About the Sustainable florist
The Sustainable Florist is an independent quality label that florists can use to prove that they are operating sustainably. The florists can receive a bronze, silver, or gold certificate, depending on the number of points they achieve. In addition to the general requirements that sustainable florists must meet, they can score points with optional measures. For example, a silver florist must purchase 30% sustainably. Independent certification agencies check whether the requirements are met.
Major growth
The quality label is experiencing significant growth. The counter now stands at over 400 certified florists. The flower dispatch service Fleurop, for example, has set a goal of having all of its affiliated florists certified for the Barometer Sustainable Florist. FloraNL and the Dutch Sustainable Florists Group are also promoting certification. Want to know where your nearest sustainable florist is? Click on the plus sign.
Read moreThemes
Only florists who meet all the requirements in the certification scheme can obtain the certificate. The requirements address 6 themes:
Sustainable assortment of flowers and plants
Sustainable florists must purchase a percentage of their products (flowers, plants and cut foliage) sustainably every year. This differs per level:
- Gold level: at least 50%
- Silver level: at least 30%
- Bronze level: at least 15%
These more sustainable products are for example certified for organic, On the way to PlanetProof, MPS, or Max Havelaar/Fair Trade.
Waste (separation) and packaging
Florists separate their waste – such as plastic sleeves, green waste, cardboard, and paper. In addition, waste from single-use packaging is collected at a central point for processing/recycling. This can be done, for example, at the auction.
Renewable energy and saving
Using various requirements to reduce energy consumption, together we try to reduce the environmental impact. Sustainable florists do this by drawing up a Plan of Action each year on how they are going to reduce their energy consumption.
Moreover, certificate holders use entirely green electricity.
Eco-friendly cleaning
Cleaning products, such as chlorine, can be harmful to the environment. Sustainable florists should therefore not use cleaning products containing chlorine. Also, all cleaning products must be stored safely. In this way, employees are not continuously exposed to harmful substances and unauthorized persons do not have access to the products.
More sustainable transport and delivery
The company vehicles, such as a truck for purchasing and a delivery van, have clean engines: all transport vehicles have at least a Euro 5 motor.
Care for employees
A safe and pleasant working environment is important, also for florists. At the company, the CLA for floral retail should be present and referred to when someone is employed or gets a new contract. In addition, sustainable florists can score points with choice measures such as a household regulation, a recognized training company, or employing employees “with distance to the labor market” (WAO, WIA, Wajong).
Reliable quality label
The reliability of a hallmark stands or falls with its assurance. This has been taken care of in the case of the Barometer Sustainable Florist.
The criteria of the Barometer are established through fixed procedures with the assistance of the SMK Board of Experts for Vegetables. The (new) requirements are discussed during public hearings and those present can respond to them. These reactions are taken into account in determining the definitive criteria.
The independent certification body checks whether florists comply with the criteria. This method ensures a broad social and reliable support base. The inspection and certification of the florist are carried out in accordance with European standards for product certification (ISO/IEC 17065). Certification takes place under the supervision of the Dutch Council for Accreditation.