Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
In our modern world, packaging is essential for protecting and delivering goods, but its environmental footprint is immense. The production of virgin materials, energy-intensive manufacturing, long-distance transportation, and the global waste crisis—particularly from single-use and non-recyclable plastics—create significant pollution, resource depletion, and carbon emissions.
The good news is that a sustainable revolution is underway. Innovative companies are now developing packaging solutions with a drastically lower environmental impact. This includes using 100% recycled or certified sustainable materials, designing for complete reuse and recyclability, minimizing material use, and implementing efficient waste management systems.
With so many claims of “eco-friendly” packaging, how can you distinguish truly sustainable solutions? Third-party certification is the answer. The Friend of the Earth Sustainable Packaging Certification provides a trusted, independent seal of approval. It helps consumers and businesses immediately identify packaging that meets rigorous, verifiable environmental and social standards, empowering them to make responsible choices that support a circular economy.
What does the Standard Require?
The Friend of the Earth standard for sustainable packaging is based on a holistic set of essential and important criteria, verified through an annual audit. Key requirements include:
- Sustainable Raw Materials:Packaging must be made from a minimum of 95% recycled/reused materials or from raw materials certified as sustainably sourced.
- Resource Minimization:Companies must demonstrate studies to minimize the use of raw materials and select those with the lowest environmental impact.
- Environmental Management:Certified companies must have an effective Environmental Management System (e.g., ISO 14001 or equivalent internal procedures) ensuring compliance with emissions and waste legislation, and plans for energy/water efficiency.
- 100% Recoverable Packaging:Packaging must be designed to be completely reusable, recyclable, or recoverable.
- Plastic Offset:For any plastic packaging without a verifiable recovery system, companies must purchase Plastic Offsets to compensate for their environmental impact.
- Social Accountability:The standard ensures compliance with international regulations on child labor, minimum wages, health care, and worker safety.
Ready to Certify Your Sustainable Packaging?
Taking the first step towards certification is simple and non-binding.
- Download the Standard:Familiarize yourself with the full detailed requirements.
- Request a Quotation:Provide us with your basic information to receive a tailored audit and royalty quote.
Fill out the Preliminary Information Form
By choosing Friend of the Earth certification, you are not just validating your product—you are joining a global movement for conservation. Your certification supports the World Sustainability Foundation’s projects worldwide and gives conscious consumers a clear way to support your brand.
Lead the change. Certify your packaging today.
