Ecolabels for a Sustainable Future

Committed to 1.5C

The business is working towards a net-zero target in line with reducing global temperature rises to 1.5°C, as supported by a certificate from a credible third-party organisation.

Energy efficient

The brand is working to reduce energy use across any business premises. This will require physical locations to hold a valid Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with ratings of ‘B’ or above.

Carbon offsets

The company offsets its own carbon emissions via a recognised, reputable initiative that removes or stores carbon on an ongoing basis, to the value of at least 1% of its annual revenue. The business will need to provide the name of the third party along with details of how the initiative works, and proof of the payment or certification of the offsetting.

Powered by renewables

The business either uses 100% renewable energy suppliers for 96% of its physical locations, which it can prove with an energy bill or contract, or uses its own renewable energy technology, which requires proof of installation and usage data. The brand could also do a mix of the two. Home offices are excluded, but for brands that manufacture, their factories’ production sites use 100% energy suppliers and tariffs.

Carbon neutral

This shows that a brand measures and negates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions it produces. The brand will need to provide evidence of a carbon- neutral certificate awarded by a reputable body.

EV charge points

This business has at least one vehicle charge point at 75% or more of its locations with parking, excluding home offices and co-working spaces. The company will need to provide a list of all locations with charge points and photos of each one.

Over 50% recycled packaging

The company makes at least 51% of its primary product packaging from recycled materials, and a minimum of 96% of the product packaging material is recycled. The business will need to show supporting evidence from the recycling manufacturer, and information on where it sources its materials.

Over 95% recycled packaging

The company makes at least 96% of its primary product packaging from recycled materials, and a minimum of 96% of the packaging material is recycled. The business will need to show supporting evidence from the recycling manufacturer, and information on where it sources its materials.

Over 75% recyclable packaging

The brand ensures that at least 75% of its primary and secondary product packaging is recyclable, and they display recycling symbols clearly. To achieve this ecolabel, the business needs to provide a confirmation statement and a full list of materials used, along with photos of the symbols on the packaging.

Over 95% recyclable packaging

The brand ensures that at least 95% of its primary and secondary product packaging is recyclable, and they display recycling symbols clearly. To achieve this ecolabel, the business needs to provide a confirmation statement and a full list of materials used, along with photos of the symbols on the packaging.

How can Feefo’s Sustainability awareness solution benefit my business?

Feefo’s Sustainability awareness solution gives your business the tools you need to communicate your sustainability journey to your customers clearly and effectively. Displaying your sustainable achievements can help you attract conscious shoppers, strengthen your reputation and differentiate your brand from your competitors, as well as engage your employees and attract new talent.

What is ethy?

Feefo has chosen ethy as our trusted sustainability partner. Through this partnership, brands can showcase their ethy verified sustainability accolades alongside their Feefo verified reviews, building consumer confidence and transparent, trusted relationships.

How much does it cost?

There is an affordable monthly charge based on your business turnover.

What is an ecolabel?

Ecolabels are a series of consumer-friendly badges. Designed to help your customers understand your sustainability achievements, each one links to a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. You can use ecolabels across all forms of marketing, from your website and advertising to packaging and window displays.

What ecolabels can my business apply for?

There are around 41 ecolabels available, which are grouped into six core sustainability areas: Stable Climate, Clean Planet, Responsible Resource Usage and Production, Healthy People, Thriving Communities, and Protecting Biodiversity and Animal Welfare. We will work with you to help you select the most appropriate ecolabels to apply for, depending on your business type. For example, a health and beauty brand might want to apply for the cruelty-free ecolabel.

What do I need to do to receive ecolabels for my organisation?

Get in touch and speak to a member of our friendly team. We will work with you to decide which ecolabels to apply for and let you know what evidence you need to supply for each one.

How long does the verification process take?  

The process is thorough but not overly time consuming. An assessment will usually take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the brand and the ecolabel.

How long is Feefo’s Sustainability awareness solution valid for? 

Ecolabels obtained are valid for 24 months. Brands can submit evidence for reassessment after 12 months and before 23 months should they wish to remain verified beyond the initial term. There is no additional fee for the resubmission of evidence. 

How many ecolabels should I apply for?

We will work alongside you to help you choose which ecolabels you can apply for. Most businesses will receive between three and eight ecolabels.

Why does Feefo have a sustainability awareness product?

Feefo has always supported consumers and businesses to make the right choices, by providing reliable insight from its verified reviews. We recognise the difficulty that consumers face in identifying which brand activities genuinely promote sustainability and which are, in effect, greenwashing.  We believe that we are well positioned to verify the sustainability claims that brands make and provide a clear, straightforward indication of trust that consumers can recognise, when they’re considering purchases.  Our product aims to support consumers and businesses alike by providing a clear way to verify a brand’s sustainability across a number of areas based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

The ecolabels are derived from the UN Sustainable Development Goals - a collection of 17 global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. You can find out more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our blog: https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/resources/business-insights/united-nations-sustainable-development-goals

Stable climate