The Friend of the earth Label
Understand what is behind the label. Make your choice with clearer information.
From agricultural and farming products to fashion and textiles, the Friend of the Earth label identifies certification against a specific standard.
Behind the label are published requirements, independent assessment and certification information you can check.
What is behind the label
Published standards
Friend of the Earth standards define the requirements assessed for different products and activities.
Agriculture requirements address areas including ecosystem management, cultivation practices, soil and water resources, chemical use and social accountability. Farming requirements also address feed, animal welfare and the management of farming operations.
Other standards apply to marine ingredients, finished products and services, with requirements relevant to each area.
Fashion requirements cover areas including raw materials, textile production, water and energy use, waste management and working conditions. Read the applicable standard to understand the requirements for your choice.
Independent assessment
Friend of the Earth develops the standards and programme requirements. Independent certification bodies assess applicants against the applicable requirements and certification procedures.
This gives buyers a basis for understanding how certification decisions are reached and who carries out the assessment.
Traceability through the supply chain
Agricultural products and materials may pass through several businesses before reaching you.
For food products covered by the traceability standard, requirements address identification of certified products, separation from non-certified products and records that allow products to be traced. These checks help connect the certified product with its documented supply chain.
How to read the label
Check the certification for your choice
The certification record identifies the products, species or activities covered. Match these details to your choice and check the status and validity dates.
Where certification applies to a particular ingredient or component, the label and accompanying wording should make this clear. Certification of one product does not automatically extend to a brand’s entire range.
Verify in three steps
Look for the logo. Find the ID. Verify.
Read the label. Find the standard wording and FOE ID.
Search the directory. Enter the FOE ID or business name to locate the relevant record.
Review the details. Check the certification status and confirm that the information matches your product or activity.
Need help checking a label
If the ID is missing, you cannot find a matching record or the information appears inconsistent, contact us. You can also report suspected misuse of the logo.
Include the product or business name, a photograph or screenshot, the FOE ID if available and a link to where you found the claim.
For businesses
Want to use the Friend of the Earth label? Visit Use Our Label for guidance on authorisation, official artwork and approval.
