4C Logo Use and Claims
Handling of 4C Compliant Coffee
After a successful independent third-party audit, the Managing Entity of a 4C Unit receives a 4C Certificate which confirms the compliance with the requirements of the 4C Code of Conduct and Certification Regulations. With this certificate, the 4C Unit, through its Managing Entity, can sell coffee from its listed farmer business partners as 4C Compliant Coffee. Complementary to this, coffee roasters, retailers and other coffee brand owners, committed to including the 4C Code of Conduct in their sustainable sourcing commitments, purchase 4C Compliant Coffee through the 4C Certificate of the Managing Entity.
4C Units must only trade coffee from registered Business Partners of the 4C Unit as 4C Compliant Coffee. As a consequence, Business Partners of a particular 4C Unit who want to sell their coffee as 4C compliant can only do this through the Managing Entity of their Unit. Business Partners can also sell their coffee to other 4C Units/Managing Entities or any other buyer, but in that case, this coffee is not considered as 4C compliant anymore.
4C Logo Use and Claims
Communication of sustainability efforts is essential and contributes to increased awareness and consumer support who rely on inspections carried out by independent parties. 4C offers a credible solution to support your sustainable strategy and claims regarding the implementation of good agricultural and management practices. 4C is well recognized by SAI, ITC, and further organizations: for the full overview, please click here.
The logo can be used on-pack and off-pack, e.g. bags for green coffee beans, brochures, websites, etc. It is crucial to use appropriate claims and without misleading wording, which will be understood correctly by stakeholders. In particular, sourcing requirements of 4C coffee are to be considered, when using the 4C logo on-pack.
More details on general use guidelines, logo parameters and claim examples, you will find in the 4C System Regulations. 4C’s approval is mandatory to obtain prior to using 4C logo and claims. Please contact us.