| | | | | | Have you ever encountered a sustainability claim that made you think, "Really?" You're not alone. A growing number of businesses are making bold green claims that don't quite stack up. And when those claims aren't backed up, it's not just a bad look—it erodes trust in that brand and the sustainability movement as a whole.
Vague, sweeping, or unqualified claims can easily mislead consumers—and now, they may also attract legal consequences. With regulators like the ACCC cracking down on greenwashing, businesses have a clear incentive to get it right.
At GECA, we're here to help cut through the noise. Whether through our rigorous lifecycle ecolabel or our Claims Authentication service, our job is to help businesses stand out for the right reasons—by proving their impact with accurate, verifiable data. These tools aren't just about compliance—they're a chance to lead with integrity, build trust, and demonstrate genuine commitment to people and planet.
Now more than ever, people are looking for brands they can believe in. Because when you can back your sustainability story with evidence, you're not just building trust—you're helping to lift the standard across the entire industry. We want to enable as many businesses as possible to access independent claim authentication, so I encourage you to take advantage of April's special offer featured in this issue.
Let's keep raising the bar and showing what good really looks like.
| | | | | | Meet TRUEGRID Australia
TRUEGRID seeks to offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to the negative impacts associated with traditional hardstand materials like concrete and asphalt. We spoke to them about their initial pursuit of lifecycle ecolabel certification under our Recycled Products standard, its significance for the company, and the ongoing benefits it delivers.
"GECA certification prompted us to evaluate every aspect of the business, from the supply of recycled materials to the recyclability of our products at the end of their lifecycle. This comprehensive and independent assessment reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability and opened new opportunities for business growth." | | | | | | Driving Circularity Through Procurement
GECA is proud to have contributed to a new industry guideline launched by the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP). The BBP's Circular Economy Procurement Best Practice Guideline is a practical tool to help the property and construction sectors reimagine procurement as a powerful enabler of circularity.
Developed collaboratively by BBP members and circular economy experts from thinkstep-anz, this new guideline provides a clear roadmap to bridge the gap between ambition and action. It's relevant for facility and asset managers, procurement teams, contract managers and sustainability teams. | | | | Sound Bites CPD Webinar Series
GECA licensee Decor Systems presents the Sound Bites CPD Webinar Series, a curated collection of short, insightful CPD-certified sessions designed to educate and inspire architects and designers.
The next session on Monday, 5 May, from 1:00–2:00 PM AEDT delves into Indigenous procurement, green credentials, and how using GECA certified products aligns with Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) frameworks.
Learn from real-world case studies and discover how to integrate sustainability into your acoustic solutions while making a positive social impact. Earn one formal CPD point covering environmental integration, ethical considerations, and responsible material selection. | | | | | | New Licensee: Wastefree
We're thrilled to welcome our newest licensee, Wastefree. Founded in 2011, Wastefree aims to implement an enhanced and more sustainable service offering to the waste industry. Since its inception, Wastefree has specialised in servicing the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area.
Congratulations to the entire Wastefree team for certifying their solid waste collection services for the Sydney Opera House under our Waste Collection Services standard! By choosing a GECA certified waste collection service, this iconic landmark is driving better data, reducing contamination, and ensuring recycling goes precisely where it should. | | | | Recertified: ACCO Brands
Congratulations to ACCO Brands for recertifying under GECA's Cleaning Products and Personal Care Products standards. For over 25 years, Northfork (owned by ACCO Brands) has been manufacturing quality cleaning chemicals at its facility in Queanbeyan, NSW. From food service hygiene to housekeeping and washroom products, personal hand care, and laundry washing products, Northfork is ideal for the home and workplace environment. | | | | Recertified: Independent Cement & Lime
We're celebrating Independent Cement & Lime (ICL) for recertifying their Ecoblend range—a game-changer for sustainable construction! Established in 1987, ICL is a Port Melbourne-based specialist supplier of cement and cement-blended products to various projects and industries throughout Victoria and New South Wales. Certified under our Cement, Concrete & Concrete Products standard, Ecoblend reduces environmental impact while delivering high-performance results. | | | | | | Special Offer: Limited Time Only
Is your business making sustainability claims? Make sure they're backed by evidence. Greenwashing isn't just a risk — it's a reputation killer. GECA's Claims Authentication service helps your organisation verify environmental claims with science-based, third-party credibility.
Don't let a good intention backfire. Make your claims count — and make them credible. Accept a proposal with us before 30 April 2025, and you'll receive a 10% discount on the initial claims development and verification costs!
| | | | | | Koh Wins Most Influential Award
Congratulations to longtime GECA licensee Koh for winning Most Influential at the 2024 Sustainability Tracker Impact Awards! According to the award organisers, Sustainable Choice Group, "Koh impressed our judges with their tangible results and market impact. With all products GECA certified, they've demonstrated clear data supporting their environmental claims and net zero commitments". | | | | Strengthening the Global Ecolabelling Network
In March, GECA had the privilege of hosting Eco Choice Aotearoa and TCO Development for two days of invaluable discussions on the future of lifecycle ecolabels and sustainability certification. As fellow Global Ecolabelling Network members, we share a commitment to transparency, strong governance, and setting high standards for environmental and social responsibility.
Key discussion areas included tackling greenwashing, growing our impact, and the critical nature of collaboration to strengthen trust in lifecycle ecolabels and amplify positive sustainability outcomes.
| | | | | | | | Webinar: Introduction to GECA Ecolabel Certification
Are you curious about GECA certification and how it could benefit your business? Join us for this free introductory webinar hosted by GECA's Client Engagement Team. We've designed it to demystify the certification process and answer your questions in real-time. Learn how GECA's ecolabel supports environmental and social leadership! | | | | Expo: Regen 2025
GECA is proud to partner with ReGen 2025, Australia's Circular Resource Expo! Join us July 23-24 at ICC Sydney to explore cutting-edge technologies and expert insights and network with industry leaders. Previously known as the Australasian Waste Recycling Expo, ReGen aims to help attendees—from seasoned experts to newcomers—navigate their roles in creating a circular economy that keeps resources in use, minimises waste, and regenerates natural systems. We hope to see you there! | | | | | | GECA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, water, culture, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. | | | | | | Level 25, 100 Mount Street
North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia
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