ethy Sustainability Standards
Fights Plastic Waste
While the brand's products and packaging may not be fully plastic-free, notable steps have been taken to reduce the use of plastics, especially the use of virgin plastics. Bioplastics are used only if certified home compostable or industrially compostable.
Criteria
The following must be true:
- Brick & mortar shops do not sell plastic carrier bags.
- Shipping and packing materials (tertiary packaging and/or secondary packaging if that is the packaging used for shipping) for online orders are a minimum of 96% plastic free.
- The brand must have documentation showing commitment to fighting plastic waste across the organisation, such as:
- A plastic audit within the last 12 months;
- a sustainability strategy including plastic reduction targets;
- an innovation and product development strategy, including a plastic reduction objective or plastic reduction and recycling policy.
- Bioplastics can be used only if certified home compostable or industrially compostable (only where customers will be provided with an easily accessible method for collection and industrial composting).
- Activities of the brand can not be related to extracting oil, fossil fuels or selling plastics.
At least three of the below additional following statements must also be true:
- The organisation has undertaken a plastic audit within the last 12 months.
- Plastic reduction objectives have been incorporated into the brand’s innovation and product development strategy.
- The brand’s sustainability strategy includes plastic reduction targets.
- Accessible water refill stations are provided for all employees on company premises.
- The brand does not sell or provide free single-use plastic water bottles or cups on the premises.
- Employees have been trained on the brand’s plastic reduction and recycling policy.
- The brand only works with suppliers who use plastic-free primary and secondary packaging.
- The brand has redesigned products to reduce the amount of plastic used. For example, 100% of virgin plastic has been replaced with recycled plastic.
- The brand organises and/or takes part in ongoing plastic-reduction projects such as beach clean-ups or alike.
- Other innovative actions, initiatives or processes - please provide detail.
Accepted Proof
If the brand runs brick & mortars stores, a written confirmation is required that plastic carrier bags are not sold.
If the brand sells online, a complete list of components or materials used for tertiary packaging.
The brand must have documentation showing commitment to fighting plastic waste across the organisation, such as: A plastic audit within the last 12 months; a sustainability strategy including plastic reduction targets; an innovation and product development strategy including a plastic reduction objective or plastic reduction and recycling policy.
List the three or more statements from the additional criteria that are true for the brand, with proof for each. For example, photos of any water refill stations; names of packaging suppliers used; details of how products have been redesigned to reduce plastic with timeline and photo evidence; plans and employee training materials on the brand’s plastic reduction and recycling policy; details and evidence of projects such as beach cleanups and explanation on the brand’s involvement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Through achieving this ethy ecolabel, brands also demonstrate contribution towards the following goals.
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