Plastic Products
That Minimize
Environmental Impacts
What Is the Green Seal Plastic Trash Bag Standard?
Our certification for plastic products verifies that plastic trash bags meet a high standard for protecting people and the planet. Products certified under our trash bag standard meet truly comprehensive health and sustainability standards, from beginning to end.
Certified plastic trash bags meet criteria for:
- Safer chemicals
- Responsible sourcing
- Low-impact manufacturing
- Sustainable packaging
- Verified performance
Why Get Certified
Verified Performance
Certified products demonstrate independent verification that they meet rigorous performance criteria.
Global Credibility
The Green Seal mark signals that a product goes beyond marketing claims — a trusted assurance for both retail consumers and institutional buyers.
Market Access & Recognition
Partnerships with Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly, 1% for the Planet, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® program, and major institutional buyers elevate product visibility and strengthen consumer trust.
Simplified Procurement
Retailers, institutions, and purchasers rely on Green Seal certification as a recognized sustainability benchmark when sourcing products.
The Certification Process
Prescreen
Fill out your prescreen application and send us your formula information. We’ll send you a report flagging any major issues that could affect certification.
Application
Fill out your certification application and send us your product information.
Review
We’ll review your information to ensure it meets our standards.
Site Visit
We’ll verify your practices and processes, and work with you to resolve any issues.
Certification
We’ll award your Green Seal certification! Use the Green Seal mark to promote your leadership. We’ll periodically monitor that you continue to meet our high standard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for certification for plastic products?
Manufacturers of trash bags and can liners that meet the criteria of our Standard for Plastic Trash Bags and Can Liners ( GS-60 ) can apply.
What does “post-consumer material” mean?
It refers to material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of material from the distribution chain. It’s also referred to as post-consumer recycled content.
How much virgin plastic can the product contain?
Green Seal standards require meaningful reductions in virgin plastic content compared to conventional alternatives. Specific thresholds and criteria are outlined in GS-60 .
Why Choose Green Seal Certification for Plastic Products?
Choosing Green Seal certification for plastic products means choosing measurable sustainability leadership. Our independent standards are developed with scientists, industry stakeholders, and procurement professionals.
Certification aligns your product with a high benchmark of leadership, differentiates your brand from competitors, and verifies your commitment to uncompromising performance and environmental accountability.
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Green Seal is working to build a brighter future for people, communities, and the planet by accelerating the adoption of products that are safer and more sustainable.
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