The Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly badge helps customers find more sustainable products from reputable brands.
People are willing to pay 9.7% more just for a sustainable alternative. That’s why Amazon introduced the Climate Pledge Friendly badge. It’s a simple way for you to show that your products are better for the planet. But how exactly do you earn this badge?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the climate pledge friendly program on Amazon, from what it means for you, and how you can earn it.
What is a Climate Pledge?
A climate pledge is a promise to take action to reduce your environmental impact. In essence, making a climate pledge means that you’re committing to fight climate change.
Its main goal is to make meaningful changes to how you do business, in a way that benefits the environment. For example: cutting down on carbon emissions, or using renewable energy sources.
For businesses, this can look like switching to greener manufacturing processes, using sustainable packaging, or even investing in carbon offset programs. These actions not only help the environment but also show your customers that you care about making a difference.
What is Climate Pledge Friendly on Amazon?
In 2019, Amazon made its own climate pledge to help make ecommerce sustainable. Amazon will be net-zero carbon by 2040, which means they plan to balance out their carbon emissions by removing the same amount―or more―from their day-to-day operations.
To meet this ambitious goal, Amazon is taking the following actions:
- Electric deliveries. Amazon is introducing thousands of electric delivery vehicles to cut down on pollution from shipping.
- Renewable Switch. Amazon wants to power 100% of its operations with renewable energy by 2025. That includes everything from warehouses to data centers.
- Efficient Packaging. The Amazon SIPP program makes packaging more sustainable by using less plastic and more recyclable materials.
But Amazon isn’t stopping here. The ecommerce giant wants to encourage other businesses to join them in making a difference. Here’s and that’s where the Climate Pledge Friendly badge comes in.
What Does Climate Pledge Friendly Mean on Amazon?
This particular Amazon badge helps shoppers find environmentally-friendly products. To get this badge, your product needs to meet certain sustainability standards. Basically, the climate pledge friendly badge tells shoppers: “this product is a better choice for the planet.”
The badge standards are certified by one of Amazon’s recognized partners. Each certification covers a range of eco-friendly practices, such as using less energy, being made from sustainable materials, or reducing waste.
Climate Pledge Friendly Certifications
Amazon partners with over 40 organizations to rate product sustainability. These partners ensure that only those meeting high environmental and ethical standards qualify for the Climate Pledge Friendly badge.
Each organization focuses on different areas of sustainability, such as carbon footprint reduction, eco-friendly materials, and fair labor practices. Here are a few of the major certification partners you should know about:
Energy Star
Energy Star promotes energy efficiency. This certification is particularly beneficial for those selling electronics, home appliances, lighting, or office equipment that relies on energy consumption.
For example, if you manufacture refrigerators, an Energy Star certification indicates that your product will save them money on energy bills while being environmentally responsible by using less electricity.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
Cradle to Cradle focuses on the entire lifecycle of a product. It’s ideal for products that are designed with reuse, recycling, or safe biodegradation in mind.
If you’re in the clothing industry, obtaining Cradle to Cradle certification demonstrates that your products are made from eco-friendly materials and will not contribute to environmental pollution once they are no longer usable.
Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International ensures that products are made under ethical labor conditions, providing fair wages to workers and upholding environmental standards. This certification is highly relevant for businesses involved in industries like food, textiles, or handmade crafts.
For example, if you sell coffee, having a Fairtrade certification can reassure your customers that the farmers growing the coffee beans were paid fairly and worked under ethical conditions.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS focuses on organic fibers and the sustainability of the manufacturing processes used in textiles.
Suppose you produce organic cotton t-shirts. A GOTS certification proves that your products are made from organic fibers, and manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. So, you’d appeal to consumers who prioritize organic and sustainable goods.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC certifies products made from responsibly managed forests. This ensures that wood and paper products are not contributing to deforestation.
If you manufacture furniture, paper goods, or other products sourced from forests, the FSC certification guarantees that the wood was sourced in a way that minimizes environmental harm.
Carbon Trust
Carbon Trust focuses on minimizing the carbon footprint of products. This certification can apply to any business, but it’s particularly relevant for companies whose products have a high carbon footprint, such as electronics or large goods.
If you manufacture air conditioners, earning Carbon Trust certification signals to eco-conscious consumers that your product emits fewer carbon emissions―during both production and use.
Why the Climate Pledge Friendly Badge Matters
Earning the Climate Pledge Friendly badge comes with a bunch of benefits for your business:
- Visibility. Your products will be highlighted to eco-conscious consumers who are specifically looking for sustainable options.
- Brand trust. Customers are more likely to trust and buy from brands that they know are taking real steps to help the environment.
- Positioning. As sustainability becomes a bigger factor for shoppers, having the badge can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
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How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Business
With over 40 certification partners to choose from, things can get a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—here’s how you can pick the best one for your business.
Understand Your Environmental Impact
Take a close look at how your product affects the environment. Does it use a lot of energy? Is it made from materials that aren’t eco-friendly? Does your packaging create too much waste?
If you make household appliances, think about how much energy they use. If they’re designed to be energy-efficient, Energy Star might be a good fit.
Know What Your Customers Care About
Consider what your customers value most when it comes to sustainability. Do they care more about supporting fair labor practices, or are they focused on energy efficiency?
If your customers are focused on buying organic or non-toxic products, GOTS might be the best certification to target.
Research Certification Requirements
Each certification comes with its own set of rules and standards. Take time to research what’s required and make sure your business can meet these requirements.
If you’re considering Cradle to Cradle certification, make sure that your product can be fully recycled or safely biodegraded. This might mean changing the materials you use or how the product is made.
Apply for the Certification
Once you’ve chosen the best fit for you, apply to the organization. They’ll evaluate your product and processes to make sure you meet their sustainability standards.
If you’re aiming for FSC certification for your wooden furniture line, the certifying body will check to see where you source your wood and how your business supports forest sustainability.
How to Earn the Climate Pledge Friendly Badge
If you’re looking to enroll in the Climate Pledge Friendly program, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow to ensure your products meet the necessary standards.
Choose the Right Certification
Research the available certifications in your industry to determine which one offers the best fit for your product’s unique features and environmental goals.
Different certifications emphasize various aspects of sustainability, so it’s essential to choose one that fits both your product and the values of your customers.
Meet the Certification’s Standards
After choosing a certification, you’ll need to ensure your product meets its specific criteria. This often involves making changes to your production processes, materials, or business practices.
You may also need to implement sustainable practices throughout your supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to minimizing waste during manufacturing.
Meeting these standards may take time and investment, but it’s a crucial step in gaining the certification.
Apply for the Certification
Once your product meets the required standards, the next step is to apply for certification through the relevant organization. This process typically involves working closely with the certifying body to provide the necessary documentation and information about your product.
You’ll maybe undergo an audit of your manufacturing process, supply chain, or product life cycle. Depending on the certification, this audit can range from a simple review of paperwork to an in-depth inspection of your facilities.
Provide detailed evidence of your sustainability efforts, and make any necessary adjustments to meet the organization’s feedback.
Submit for the Climate Pledge Friendly Badge
Once your product is officially certified, you can submit it to Amazon for approval to receive the Climate Pledge Friendly badge. This involves providing proof of certification and any other relevant information they require.
Amazon will then review your submission to ensure your product meets their criteria for the badge. If everything checks out, Amazon will label your product as Climate Pledge Friendly, giving it visibility among eco-conscious consumers.
Maintain Your Certification
Earning the Climate Pledge Friendly badge is not a one-time achievement. To keep the badge, you need to maintain your certification by continuing to meet the sustainability standards set by the certifying organization.
This could involve regular audits or reassessments of your product and business practices. It’s important to stay updated on any changes to the certification’s requirements and make sure your product remains compliant.
Maintaining your certification helps demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainability, which can strengthen your brand’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Final Thoughts
Earning the Climate Pledge Friendly badge is a fantastic way to show your commitment to sustainability. By choosing the right certifications, meeting high environmental standards, and applying for the badge, you can make your products stand out to eco-conscious customers.
Not only does the badge make your products more visible, but it also builds trust and loyalty among customers who care about the planet. Plus, you’ll be part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable future.
Author
Antonella Fleitas is highly adept at creating fact-based, evergreen content about science, language learning, and culture. Her main goal is to build a strong content foundation for her clients, based on meaningful stories that people can learn from.
