What is the Plastic Free Balearics certification process like?

The first step to participate in Plastic Free Balearics is to get in touch with us. We will send you an online form with a set of questions about the products we evaluate, allowing us to prepare the next step: an on-site visit.

The main goal of this visit is to verify the data entered in the online form and address, on site, any questions that may arise from both the company and our team. Once the verification is completed, we enter all the collected information into a database that automatically provides the result of the diagnosis.

Whether the process is successfully passed or not, if all necessary changes for certification are not implemented, we prepare a report with the diagnosis and improvement options. If the certification is passed, we deliver a physical certificate to the company. Furthermore, the company becomes part of the Plastic Free Menorca platform, appears on our website and map, and is given the opportunity to participate in the “0 Plastic Experiences”.

What methodology is used?

The methodology used in this certification is based on an impact index called HAPI (Honest Alternatives to Plastics Index) developed by Save The Med. HAPI rates each product on a scale of 10 points, assigning 10 to the product with the highest environmental impact that must be eliminated, and 0 to the zero-waste alternative, with intermediate scores according to impact.

The diagnosis is carried out from a Preset List that contains the products organized into 22 categories and characterized by the following:

• Products banned by current legislation.

• Products identified with a Red Flag: products frequently found on beaches, according to the BLUEISLANDS study. The “Red Flag” product categories have been selected and classified within this list due to their ubiquity and potential danger to the environment.

• Honest alternative substitutions: Products that represent a guaranteed improvement compared to the products mentioned above.

Does it have any cost for the company?

No. This certification covers the cost of the technical work carried out by the technical coordinator of Plastic Free Menorca and the person in charge of Plastic Free Balearics in Menorca, as well as the certification fee paid to Save The Med for each company. All these costs are assumed by Menorca Preservation and, therefore, the certification is offered free of charge to companies.