Legal

Data Privacy & Security

Effective date: August 22, 2025

Certified Microplastic-Free™ respects your privacy and protects client information. This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, how long we keep it, and how we secure it.

Scope

This policy covers information shared with Certified Microplastic-Free™ during the certification process, use of our website at microfree.org, and related email communications.

Information we collect

• Application data such as company name, contact information, product details, and responses to our forms.
• Supporting documentation that you choose to provide for review, for example supplier statements or material specifications.
• Payment information is handled by our payment processor. We receive payment confirmations, not full card details.
• Technical and analytics data such as approximate location, device information, page views, and referrers.

How we use information

• Review and evaluate products for certification.
• Communicate with you about your application, results, and renewal.
• Maintain records for compliance, verification, and audit.
• Improve the website and certification process.

Sharing and subprocessors

We do not sell or share your information for advertising. We share information only with vendors that process data on our behalf, such as hosting providers, email services, and payment processors, and only to the extent needed to provide our services.

Terms of Use

By using microfree.org you agree to use the site in a lawful manner and not to attempt to interfere with its operation. Content on this site is provided for general information about our certification program and does not constitute legal or scientific advice.

• You are responsible for the accuracy of information you submit to us.
• We may update site content, including this page, without prior notice.
• The site and its content are provided “as is” without warranties beyond those required by law.

These terms are governed by the laws of Illinois, with disputes resolved in Illinois courts where permitted.

Certification Reviews and Fees

Initial Stage 1 applications are free and are used to confirm that products are in scope for our standard.

After preliminary eligibility screening, we may charge a per-product review fee before starting a detailed documentation review. This fee covers the technical evaluation and written determination and is nonrefundable once the review begins. Certification is not guaranteed.

If a product meets the standard and you choose to license the seal, separate licensing and renewal fees apply under a licensing agreement. If a product does not meet the standard, no licensing fee is charged.

Certification Licensing

Use of the Certified Microplastic-Free™ seal is subject to a written licensing agreement and continued compliance with our standard.

• The seal may only appear on certified products and approved variants.
• Changes to product materials, manufacturing, or packaging must be reported and may require re-review.
• We may revoke or suspend licensing if requirements are no longer met or if the seal is misused.

For licensing questions or to request a copy of your agreement, contact info@microfree.org.

Your Data Rights

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by emailing info@microfree.org. We may need to verify your identity before responding. We aim to respond within a reasonable time frame, consistent with applicable law.