Standard Owner Benchmark - SMK

SMK stands for Stichting Milieukeur, which is a Dutch organization that develops and manages the Milieukeur certification scheme. Milieukeur is a sustainability certification label in the Netherlands that aims to promote environmentally friendly and socially responsible products and services.

The primary goal of SMK is to encourage sustainable production and consumption by setting standards and criteria for various product categories. These standards take into account the environmental impact of the entire life cycle of a product, including raw material extraction, production, distribution, use, and disposal. They also consider social aspects such as fair trade and labor conditions.

The Milieukeur certification is voluntary, and companies can apply for certification if their products meet the established criteria. The certification process involves an assessment of the product's environmental and social performance by independent auditors. If a product meets the requirements, it can display the Milieukeur logo, indicating its sustainability credentials to consumers.

SMK also works closely with various stakeholders, including businesses, government bodies, and NGOs, to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability. They collaborate with these partners to develop and revise the certification criteria, ensuring that they remain up to date and relevant to current environmental and social challenges.

In addition to the Milieukeur certification, SMK is also involved in other initiatives related to sustainability and environmental labeling. They participate in the development of European and international sustainability standards and are actively engaged in promoting sustainable procurement practices in the Netherlands.

SMK and the Milieukeur certification scheme play a crucial role in promoting sustainable production and consumption in the Netherlands by setting standards, certifying products, and raising awareness about sustainability issues.