The 'optimized by MBDC' five-dot optimization scale, based on MBDC's 'five steps to eco-effectiveness,' indicates the following:

1. "Free of... This is a market-induced product improvement, removing a substance widely perceived as environmentally unfriendly. MBDC does not lend its logo to these products.

2. Preferable. A 'preferable' product is one that exhibits environmental vision and leadership, but without a complete human health and environmental characterization of its material and chemical makeup. A 'preferable' product may still have environmental flaws, but it begins to move toward Cradle to Cradle Design in some significant way.

3. Fully Assessed. A 'fully assessed' product has been evaluated using MBDC's Cradle to Cradle Design Protocol for Material and Chemical Assessment. All chemical and material inputs are known, and have been assessed according to the criteria of the Protocol. At a minimum, substances of the greatest concern within the Protocol have been eliminated or replaced with substances of less concern.

4. Optimized. An 'optimized' product has been fully assessed and, to the extent feasible, optimized for material health and safety according to MBDC's Cradle to Cradle Design Protocol for Material and Chemical Assessment. The product is designed for optimal value recovery within closed-loop systems (true recycling and/or return to the biological metabolism).

5. Fully Eco-Effective. In MBDC's optimization scale, a 'fully eco-effective' product is one that incorporates as completely as possible all of the material, process, energy, and other aims of Cradle to Cradle Design, as described by MBDC.

The optimized by MBDC logo indicates MBDC's belief in the ecological intelligence of market-leading products. It is based on the depth of MBDC's research and understanding of each product, and according to the criteria of the company's Protocol and its vision for Cradle to Cradle Design.