This announcement shall enter into effect as of 1 January 2026.
Under the framework of the CSCAP-SSA (Climate & Sustainability Capital Forum – Sustainability Services & Supply Chains Alliance), Sustainism Initiatives (STNSM) hereby announces its support for the use of the Good Materials symbol as a voluntary mechanism to advance Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), specifically in the dimension of responsible material use.
From the perspective of UN-ESCAP, the transition toward SCP is not limited to macro-level policies or the adoption of advanced technologies alone. Rather, it must begin with practical decision-making at the level of activities, organizations, and supply chains, particularly in relation to the selection, management, and onward handling of materials used in production, service delivery, and operational activities in real-world contexts.
In this regard, CSCAP-SSA recognizes that material management represents one of the most critical entry points for the transition to SCP, as it is a dimension in which all stakeholders can take immediate action and generate systemic outcomes across environmental, economic, and social responsibility dimensions.
The Good Materials symbol has therefore been developed to indicate the positive status of materials used in activities, products, or operations, where such materials have been considered and managed in ways that support:
- Reuse,
- Recycling, and/or
- Reduction of virgin resource use and waste generation,
in a manner consistent with SCP principles and a systems-based approach.
The symbol is intended to function as a “Transition Signal”, linking practical actions at the activity and supply-chain levels with the broader SCP cooperation framework under CSCAP-SSA, and encouraging organizations, businesses, and event organizers to initiate tangible improvements in material-related practices.
The Good Materials symbol does not constitute a final-stage certification. Rather, it serves as a framework to support learning, adaptation, and continuous improvement, enabling SCP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region to be grounded in real-world operational practices.
2. Conditions for the Use of the Good Materials Symbol
Entities seeking to use the Good Materials symbol must demonstrate commitment to advancing SCP through participation in the SSA (Sustainability Services & Supply Chains Alliance) and meet the following minimum requirements:
- Policy Declaration
A formal statement expressing commitment to responsible resource use and the reduction of environmental impacts. - Declaration of Intent and Targets
Clearly defined objectives related to material management, reuse, recycling, and/or waste reduction within the context of the organization or activity. - Implementation and Delivery Processes
Demonstrated processes or approaches aligned with SCP principles that support systematic material management.
3. Responsibility for Material Management
Applicants for the Good Materials symbol must designate a clearly identified responsible entity or person to manage the materials at the end of their use, ensuring that materials can be:
- Reused,
- Transferred to appropriate recycling processes, or
- Managed in a manner that effectively reduces waste.
This requirement ensures that the use of the symbol reflects actual practice and does not remain solely a symbolic communication.
4. Guidelines for the Use of the Symbol
- The Good Materials symbol may be used on communication materials, event signage, documents, or other materials related to eligible material use.
- The symbol must be applied only in contexts that accurately reflect actual material management practices.
- The symbol must not be used in any manner that implies high-level certification or legal endorsement.
- Authorization for use of the symbol must be obtained from The Secretariat of Sustainism Initiatives (STNSM.org)
Important : The use of the Good Materials symbol shall be subject to prior authorization from the Secretariat of Sustainism Initiatives (STNSM) and must be formally confirmed in writing in all cases. Requests for authorization shall be submitted exclusively via email to secretariat@stnsm.org.
No individual or entity is permitted to use, reproduce, display, or otherwise reference the Good Materials symbol without such prior written authorization. Any unauthorized use, misrepresentation, or use that may create misleading impressions regarding endorsement, certification, or compliance status is strictly prohibited.
STNSM expressly disclaims any and all liability for damages, losses, claims, or consequences of any kind arising from or related to the unauthorized or improper use of the Good Materials symbol, including but not limited to reputational, legal, or financial impacts, in all cases.
5. Disclaimer and Important Notice
The Good Materials symbol:
- Does not constitute a certification; and
- Is not an endorsement or certification by the United Nations, nor by any organization within the United Nations system.
The symbol is a voluntary instrument designed to support learning, transition, and early-stage engagement toward Sustainable Consumption and Production under the SCP and SSA frameworks.
In the event that the Good Materials symbol is used in a manner inconsistent with the established guidelines, or where no clearly identified party is responsible for the management of materials for reuse, recycling, or reduction, such cases may be reported to whistleblower@stnsm.org. Reports may be submitted without disclosure of identity. All information will be treated confidentially and reviewed in accordance with the governance principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible use.
Contact in Thailand (Coordinator and Operations)
O2OESG
Mr. Pornpot Chaovirakij
Director, O2OESG for CSCAP-SSA
+66 9703 44225
Contact at Sustainism Secretariat
Sustainism Initiatives
Ms. Kaninchita Wonganawat
Assistant Director of the Secretariat
+66 8298 96869
secretariat@stnsm.org
