Plant-Based Certification
About the certification
Friend of the Earth Plant-Based Certification assesses eligible plant-based products against the environmental and social requirements applicable to their ingredients and production. The assessment considers agricultural sourcing, production practices and the evidence connecting ingredients to the products submitted for certification.
Certification covers the products, sites and activities listed in the approved scope. A certified ingredient or supplier does not automatically make a finished product certified.
What can be certified
Plant-based meat alternatives, including burgers, sausages, mince and meat-style pieces made from ingredients such as pulses, soya or wheat protein. Eligible plant-protein ingredients and finished products are assessed according to their composition, origin and production activities.
The application identifies the products, suppliers, facilities and supply-chain stages to be included. The team confirms eligibility and the applicable requirements before assessment.
Who can apply
Ingredient producers, manufacturers, processors, private-label suppliers and brands seeking certification for specified plant-based products.
What the standard covers
Documented procedures, assigned responsibilities, training and evidence of compliance with applicable environmental legislation.
Habitat protection, restrictions on deforestation and measures addressing impacts on natural ecosystems and threatened species.
Controlled handling of chemicals, cultivation records, crop rotation and pest management that reduces chemical use.
Soil monitoring and conservation, authorised water use, water-quality checks and wastewater controls.
Identification of emission sources and objectives and measures for reducing them.
Separation, storage, recovery and disposal controls for organic and inorganic waste.
Monitoring energy use, setting reduction objectives and addressing renewable energy sourcing.
Requirements concerning child labour, minimum wages, access to healthcare and workplace safety.
Traceability from ingredients to finished products
Applicants provide records identifying the ingredients, suppliers and products included in their application. Where processing, packing, storage or trading forms part of the scope, the applicable traceability controls connect incoming materials with the finished products and distinguish certified from non-certified production.
Independent certification
An independent certification body assesses the evidence against the requirements applicable to the approved scope and makes the certification decision. Producers and processors are assessed according to the activities they carry out.
For an end brand, assessment includes documentary evidence for the products submitted, such as supplier certificates, product information and traceability records. Manufacturing or processing carried out by the brand must also be included in the assessment.
How certification works
1. Apply: Submit the Preliminary Information Form with details of your products, ingredients, suppliers and facilities.
2. Confirm scope and costs: Confirm the products and activities to be assessed, the applicable requirements and the quotation.
3. Complete the independent audit: The certification body examines the records and production 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 and must follow the applicable logo rules. Only approved products may carry the logo.
Certification fees
Suppliers and end brands use the applicable Friend of the Earth price list. Fees depend on the relevant category, revenue band and approved scope. Annual trademark royalties and independent audit costs are separate; the certification body quotes the audit costs.
Standards and supporting documents
supporting documents
Check certification status
Check the certification directory for the named product and its approved scope and status. A company listing does not mean that every product it sells is certified.
Frequently asked questions
Eligible products include plant-based meat alternatives such as burgers, sausages, mince and meat-style pieces. Plant-protein ingredients and other proposed products are reviewed against the applicable scope and requirements before assessment.
No. A vegan description alone does not establish eligibility or compliance. The ingredients, sourcing, production activities and supporting evidence must be assessed.
The published Plant-Based Checklist links to the Friend of the Earth Agriculture Standard. Applicable traceability requirements are also considered for the supply-chain activities included in the application.
Yes. The application can cover specified products, provided the approved products and their ingredients can be identified and distinguished from production outside the certified scope.
The assessment examines evidence for the products submitted, including supplier certificates, product information and traceability records. Any manufacturing or processing undertaken by the brand must also be assessed.
Supplier certification alone does not authorise an end brand to use the logo. The brand must obtain approval for its products and logo use and pay the applicable royalties.
Both use the applicable Friend of the Earth price list. The relevant category, revenue band and approved scope determine the fee. Independent audit costs are quoted separately.
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 plant-based products you would like to certify and identify their ingredients, suppliers and production sites. Our team will help confirm the scope and documents needed for your application.
The Preliminary Information Form is confidential and does not commit you to proceeding with an audit.
