Established in 2002 by the Belgian federation RESSOURCES, Solid’R International is a voluntary certification label designed to distinguish social economy waste collectors from profit-driven firms. Grounded in principles of ethics and solidarity, the label identifies organisations that uphold social and environmental objectives while providing employment opportunities to marginalised workers. Since its international expansion in 2018, Solid’R has been adopted by 25 social economy organisations across Belgium, Italy, France, and Spain.

Challenges

The proliferation of donation boxes for used clothes, books, furniture, and other household items has led to public confusion regarding the final destination and ethical use of their donations. Profit-driven private operators have increasingly collected donated items for resale, making it difficult for donors and public authorities to identify organisations that genuinely create social and environmental benefits for local communities.

Solution

Solid’R International addresses these challenges by providing a clear certification for social economy organisations committed to ethical practices. To obtain the label, enterprises must demonstrate compliance with specific criteria, including prioritising people over profit, supporting marginalised individuals through work integration and education, maintaining a wage differential ratio not exceeding 1:4, employing democratic decision-making processes, and cooperating with other members. An independent certification body assesses applications, and an international committee composed of country representatives manages the label through a democratic and transparent process.

Impact and Success

The adoption of Solid’R has led to significant social and circular benefits:

• 25 social economy organisations have been certified (14 in Belgium, 9 in Italy, 1 in France, 1 in Spain).
• Approximately 80,000 tonnes of goods are collected annually, with nearly 50,000 tonnes repurposed.
• Over 4,500 individuals are employed, including around 1,500 in work integration programmes.
• Certified organisations benefit from improved access to public support and procurement processes.
• In regions like Belgium and Italy, the label is embedded in circular economy strategies.
• The shared label has strengthened cooperation, visibility, and market positioning of certified actors.

Solid’R International demonstrates how voluntary labelling can foster collaboration, transparency, and sustainability across borders. By aligning values and operations, the label supports the growth of a more responsible and inclusive circular economy.