Top 7 Sustainable Certifications Every Eco-Friendly Brand Should Know

Being an eco-friendly brand isn’t just trendy; it’s becoming a standard. A growing number of people are paying attention to how products are created, what materials are used, and their effects on the environment. And that’s definitely a positive development.

Anyone can claim to have sustainable certifications. Just throw some leaves on your packaging, use some natural colors, and you’re done, right? Not really. Shoppers are becoming more savvy and are now looking for real evidence.

Sustainable certifications show everyone that your brand really follows what it advocates. Acting as a professional’s seal of approval, they say, “Absolutely, this brand is on the right track.”

If you’re looking to create a sustainable business or enhance your eco-friendly initiatives, check out these 7 key sustainable certifications that you should be aware of and might want to pursue as well.

1. B Corp: The All-In-One Badge of Honor

B Corp is the ultimate champion in sustainable certifications. It assesses your whole company strategy rather than only determining the environmental effect of your items. This covers your treatment of your staff, running of your business, community involvement, and of course your environmental policies.

B Corp certifies your company through a rigorous procedure. To be qualified, you must finish the B Impact Assessment and score at least. You cannot simply rush through, as they truly pay great attention to everything.

Best for: Brands that care about people, planet, and purpose
Examples: Patagonia, Allbirds, Ben & Jerry’s

2. Fair Trade: Treating People Right

You might want to get Fair Trade approval if your business relies on producers, artists, or workers from other places, especially developing countries. This license is all about making sure that workers are treated fairly, which means giving them safe places to work, fair pay, and ending child labor.

It also keeps the surroundings safe while the process is going on. In other words, it’s good for both people and the environment.

Fair Trade Sustainable certifications are given by a number of different groups, all of which stress socially and environmentally friendly ways to make products.

Best for: coffee, chocolate, handmade goods, fashion, or anything sourced from developing countries
Examples: Divine Chocolate, Alter Eco, Tony’s Chocolonely

3. USDA Organic: Keeping It Natural

The green and white USDA Organic sticker has probably caught your eye while you’re shopping. It’s the U.S. government’s seal of approval for organic goods. This license is very important if your brand sells food, drinks, skin care products, or anything else that people use or eat.

This means that none of the chemicals, pesticides, or genetically changed ingredients in your goods should be man-made. In addition, you have to follow strict rules about how to grow and treat them.

You should know that this isn’t just for farms. You can also get approved if you sell packaged food or health goods as long as your ingredients meet the guidelines.

Best for: food, drinks, skincare, and anything with natural ingredients
Examples: Annie’s, Nature’s Path, Organic Valley

4. FSC: Making Sure Trees Are Treated Right

If your business utilizes paper, cardboard, or wood for tags, products, or packaging, you should consider FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification.

It implies that the paper or wood originates from a forest under proper management. They are not, therefore, destroying locations where animals reside or chopping trees without considering consequences. Their primaary objectives are to let the forests flourish and maintain their health.

FSC stickers come in different types, such as 100% (only comes from certified trees), Mix (a mix of certified and limited sources), and Recycled.

Best for: Packaging, furniture, printed materials, or anything made from trees
Examples: IKEA, HP, Unilever (for packaging)

5. GOTS: The Gold Standard for Organic Clothes

If you work in textiles or fashion, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is among the best sustainable certifications. It examines everything from the methods used for dyeing and finishing the cloth to the way cotton is grown. It also guarantees equitable treatment of employees.

Your product needs to have at least 70% organic fibers and shouldn’t be handled with any dangerous chemicals or dyes if it is to be certified.

These sustainable certifications guarantee to your clients that your textiles and clothes are safe to use, organic, and ethically made.

Best for: Fashion brands, baby clothes, bedding, and home textiles
Examples: PACT, People Tree, Patagonia

6. Cradle to Cradle: Making Products That Don’t Become Trash

Cradle to Cradle presents unique sustainable certifications. It looks at a product’s fate after usage in addition to its manufacturing process. Is it recyclable, reusable, or securely reintegrated into the surroundings? If the response is yes, your design is ahead of its time.

It also investigates issues including material safety, energy use, water management policies, and how your business treats staff members.

There are various tiers, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on your progress.

Best for: home goods, packaging, furniture, beauty products, and anything you want to design for reuse
Examples: Method, Aveda, Herman Miller

7. Climate Neutral / Carbon Neutral: Taking Responsibility for Your Emissions

People are buzzing about climate change; this is quite justified. A brand’s simple approach to showing its dedication is by reaching climate or carbon neutrality.

First you figure out your carbon footprint, next you try to minimize it as much as you can, and last you offset whatever remains. To offset your emissions, this may include funding clean technology initiatives, supporting renewable energy projects, or planting trees.

Many companies will lead you through the whole procedure and help you get sustainable certifications.

Best for: Any business that wants to take real climate action
Examples: Allbirds, Reformation, Grove Collaborative

So, which certification should you go for?

You are not required to earn all seven Sustainable certifications. Start with the one that is the best fit for your company. Starting with USDA Organic will be a wise decision if you work in the food sector. Start for fashion companies with GOTS, or Fair Trade. Get B Corp certified if you wish to highlight your general dedication to sustainability.

Developing a sustainable certification brand might present somewhat difficult problems. It calls for certain administrative chores, commitment, and hard effort. Still, the payoff is substantial.