Why are sustainability certifications important?
Sustainability certifications are the best and most reliable way for us to see through greenwashing. Greenwashing is a misleading business tactic where some companies present information in a way that may make products or practices appear more eco-friendly than they really are. An example of this is jargon such as ‘sustainable’, ‘eco-friendly’, ‘clean’, or ‘natural,’ which can be meaningless and downright false, especially without proof to back up these claims.
A sustainable business certification is awarded by an independent, third-party organization that provides verification that a company lives up to specific, rigid standards regarding issues like sourcing, production, and/or labor. This system is by no means perfect, but it’s one of the best resources we as consumers have to find products that are truly sustainably and ethically sourced, as well as non-toxic.
One of the biggest barriers to these certifications is cost. Smaller operations, such as farmers in poorer countries, may not be able to afford the eco-certification process despite adhering to sustainable practices. This is why it is still important to research the companies you buy from as best as you can.
There are hundreds of ecolabels out there. The Ecolabel Index has them verified and listed all in one place. Listed below are the top sustainability certifications you will most commonly encounter. Some companies or products may carry multiple certifications.
- Why are sustainability certifications important?
- Best comprehensive certification
- Ethical business practices
- Environmental certifications
- Responsible sourcing & production
- Clean certifications
- Governmental safety standards
- Animal welfare certifications
- Energy-efficient electronics & appliance certifications
- Product end of life certifications
- Final thoughts on sustainability certifications
Best comprehensive certification
Certified B Corp
The Certified B Corporation endorsement is the best overall indicator of a company’s business practices, encompassing overall social and environmental performance, ethical practices, and governance. It is a “designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.”
Ethical business practices
The following certifications focus on social sustainability, ensuring that a company upholds high standards of ethical treatment, safe working conditions, and fair compensation for employees. Fair trade certified companies address important aspects of social equity, such as protecting workers’ rights, promoting diversity and inclusion, preventing exploitation, and supporting community development. By obtaining these certifications, companies demonstrate their commitment to fostering a positive impact on the lives of their employees and workers throughout their supply chains. Seek fair trade products for assurance that the business operates in alignment with principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity. These are especially important for industries prone to rampant child labor, worker exploitation, and forced labor, such as coffee and cocoa.
Fair Trade USA
This certification promises that a labeled item meets rigorous standards that protect both the livelihoods of those involved in its production as well as the environment.
Fairtrade International
“Fairtrade supports farmers and workers through a unique pricing model, sets rigorous standards across the supply chain, and fosters strong producer communities through local and regional networks.” This certification is found primarily in food and textiles.
Fair for Life
The Fair for Life certification values respect of human rights and fair working conditions; respect of the ecosystem and promotion of biodiversity, sustainable agriculture practices, and respect and betterment of local impact.
Social Accountability International (SAI)
SAI certification verifies a business conducts operations in a way that is fair and decent for workers and to demonstrate their adherence to the highest social standards.
Environmental certifications
Companies striving to reduce carbon emissions often pursue certifications from reputable organizations that validate their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. These certifications help businesses measure and manage their carbon footprints, as well as provide a framework for implementing effective reduction strategies and offsetting unavoidable emissions. Partnering with these organizations demonstrates transparency, accountability, and a proactive approach to combating climate change, while also building trust with environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders.
bluesign
Textile manufacturers may earn a bluesign certification by taking action to decrease overall water, energy, and chemical use in factories and meeting strict pollution control standards. They must also eliminate hazardous chemicals and implement safety practices, protecting workers and consumers.
Climate Neutral
This non-profit measures emissions and assesses the carbon impacts of a company’s products and services. They work with the company to create and enact a plan to become carbon neutral.
1% For the Planet
This non-profit was co-founded by the founder of Patagonia. It certifies that a company donates 1% of their profits to environmental solutions.
Cradle to Cradle
C2C is a non-profit with five main areas of focus: material health, product circularity, social fairness, water & soil stewardship, and clean air & climate protection. Within their certification are ascending levels–bronze, silver, gold, and platinum–indicating how well a brand performs in each of their focus categories.
Green Seal
Green Seal is a nonprofit that pioneered ecolabeling. Its certification symbolizes that a product meets its rigorous standards for health, sustainability, and product performance.
Climate Pledge Friendly
Amazon has partnered with many of the certifications on this page, and certified items display this badge on their product page. When shopping, use the ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ filter.
UL ECOLOGO
This third-party organization certifies products have reduced environmental impact. Their standards include materials, energy, manufacturing and operations, health and environment, product performance and use, and product stewardship and innovation.
Responsible sourcing & production
There are numerous certifications to help you identify products made from sustainably and ethically sourced materials with minimal environmental impact. In addition, these also may verify that content is as claimed, (such as organic or vegan) through third-party audits.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC is the most credible independent certifier of responsibly managed forests. This certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Look for this certification on any products made from wood or paper (including tissue products).
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
This is an alternative certification option to the FSC. The NRDC isn’t a fan, however, calling it “a far weaker system that misleads consumers into thinking their products are sustainably sourced.” The Sierra Club also believes the FSC certification to be superior.
Recycled Paperboard Alliance
A non-profit trade alliance that works with recycled paperboard manufacturers to analyze the benefits and promote the use of 100% recycled paperboard.
Rainforest Alliance
Non-profit whose mission is to protect the world’s tropical rainforests. Their certification means a product or ingredient was produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental.
USDA Biobased
A label that verifies the product is third-party tested and contains verified biobased content. Biobased products are derived from plants and other renewable materials. These products provide an alternative to conventional petroleum derived products.
USDA Organic
Organic products are produced using agricultural practices that foster resource cycling, promote ecological balance, maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, and conserve biodiversity. All are GMO-free.
NSF
Products contain at least 70% certified-organic ingredients which are derived from a botanical source.
Non-GMO Project
Ensures products and ingredients are free from GMO engineering or contamination. All USDA Organic certified products are also GMO-free.
Certified Recycled Content
SCS Global’s Recycled Content Verification label verifies products are made from pre-consumer or post-consumer material diverted from the waste stream. Certification measures the percentage of recycled content.
Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS)
GOTS evaluates the processing and manufacturing of textiles on the basis of both environmental and social criteria. There are 2 GOTS label grades: ‘organic’ requiring a minimum of 95% organic fibers and ‘made with organic materials’ requiring at least 70% organic fibers.
Global Organic Latex Standard
(GOLS)
GOLS is the standard for products made out of organically grown natural rubber latex. All the raw materials in the product (other than approved additional materials/accessories) comply with the requirements on organic origin.
Better Cotton Initiative
Formed by the World Wildlife fund with the support of other organizations, this non-profit is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the sustainability of cotton. Their mission statement is “to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.”
RSPO Certified
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership that works with stakeholders from across the palm oil supply chain to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. They also focus on ending exploitation of workers.
Palm Done Right
Palm Done Right promises that certified palm oil is 100% organic, fully traceable, deforestation-free, wildlife friendly, and fair and social.
Regenerative Organic Certified
Regenerative agriculture focuses on supporting ecosystems, with holistic farming practices that meet stringent requirements for soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.
Clean certifications
When searching for non-toxic products, clean certifications are key indicators to look for. These certifications verify that a product is free from specific chemicals known to be harmful to human health and the environment. They provide assurance that the product meets rigorous safety and sustainability standards, often through third-party testing. By prioritizing products with clean certifications, you can make safer, more informed choices for your home and the planet.
Made Safe
Products, primarily personal care and textiles, made without harmful and polluting chemicals.
Environmental Working Group
The EWG is a non-profit whose mission is “to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.” They rate cleaning and personal care products.
UL Greenguard
This certification is an important one that verifies a product meets compliance with chemical emission standards for decrease indoor air pollution from harmful VOCs. Watch for this label on furniture, cleaning products, electronics, flooring, and other building materials.
OEKO-TEX 100
Certified products have been tested for harmful substances and deemed harmless for human health. The OEKO-TEX Made In Green certification goes beyond the standard; these products have been manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities under safe and socially responsible working conditions.
CertiPUR-US
A non-profit organization that certifies foam in bedding or upholstered furniture that meets its standards for emissions, content, performance, and durability.
EPA Safer Choice
This program “helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment” and “includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products.” Primarily found on cleaning products.
Governmental safety standards
When evaluating consumer products, certifications from reputable safety standards organizations can provide assurance about their quality, safety, and compliance with regulations. Products that meet these standards are safer for our use, which generally means they are better for the planet, too. Look for verification that standards are met from at least one of the following organizations, which is usually found on product packaging or manufacturer websites.
International standards
- ISO Standards (International Organization for Standardization)
- ISO standards are globally recognized and rigorous testing ensures that products meet high-quality and safety benchmarks.
- NSF International is recognized in 150 countries and is one of the most highly trusted organizations that focuses on public health and safety, especially in food and water-related products. NSF-certified products are tested for chemical safety, leaching, and durability. NSF is a hybrid between a standard setting organization and a third-party lab that tests products to verify its standards are met.
Regional Standards
- FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) – United States
- In addition to food and drugs, the FDA sets standards for many consumer products such as cosmetics and materials that come into contact with food (like cookware); though less comprehensive compared to EU standards. The FDA does not test or certify products directly, but relies on manufacturers’ data, making it the weakest of these regulations.
- Prop 65 Compliance – California
- Products labeled as Prop 65 compliant meet California’s strict standards for limiting harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and PFAS. However, Prop 65 only addresses chemicals on California’s list (currently over 900 substances), meaning it doesn’t ensure the product is free from other potentially harmful substances. And although it requires disclosure, it doesn’t outright ban listed chemicals.
- EU Standards – European Union
- Regulated under frameworks like Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, which governs food contact materials. Stricter limits on heavy metals (e.g., lead and cadmium) and bans on harmful chemicals than the FDA.
- REACH Compliance – EU Regulation
- Specifically governs chemical use, and compliance means the product meets the European Union’s rigorous regulations on the safe use of chemicals, limiting or banning substances that pose health or environmental risks.
- LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) – Germany:
- One of the most rigorous testing standards for food contact materials, leading it to be recognized globally as a gold standard.
None of these international or regional standards (with the exception of NSF) perform product testing to ensure criteria is met; this is done by third-party testing organizations.
Third-party testing
Some manufacturers perform in-house product safety testing, but outside testing completed by third-party organizations is a safer, more reliable practice. This enables transparency and demonstrates a company’s commitment to non-toxic products.
Some of the most common and respected third-party lab testing organizations include:
Animal welfare certifications
Cruelty-free certifications are earned by a company adhering to animal welfare standards. They address issues such as suitable living conditions, ethical treatment, exclusion of cruel practices such as mulesing, lack of animal testing, and in the case of Certified Vegan, that no animal byproducts are included among a product’s ingredients.
Responsible Down Standard
The RDS certifies that feathers and down come from geese and ducks that are raised on certified farms in compliance with the principles and criteria of animal welfare.
Responsible Wool Standard
RWS farmers and ranchers must meet animal welfare, land management, and social requirements.
Leather Working Group
LWG is a non-profit organization that drives best practices and positive social and environmental change for responsible leather production.
Leaping Bunny
Standardizes cruelty-free claims. Companies do not conduct animal testing or use/purchase ingredients from companies that do.
Certified Vegan
Products do not contain animal products or byproducts, and have not been tested on animals.
PETA Cruelty-Free
Company is cruelty-free and does not test on animals. Database available that lists all companies with this approval.
Energy-efficient electronics & appliance certifications
Conserving energy and water are the focuses of electronic and applicance certifications.
EPEAT
EPEAT was formed by a grant from the EPA and is managed by the Global Electronics Council. Registered products must meet environmental performance criteria that address: materials selection, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, design for circularity and product longevity, energy conservation, end-of-life management and corporate performance.
Energy Star
In 2020, the use of Energy Star appliances saved 520 billion kilowatt-hours, $42 billion in energy costs, and reduced emissions by 400 million metric tons. Energy efficient appliance use can save a household around $450 in energy costs per year.
WaterSense
WaterSense is a program created by the EPA to certify water-efficient plumbing devices like faucets, showerheads and sprinklers. These products can save hundreds of gallons of water each year.
Product end of life certifications
These certifications verify that products are indeed compostable or recyclable according to company claims.
BPI Compostable
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification verifies that a product meets the rigorous compostability standards set by the ASTM. Note this nearly always is meant for commercial composting and only residential if specifically noted.
TUV Austria
The OK Compost Home certification guarantees complete biodegradability in home compost piles. Other labels indicate industrial composting only.
Corrugated Recycles
The Corrugated Recycles label denotes that a package can and should be recycled. Materials that have been coated or otherwise treated with substances (like wax) are not recyclable.
Final thoughts on sustainability certifications
As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of eco-certifications available today, but these are the ones I encounter most frequently and consider among the most reputable. While no certification system is entirely perfect, these third-party verification programs play a crucial role in holding companies accountable and ensuring their sustainability claims are backed by measurable standards. They provide transparency and credibility, helping consumers make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to greenwashing—when companies exaggerate or falsely advertise their environmental efforts.
The presence of these certifications is one of the most effective tools we have for evaluating whether a product or company is truly sustainable. By adhering to rigorous criteria, these certifications help to validate claims related to environmental impact, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. Although there is always room for improvement in the certification process, their widespread adoption signifies a positive shift toward greater accountability and sustainability in the marketplace.