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The “Stationery & office supplies” category includes all essential items used in offices, schools, and other workplaces to facilitate writing, organisation, and document management. This category is divided into the following product subcategories:
Paper:
Unprinted paper for writing (e.g. letter paper) and printing (e.g. copier paper), made from new and/or recycled fibres
Writing, Drawing & Correcting:
Materials for writing, drawing, painting, and marking, such as pens, pencils, mechanical pencils, markers, felt-tip pens, highlighters, paints (acrylic, watercolour, etc.), and erasers
Printed documents:
Printed products such as magazines, newspapers, books, brochures, flyers, leaflets, catalogues, posters, envelopes, and other printed materials.
Envelopes & Mailing bags:
Unprinted products including various types of envelopes and bags used for transporting and protecting documents, such as padded envelopes, windowed and non-windowed envelopes, and those made from recycled or non-recycled paper.
Organization & Filing:
Products and tools for structuring, organising, and managing tasks, projects, and time, such as calendars, diaries, notebooks, notepads, sketchpads, folders, sticky notes, and labels.
The “Furniture” category includes all products used to furnish spaces such as offices, schools, workplaces, and homes. It covers a wide range of furniture designed for storage, organisation, and comfort. This category is divided into two main subcategories:
Wooden furniture:
Furniture primarily made from wood or wood-based materials, such as desks, shelves, cabinets, chairs, doors, tables, beds, benches, and similar items.
Other furniture: Furniture primarily made from materials other than wood, such as metal, plastic, textiles, or composite materials. This subcategory includes plastic chairs, glass tables, metal cabinets, and upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs with fabric or leather covers.
The “ICT” category includes all electronic products and devices used for processing, storing, and transmitting information. These products are essential in various fields, including offices, education, communication, and leisure. This category includes devices such as computers, printers, smartphones, and other communication devices. The following subcategories are included:
Desktop Computers:
Stationary computers designed for fixed use, usually accompanied by a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. They are used in work environments or at home for office or professional tasks.
Laptops:
Portable computers designed for mobility and used for various professional, educational, or personal tasks.
Smartphones & Tablets:
Mobile devices combining communication functions (calls, messaging) with digital content management (apps, web browsing, games), suitable for both professional and private use.
Displays:
Monitors and screens for displaying digital content, including desktop monitors, televisions, touchscreens, etc.
Printers & Multifunction Devices:
Devices for printing documents, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. This subcategory includes inkjet printers, laser printers, and multifunction models.
Ink & Toner Cartridges:
Consumables used in printers and copiers to produce text and images. Ink cartridges are mainly used in inkjet printers, while toner is used in laser printers.
Energy consumption (production):
Refers to the energy consumed during the production process, with the aim of reducing the use of fossil fuels and associated CO₂ emissions. This is achieved through optimised energy efficiency and prioritising sustainable energy sources. The focus is usually on final assembly, where data is more accessible, reducing the risk of greenwashing.
Energy efficiency (usage):
Refers to a product’s ability to perform its function while minimising energy consumption to reduce environmental impact and associated costs.
Recycled content:
Materials recovered from waste or diverted from waste streams and reused for new product manufacturing. A distinction must be made between pre-consumer recycling (production waste) and post-consumer recycling (waste after use). A product can be made entirely or partially from recycled content, with percentages varying depending on the label and product category.
Bio-based content from sustainable sources:
Materials derived from biological resources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms that naturally regenerate. These resources must be sourced sustainably, meaning they grow faster than they are consumed to ensure renewal without depletion. Examples include FSC-certified wood, PEFC-certified wood, or other similar local certifications.
Design for recycling: An approach aimed at designing products that anticipate the end of their lifecycle, facilitating recycling and reintegration into the production process, thereby reducing waste. This includes selecting recyclable materials, avoiding harmful substances, and ensuring easy disassembly, sorting, and treatment of components for reuse.
Take-back service:
A system implemented by manufacturers to ensure the recovery and reuse of products at the end of their lifecycle. This may include collecting used products or utilizing materials and components for which an existing take-back structure enables recycling or reintegration into the production process.
Extended Warranty:
A product warranty that exceeds the standard coverage period (typically 2 years; in this context, often >5 years, depending on the product category), providing consumers with extended protection against repairs or replacements. It ensures product longevity and reduces unexpected repair costs.
Repairability: Refers to how easily a product can be repaired to extend its lifespan. This includes aspects such as product design and disassembly, the availability of manuals and spare parts, and the ability to replace consumables without specialised knowledge. Access to spare parts improves repairability, reduces waste, and minimises the need for full replacements.
Health & safety:
Refers to standards ensuring that products are safe for both consumers and the environment throughout their lifecycle. This includes the use of non-toxic materials, compliance with health regulations (such as the REACH regulation), guidelines for safe use and disposal, and criteria that promote consumer well-being, such as ergonomics.
Social Responsibility: Encompasses ethical practices throughout production and supply chains, including fair working conditions, transparency, and sustainable manufacturing. It also includes corporate social responsibility (CSR), where companies actively engage in societal efforts, support communities, reduce inequalities, and uphold human rights standards.
Environmental Labels:
An environmental label is a mark placed on a product or service that confirms its environmental and/or social quality based on specific criteria. On b.circular, the focus is on Type I ecolabels or equivalent schemes (e.g., generally recognized label, multi-criteria approach, transparent standards, independent verification).