When it comes to product transparency disclosure, the International Living Future Institute's (ILFI) Declare program has re-invented the way the manufacturers are able to scale the exchange of product and material information in an easy and simplified way. Manufacturers are able to have a direct influence on the healthy buildings materials marketplace with this efficient way of communicating information.
As a manufacturer working on your full material disclosure (FMD), the Declare Label is an important first step to improving visibility throughout the building materials industry. It imbues trust in your consumers that you're a leader dedicated to enabling a healthier built environment. Architects, healthcare institutions, municipalities, and major universities are able to utilize this Declare Label information to help them in their future decision making and large-scale sustainability goals.
Toxnot is proud to partner with ILFI to host the exclusive platform for creating a Declare Label. Now that you're ready to dive in further, let's define exactly what a declare label is, what information you need get started, and each step you need to take in order to create your label.
What's a Declare Label?
A Declare Label is essentially a nutrition label for a products. These labels help you answer the questions of where a product comes from, what the product is made of, and where the product goes at the end of its life. On a declare label you'll find information such as the product’s composition, product assembly locations, end-of-life options, chemical of concern flags, and third-party verification assessment.
Red List
Declare Labels can help you identify what materials in your products are on the Red List (polluting, harmful, bio-accumulating substances). These are the "worst in class" materials that exist commonly throughout the building industry.
Third-Party Verification
Through the Declare program, each Declare Label has the option to be third-party verified, providing manufacturers with the verified oversight for claims made on each of your labels. Third-party verification offers additional confidence and risk mitigation for your customers. Third-party verification is optional but certainly recommended.
Alignment with ILFI, LEED v4, & the WELL Building Standard
Getting a Declare Label can help you meet requirements for the Living Building Challenge, LEED v4, and the WELL Building Standard. In order to meet these requirements, you will want to explore the requirements in the Declare Manufacturer’s Guide (https://www2.living-future.org/Declare-2.0?RD_Scheduler=Declare ) or on the ILFI website (https://living-future.org/declare/declare-about/#declare-2-0) to ensure you’re following the correct pathway that best suits your needs.
How to create your Declare Label?
Getting started with your Declare Label is an easy process and requires just a few pieces of information! Toxnot helps you streamline your submission process by allowing you to seamlessly create your product bill of materials, survey your supply chain, and screen for chemical hazards of concern all directly on the platform.
What you'll need:
- An annual ILFI Premium Membership. This can be purchased on the ILFI website for $150 USD.
- A Free Toxnot Account - Sign up here!
- A Bill of Materials (BOM) for the product you wish to Declare. Once you've completed the above steps and gathered your bill of material data, this video walks you through the process of creating a Declare label.
Declare Label Submission Resources
If you have any questions about Toxnot, review our video to learn mroe or chat us using the button on the bottom right-hand side of your screen. For any questions about the Declare Label standard or certification process, you can contact the Declare support team. They can be reached at declare.suppport@living-future.org.
