New data-sharing recognition reduces audit duplication and strengthens industry-wide sustainability alignment
A new strategic partnership between the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) will allow SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) to be officially recognised as an accepted data source for meeting the social fairness criteria under the Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified) standard.
The collaboration enables suppliers already using SLCP assessments to demonstrate compliance with C2C’s social requirements—confirming that workers are treated fairly and strong labour practices are upheld throughout supply chains—without undergoing duplicate audits.
By integrating SLCP’s verified social data into C2C’s certification process, both organisations aim to reduce audit fatigue, improve efficiency, and free up resources for more substantive sustainability improvements. Key benefits include:
- Reduced duplication: Streamlined data-sharing eliminates redundant assessments, saving manufacturers time and cost.
- Improved alignment: Encourages harmonisation across certification systems, simplifying compliance for global brands.
- Enhanced credibility: Leverages SLCP’s verified data to strengthen confidence in social performance reporting.
- Accelerated progress: Redirects effort from repeated auditing to improving worker well-being and circularity outcomes.
Steve Harris, COO of SLCP, said the partnership “is a practical approach to reducing audit fatigue… a fantastic win for manufacturers.” Elwyn Grainger-Jones, Executive Director of C2CPII, added that recognising SLCP’s CAF “drives further convergence within the industry” while reinforcing C2C’s commitment to social fairness and responsible sourcing.
The alignment marks another step toward a more efficient, interoperable certification ecosystem for the global apparel and textile sector.
