NSF Certification Verifies Products with Reduced Materials

NSF launched NSF Certified Compact Product, an independent certification that verifies products designed to reduce environmental impact. These certified products are made of optimized material that increases transportation efficiency while maintaining safety, performance and usability.

The certification standard, available to all manufacturers and retail channels, addresses the continued need for credible verification of environmental claims. Independently owned and managed by NSF, the NSF Certified Compact Product standard provides manufacturers with a science-based validation with the intention of providing a trusted third-party certification mark.

“As regulations around environmental claims tighten, independent verification is becoming essential, as regulators increasingly expect green design elements to be substantiated and third-party verified rather than self-declared,” said Jess Evans, NSF director of food advisory.

The certification evaluates products using ISO-aligned Life Cycle Assessment methods and verifies measurable reductions in material use compared to conventional products. It focuses on optimizing mass per use, material intensity and transportation impact without compromising safety or functionality. The program also requires certified products to maintain documented social and labor policies demonstrating respect for human rights and responsible workplace practices across operations and supply chains.

The certification applies across a range of product categories where compact design can significantly reduce material use and shipping impacts. Initially, manufacturers of cleaning agents, laundry and personal care products, and skin cleaners and moisturizers in compact formats (tablets, bars, and sticks) are eligible to apply. NSF will regularly review standard criteria and evaluate candidates for format expansion while adapting to new product innovation. Certified products will display the NSF Certified Compact Product mark and be listed on NSF’s online directory.