Protecting Biodiversity and Animal Welfare

Cruelty free

A cruelty free business does not use any ingredients that have been tested on animals. To prove this, it needs a cruelty free certification from a reputable third party.

Cruelty free experiences

This brand ensures that all its experiences respect the environment and animal welfare. It must monitor and evaluate the impact of experiences it offers. Businesses need to provide the appropriate licenses and policies.

100% vegan

The brand does not use any ingredients or materials derived from animals in any of its products, packaging or manufacturing processes. There should be full transparency on all the ingredients used, and/ or the business will need to provide a vegan certification from a reputable third party, or a full list of ingredients, components or materials used.

Vegan friendly

Vegan friendly businesses must offer at least 30% of vegan products or experiences as part of their offering. The business should provide descriptions of the vegan products and experiences, lists of ingredients, and clear labelling and strategy.

Protects biodiversity

This company takes action to minimise biodiversity loss. There is no involvement from the brand in activities that harm wildlife or natural habitats, and it reports on its efforts to preserve biodiversity. The business must provide documentation to support this, such as the relevant policies, reports and evidence of the brand’s efforts.

Restores biodiversity

This brand demonstrates that it is working towards reversing biodiversity loss. This includes having a documented policy on conserving biodiversity, taking steps to minimise environmental impact, engaging in restoration efforts that benefit biodiversity, and regularly reporting on its efforts. The business will need to provide the relevant policies, documents and reports to qualify.

Sustainable palm oil

This business uses 100% sustainable palm oil in all its products. For food and drink, the company’s sustainable palm oil must be at least 50% Segregated across the business. Health and beauty brands should hold a Mass Balance certification. As proof, the business needs to provide a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm oil certification or an International Sustainability and Carbon Certification.

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