Valuation of Recycled Content

Rebecca, the examples sometimes have errors in them, and I think you are correct that this is one.

1. Why isn't the (0.5 factor) for Preconsumer recycled content taken into account?

The raw value of the MDF core, based on total percentage in the product by weight, is $9,000, of which 80% is preconsumer recycled content. $9,000 * 0.8 * 0.5 = $3,600 (not the $7,200 in the example). Multiply that by the 200% and get a total of $7,200. Maybe the person writing the example knew the 200% would cancel out the 1/2 value of the presconsumer content but forgot they have already effectively doubled it, and did the doubling twice? In any case, I'm pretty sure it's wrong. :-)

2. Why isn't it 100% of the product value, so $10,000 and not $7,200 or $14,400? On p.264 of the ID+C guide it says: Products meeting recycled content criteria are valued at 100% of their cost for the purposes of credit achievement calculation.

The MDF core is 90% of the whole product by weight, so its raw value before starting calculations is already $9,000 and not $10,000. Though the wording is overly complex, what it comes down to is that postconsumer content is valued at 100%, and preconsumer is valued at 50%. At least this is how I understand it! Always follow the rules and not the examples.

3. It never actually says what the "recycled content criteria" are? Can someone please clarify where the criteria are listed?

Quoting the ref guide:

Recycled content claims for products must conform to the definition in ISO 14021–1999, Environmental Labels and Declarations, Self-Declared Environmental Claims (Type II Environmental Labeling). ... Reuse of materials includes rework, regrind, or scrap product (ISO 14021); these count as preconsumer recycled only if they are used in a different product than the one whose production generated the waste. For example, glass culls that are reused to make new glass products do not count, but planer shavings, plytrim, sawdust, chips, bagasse, and sunflower seed hulls are considered preconsumer recycled content when used to make new products.

I know you already read that, though, so I'm happy to do my best to clarify what is confusing there. I would definitely agree that the example is confusing/wrong instead of helpful.

Great to know it was helpful!