Three Times C2C – and Still No Easy Task

DS Stålprofil has been recertified as Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Bronze level. The certification is the result of extensive work across the organisation – and a conscious decision to strengthen quality, documentation and its position in the market.

This is the third time the company has gone through the C2C certification process, and although it now has experience, the process has not become any easier.

“It takes time. It is not something that happens without considerable effort,” says ECS and Sustainability Manager Svanborg Guðjónsdóttir, who was part of the working group behind the certification.

Cradle to Cradle differs from many other certifications by setting requirements for the product’s entire life cycle and value chain. It is not only about materials or intentions, but about documentation across five areas: material health, circularity, climate and air, water and soil, and social conditions.

Architectural Consultant Michael Højgaard Jensen is coordinating the recertification.

Why We Devote Time to It

The certification process requires many hours of work and involves several parts of the organisation. It is therefore also relevant to ask: why are we doing it?

Part of the answer lies in the market.

As far as the team is aware, DS Stålprofil is the only company in its industry with the certification. This provides a strong basis for discussions with customers and business partners and makes it a competitive advantage.

But it is not only about the market. It is also about the way we work.

The certification sets requirements for documentation, transparency and accountability. This closely aligns with our own approach to quality and integrity – we stand behind what we deliver and work systematically to improve.

It Is Not Limited to a Single Department

Although the certification applies to DS Stålprofil’s Greencoat products, the work is not confined to one area.

Cradle to Cradle imposes documentation requirements across the entire value chain. This means that the work ranges from internal data and processes to collaboration with suppliers.

“One of the things that makes C2C demanding is that it is not just about us,” says quality specialist Mads Thirup Nielsen.

Mads has played a crucial role in the certification process, as he has been responsible for the data and documentation. Equally important, however, has been DS Stålprofil’s Head of Procurement, Kasper Schreiber-Jakobsen, who has acted as the liaison with suppliers – particularly SSAB.

“We depend on other parts of the chain. We need a great deal of data from our suppliers,” explains Mads Thirup Nielsen.

In practice, this means that the certification cannot be handled by one department alone. It requires cross-departmental collaboration – and a shared understanding that quality, documentation and responsibility are interconnected in what we deliver.

This is also why the work could not have been completed without Svanborg Guðjónsdóttir, who focused on the social conditions and policies underpinning the certification. At the same time, Michael Højgaard Jensen maintained the overall overview and kept the process on track.

The Requirements Are Becoming Stricter

This time, the requirements have been tightened, and the manual has been updated with additional sub-sections. This means that even more must be explained, documented and verified.

Certifications serve as a constant reminder that we cannot stand still. There is an expectation of progress – and this keeps the focus on improving products, processes and partnerships.

Something We Actually Use

Cradle to Cradle is not just a certificate. It is a practical tool for dialogue with customers and partners.

It provides a documented basis for comparing solutions and making decisions – without everything coming down to gut feelings.

At the same time, much of the underlying data directly supports the ESG work that many are already engaged in.

What We Take Forward

Being re-certified for the third time is a milestone. But perhaps more important is what the work sets in motion.

“We believe that sustainability is here to stay,” says Mads with a smile.

It creates a continuous focus on improvements and on developing both products and processes. It also supports our ambition to deliver high-quality solutions – with respect for both people and the environment.

About the Author

Cecilie Grønning Krieger

With a background in journalism and service management, Cecilie is well equipped to contribute to the digital communication across the companies in DS Gruppen. She brings a creative touch to her communication while keeping a firm focus on the facts, whether she is working with internal or external communication, employee profiles or project news. Cecilie also brings previous experience with newspaper articles, podcasts, video and other areas of journalism.