Packaging
Packaging Certification
About the certification
Friend of the Earth Packaging Certification assesses specified packaging products and the activities involved in their supply and production. It examines the materials used, manufacturing controls, recovery arrangements and evidence supporting the proposed certification scope.
Certification applies to the packaging identified in the approved scope. It does not automatically certify the contents of a box, bottle, jar or pouch, or every product sold by the business.
What can be certified
Packaging products submitted for assessment, such as boxes, bottles, jars and pouches, subject to confirmation of their materials, intended use and ability to meet the applicable requirements.
The application should identify the packaging formats, components, suppliers, production sites and activities to be included. Each proposed product is reviewed before the assessment scope is agreed.
Who can apply
Raw-material producers, packaging manufacturers and processors, importers, exporters, distributors and collection operators. Brands seeking certification for specified packaging should identify their suppliers and the activities they carry out.
What the standard covers
At least 95% recycled or reused material, or qualifying certified raw materials. Evidence must support material selection, reduced material use, supplier environmental policies and compliance with restrictions on toxic substances.
An environmental management system, legal compliance and energy, water and waste controls. Valid ISO 14001, EMAS or equivalent certification can satisfy this section; otherwise, the specified evidence is assessed.
Design for complete reuse or recovery, including recycling, composting or energy recovery. Recovery systems must be implemented where viable. Plastic packaging without a certain, verifiable recovery system requires Friend of the Sea Plastic Offsets equivalent to its plastic weight.
Records connecting finished packaging to all raw materials, including their origin and composition. Verification includes a mass balance and at least three random traceability tests.
Requirements concerning child labour, minimum wages, access to healthcare and workplace safety, with supporting evidence or qualifying social-accountability certification.
Traceability from materials to packaging
Identify each packaging product and its components clearly in the application. Keep supplier information and production records available so the assessment can establish which materials and activities belong to the proposed scope. Changes to materials, suppliers or packaging formats should be referred to the team to confirm whether further assessment is needed.
Independent certification
An independent certification body assesses the evidence against the requirements applicable to the agreed scope and makes the certification decision. The assessment considers the activities performed by each applicant, including production and processing where relevant.
For a brand using packaging supplied by another business, the assessment includes documentary evidence for the packaging submitted. A supplier’s certificate does not automatically extend certification or logo-use rights to the brand.
How certification works
1. Apply: Submit the Preliminary Information Form with details of your packaging, materials, suppliers and production sites.
2. Confirm scope and costs: Agree the packaging products and activities to be assessed, the applicable requirements and the quotation.
3. Complete the independent audit: The certification body examines the records and operational evidence relevant to your application.
4. Address findings: Complete the corrections or corrective actions required following the assessment.
5. Receive the certification decision: The certification body reviews the findings and decides whether certification can be issued.
6. Maintain certification: Continue meeting the requirements and complete the applicable follow-up and renewal activities.
Use of the Friend of the Earth logo requires authorisation. The logo and accompanying wording must identify the certified packaging clearly and follow the applicable usage rules.
Certification fees
Consult the applicable Packaging price list and request a quotation for your proposed scope. The quotation confirms the applicable fees and whether audit costs are included. VAT is added where applicable.
Standards and supporting documents
Supporting documents
Check certification status
Search the certification directory for the named packaging product and check its approved scope and current status. A company listing does not mean that all its packaging or the goods packed inside it are certified.
Frequently asked questions
No. Packaging Certification applies to the packaging within the approved scope. Food, cosmetics or other contents need their own applicable certification. The label and accompanying wording must make this distinction clear.
The published requirement provides two routes: a minimum of 95% recycled or reused raw materials, or raw materials with qualifying certification of their production. The proposed materials and their evidence are reviewed during assessment.
No. Recovery requirements include several routes, not just recycling. Local collection and treatment facilities determine which routes are available to users. Recycling or composting instructions must match the packaging and its intended market.
The standard requires the purchase of Friend of the Sea Plastic Offsets in the circumstances described under waste management. This does not establish that the packaging itself is recycled or that it has no environmental impact.
No. The standard provides an alternative route based on documented environmental management and operational controls. ISO 14001, EMAS or equivalent certification addresses the processing section; it does not replace the other packaging requirements.
No. The brand must confirm the scope of the supplier’s certification and obtain its own applicable authorisation before using the logo. Only approved packaging may be presented as covered.
Identify the products and formats you want assessed in your application. The team will confirm the proposed scope and the evidence needed to distinguish the packaging concerned from products outside that scope.
The issued certificate states its validity period. Continued certification and logo use depend on maintaining compliance and completing the required follow-up and renewal activities. Check the directory for current status.
Apply for certification
Tell us which packaging products you would like to certify, what they are made from and where they are produced. Include the relevant suppliers and any recovery arrangements so our team can confirm the scope and documents needed.
Submitting preliminary information does not commit you to proceeding with an audit.
