants and animals that have been cultivated or kept in a species-appropriate manner.
***Theoffsetting projects should fit in with the company’s day-to-day business. An offsetting project within national borders can be just as relevant for the reduction of greenhouse gases as a reduction in distant countries if companies are active there. The choice of compensation should be based on the effectiveness of the measure.
CATEGORY SUPPLY CHAIN
6.9. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Lieferantenbeziehung
6.9.1 Services and processing steps that are not carried out within the company but are legally within the sphere of influence of the CSE-certified company due to contractual relationships are also subject to the CSE standard. For details, see 6.1C.
The existing sustainability management system includes the supply chain. For the areas
- Own business activities
- Direct (see definition, all contractual partners relevant for production) and
- Indirect suppliers (see definition, all suppliers that are not direct).
the company carries out a risk analysis with regard to the violation of human rights, environmental pollution and deforestation. It takes measures to avoid and reduce these. In accordance with the principle of continuous improvement, it measures and evaluates its measures****.
Based on this, the following requirements apply to the supply chain:
6.9.2 Long-term partnerships are established. When choosing partnerships, sustainability dimensions such as transport routes, promotion of biodiversity, animal welfare, climate-neutral company and transport, etc. are at least as important as price conditions.
6.9.3 CSE-certified companies carry out a supplier assessment of sustainability performance and ILO requirements. The basis for the supplier evaluation is a management system for naming, evaluating and prioritizing all suppliers. A change of supplier takes place with comprehensible reasons. This serves to establish a basis for cooperation and partnerships.
****Theserequirements are based on the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act https://wirtschaft-entwicklung.de/fileadmin/user_upload/5_Wirtschaft_und_Menschenrechte/Downloads/Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesgesetz.pdf The law currently applies to companies with more than 1000 employees.
The online tool helps with risk analysis: https://www.mvorisicochecker.nl/de or https://wirtschaft- entwicklung.de/wirtschaft-menschenrechte/csr-risiko-check/
The SME Compass provides support in creating measures, measuring and evaluating: https://wirtschaft- entwicklung.de/wirtschaft-menschenrechte/kmu-kompass/
6.10. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Menschenrechte, Sozial- und -Umweltstandards
6.10.1 The Purchasing Guideline follows the principles of sufficiency, efficiency and consistency.
6.10.2 The company uses a purchasing guideline for all materials and raw materials that is based on the sustainability strategy. It includes ensuring that no human rights are violated, that ILO requirements are complied with and that no products are used that are associated with animal testing (with the exception of those required by law).
6.10.3 If there is an alternative raw material that
- makes a greater contribution to increasing biodiversity, species diversity and/or soil quality and/or
- comes from fair trade, fair production or fair wild harvesting (fairwild, fairforlife, forlife, UEBT, FairTrade, naturland fair, Rapunzel Hand-in-Hand) and
- continues to meet the quality requirements, it is preferred in product development.
Products are regularly checked for positive raw material alternatives during the manufacturing process.
6.10.4 Critical raw materials whose cultivation poses a threat to the indigenous population or/and ecosystems (such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives) are used according to the following priority list: organic, fairwild, UEBT, FairTrade, fairforlife, forlife or Rapunzel Hand-in-Hand). If palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives are not available in these qualities, they are at least from RSPO cultivation.
SECTION WORKING WORLD
6.11. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Aus- & Weiterbildung
6.11.1 All people who are involved in the company in any way have the opportunity to receive ongoing training. Sufficient resources are provided by the company for this purpose.
6.11.2 Training and optimization with regard to occupational safety, health at work and accident prevention take place regularly.
6.12. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Chancengleichheit & Teilhabe
6.12.1 New employees are recruited free of discrimination and therefore according to competence, aptitude, suitability for the job description and other company-specific criteria.
6.12.2 Employees are informed about every decision and vision of the company that is relevant to them. They are demonstrably given the opportunity to comment on them.
6.12.3 Employee participation is enabled in the company.
6.12.4 Equal opportunities for all employees are guaranteed in terms of employment, training, further training and career advancement.
6.12.5 The area of responsibility of employees is defined in such a way that they can act independently in their area of competence and undergo further training. The aim is to motivate and satisfy employees with their work in order to increase their performance in a positive sense.
6.12.6 The company has established procedures that allow redundancies to be handled consciously. The aim is to arrange necessary redundancies for operational reasons as early as possible and with the best possible support. Support in this sense means, for example Justification of the dismissal, support in the job search, use of career advisors, handing out references, payment of severance pay and others. In principle, the following applies: further training and retraining before dismissal.
6.13. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Arbeitgeberattraktivität
6.13.1 Working hours are family-friendly : It is possible to work flexible hours. Meetings and mandatory internal events after 5 p.m. are only necessary in justified exceptional cases. Weekend work is not required. If weekend work is part of the job, it is clearly mentioned in the job description.
6.13.2 The company allows employees to work from home if this makes technical sense.
6.13.3 Employee satisfaction is taken seriously in the company. The company has a procedure for determining satisfaction, drawing results from it and implementing them.
6.13.4 There is no exploitative use of interns. The company follows the principles of the “Fair Company” when hiring interns .
MARKET & ETHICS SECTION
6.14. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Wertesystem
6.14.1 The company deals responsibly with the issue of animal testing . If it cannot be avoided for legal reasons (medical products, REACH, etc.), animal testing is only tolerated to the absolute minimum that is unavoidable. The company endeavors to find alternatives.
6.14.2 Concern for animal welfare is a matter of course for CSE companies. For this reason, all animal products preferably come not only from controlled organic farming, but also from association farms. In addition to this prioritization in purchasing, the company is aware of the conditions under which the animals are kept and conducts a survey of its suppliers/producers at least once a year (see also supplier survey 6.9.3).
6.15. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Produktlebenszyklus
6.15.1 The impacts of its activities and its products are described in the company’s sustainability management system against the background of the circular concept and the longest possible life cycle of the products. (especially for consumer products)
6.16. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt Transparenz
6.16.1 Advertising for products is truthful. No product promises are made that have not been checked in advance.
6.16.1 Transparency: The company does not misuse the term “sustainability”. It integrates the transparency of its sustainability performance into its marketing strategy. At points of sale, the most important point of contact with consumers, attention is paid to training staff in sustainability.
6.17. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt ethische Wirtschaft – Anti-Korruption
In addition to the legal requirements, the company defines in a code of conduct how it prevents corruption, bribery, fraud, nepotism (favoritism), money laundering, misappropriation of public funds (grants, subsidies), anti-competitive behavior or threats to whistleblowers, both within its own company and within the supply chain and in its dealings with other stakeholders (such as customers, employees, etc.). Following a risk analysis , it describes in this code how it counters the risks of unethical business practices.
In concrete terms, this means
6.17.1 Companies with 3 or more employees draw up an internal code of conduct that includes all measures to prevent the above-mentioned unethical behavior in their own company. It includes at least
- Self-declaration taking into account possible conflicts of interest
- Training plan for employees to prevent corruption, e.g. awareness training
- Own approach to protecting whistleblowers (employees, customers, suppliers or other stakeholders), which may go beyond the Whistleblower Protection Act
- Specific handling of sensitive transactions (travel, gifts, training and similar), e.g. admission procedures
The Code of Conduct is signed by everyone in the company and forms part of the employment contract.
6.17.2 Company types B and C with more than 15 full-time equivalents have signed codes of conduct of the relevant? The possibility and implementation of supplier audits are described therein.
6.17.3 The management review contains an annual summary of complaints, sensitive transactions, supplier audits and necessary measures to prevent unethical business behavior.
FINANCIAL SECTION
6.18. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt internes Finanzwesen
6.18.1 Profits are returned in such a way that they are used to implement measures to achieve the sustainability goals. (This can take the form of investment in energy-saving measures, investment in employee training, investment in ethical investment or similar activities).
6.18.2 The salaries of employees at a comparable level and with comparable responsibilities are treated equally.
6.18.3 The pay gap of 1:15 is not exceeded in the company.
6.18.4 The company designs its profit margins in accordance with the intention of this standard. It has and develops an awareness of the impact of excessive profit margins on sustainability.
6.19. Nachhaltigkeitsaspekt externes Finanzwesen
The financial system is aligned with ethical criteria . This includes
6.19.1 For domestic money transfer and/or storage of free capital , a bank with a sustainable orientation in accordance with this standard is selected.
6.19.2 Investments are designed to be sustainable.
6.19.3 Promotion of sustainable company pension schemes, if available, and support in switching to a sustainable company pension scheme.
6.19.4 An evaluation of the company’s insurance policies with regard to a sustainable alternative is carried out at least every two years.
6.19.5 In the case of borrowing , regional aspects and ethically oriented lenders are taken into consideration. In individual cases, it should be examined whether a local lender is worth supporting for the region or whether a sustainably oriented financial institution should be chosen.
7. catalog of criteria for company-specific sustainability targets
The company’s individual sustainability targets are based on the CSE minimum requirements. The company selects these requirements either from the criteria listed below or from its own criteria. Of the at least 3 sustainability targets, a maximum of 2 may come from the “environment” category. One of the two dimensions must be environmental in order to comply with ISO 14001:2015. The prerequisite for the ongoing use of the “CSE” label is therefore, in addition to compliance with the minimum requirements, proof of measures to achieve the selected objectives by means of corresponding indicators. These indicators, in turn, are continuously adapted to the changing state of knowledge. Once a company has achieved its goals and thus fulfilled its optimization level, its objectives are to maintain this level.
The list of possible sustainability goals is open insofar as it can be supplemented upon application to the “Living Sustainability” working group.
The periods for achieving these goals are 3 to 5 years. In justified cases, the period may be extended. Recognition of the justification will be given by the certification committee.
Category Management system
- The corporate objectives are clearly defined and anchored in the quality management handbook and management plan. Indicator: none.
- Social-ecological accounting: “Goodprint”. Indicator: not yet known, as
This type of accounting is still being researched.
- Creation of a common good balance sheet in accordance with the common good economy. Indicator: all indicators are available within the balance sheet.
- Engagement in activities with a positive social impact at each of the company’s locations of operation . Indicator: List of activities, including effort and impact.
- External social activities are reflected in ethically oriented projects and ethical investment. For example, by supporting associations, NGOs, school projects and the like. Indicator: Number of activities, listed by
- The company rejects the use of critically produced raw materials , which currently means palm oil. It finds a way to replace these raw materials or to promote their production in an ecologically and socially responsible manner.
Category Environment
- All ingredients of plant origin, if available, come from organic cultivation or fairwild collection. If the plant-based raw material is also available in fair-
quality, this is given preference. The company has developed a procedure for sourcing raw materials according to the following priority: fair and organic> organic > plant-based. Indicator: Proportion of purchases in number and quantity.
- one component of each end product is from organic or fairwild (wild collection). Indicator: Proportion of products per total products with organic components.
- No raw materials from fossil sources are used either in the packaging or in the product itself. Indicator: Should then no longer be necessary.
- Only palm oil from sustainable cultivation is used, for the production of which it can be proven that no indigenous peoples were displaced or rainforest cleared.
- Companies that use palm oil-based raw materials (e.g. emulsifiers, emollients, consistency agents, ascorbyl palmitate) in their products are substituting them with sustainable palm oil-free variants.
- The company is involved in the Science Based Target Initiative and is determining a reduction target for its industry.
- Direct energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to a minimum. With regard to indirect energy consumption , the company is developing a process to reduce this to a minimum as well. Indicator: Ratio of energy to product sold = energy efficiency, but also how many emissions are generated, possibly in connection with climate neutrality.
- Packaging is made from easily recyclable materials. No use of multi-component packaging. The design enables efficient use of materials for complete and easy emptying. This can be demonstrated in comparison with other packaging.
Category Supply chain
- Intermediaries must demonstrate their added value for producers and buyers. Indicator: not meaningful.
- All permanent suppliers also operate sustainably. In the best case also CSE-certified. Indicator: Number of sustainable suppliers.
Category working world
- Salaries are socially fair
- Proposal for wage orientation: The highest wage may not exceed a factor of 10 in relation to the lowest wage in a full-time permanent position.
- Proposal for a socially fair salary model: basic salary and top-up based on “additional performance” such as responsibility, length of service in the company, overtime, further training, etc.
- Job satisfaction: Employees are just as sure of their value to the company as the company is aware of the value of its employees. Actions are aligned accordingly. Indicator: Employee surveys, sick days, fluctuation, etc.
- Creation of training and internship positions. Indicator: % number of trainees/interns in relation to total number of employees
- Inclusion of regional workshops for the disabled, integration options, etc.
- Employee profit-sharing or other remuneration for significantly profitable ideas
Category Market & Ethics
- Negotiations with countries whose imports require products to be tested on animals are structured in such a way that the company’s rejection of animal testing is made clear. A position paper, letter of request or petition to the responsible authority or member of parliament can be the start of this. These letters should make the company’s position clear and raise awareness of the issue in the federal states.
- Investments in ethical
- Addressing the challenge using the example of palm oil. Dealing responsibly with the consequences of the increased demand for raw materials. E.G:
- Research and use of
- Own activities to support the indigenous population and their biodiversity.
- Support for an organization that protects and supports indigenous peoples and their biodiversity.
- Inclusion of sales outlets and field service. All points of sale comply with the minimum requirements of the CSE standard. Indicator: proportion of CSE-compliant points of sale, proportion of minimum requirements met per point of sale.
- In the course of cooperation-building activities , the company shows solidarity with other companies. This can take the form of knowledge transfer, sharing of know-how, workforce, orders and/or forms of cooperative marketing and joint crisis management.
- The company is dedicated to and involved in research into sustainable packaging.
Category Finance
- The company is aware of the source of the financial resources it uses.
- Debt capital is only provided by ethically oriented lenders. The lender discloses how it refinances itself. Indicator: none.
- Insurers are asked annually/every 2 years what they think about sustainability Successive terminations with reasons if necessary.
8. focal points
Optional topics can be selected from the sustainability focus section, the processing of which can be awarded separately by the GfaW.
Circular economy
To find sources of new value creation opportunities, the company starts with output-input tables. Output-input tables make it clear where value creation is still possible within the production chain (e.g. in the recycling of organic waste as compost, which can either be sold or reused in the company’s own cultivation).
Animal welfare
The company is actively involved in alternative safety studies.
Climate neutrality
The company, its sales outlets, the sales force and all its B2B suppliers operate in a climate-neutral manner in line with this standard.
Clean processing of raw materials (Green Chemistry)
The company is committed to the research and application of cleanly processed raw materials.
Ethics
The company is involved in social projects, gives socially disadvantaged people work opportunities or is involved in other ethically oriented projects.
Knowledge transfer
The company is involved in the transfer of knowledge on sustainable topics. It organizes conferences, training courses, courses, etc. and participates in research projects.
Economy for the common good
The company itself prepares a common good balance sheet and is active in the common good economy movement.
Green IT
The company focuses on green IT solutions in line with this standard.
9. appendix
All templates for compliance with the criteria are stored in the CSE-STAR (Sustainability Tool for Assessment and Reporting) software program.
CSE standard
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