EcoElara Supplier Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION


EcoElara exists to make carefully researched, lower-waste home cleaning products more accessible to families across the UK.


Every brand we stock is a reflection of our values. We do not list products because they carry an eco label. We list them because they have earned our trust through rigorous evaluation against the standards set out in this Code of Conduct.


This document outlines the minimum standards every EcoElara supplier must meet and maintain to be listed on our platform.


"When humans look after nature, nature looks after us."


SECTION 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS


1.1 Ingredients and Formulation


  • Products must be free from synthetic microplastics and microplastic-releasing materials.
  • Products must be free from SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate).
  • Products must be free from phosphates and phosphonates.
  • Products must be free from synthetic fragrances or must clearly disclose all fragrance ingredients.
  • Products must be free from parabens, phthalates, and other known endocrine disruptors.
  • Plant-based or naturally derived ingredients are strongly preferred.
  • All ingredients must be fully disclosed on product labelling.

1.2 Packaging


  • Plastic packaging must be either recycled, recyclable, or compostable.
  • Single-use non-recyclable plastic packaging is not acceptable.
  • Suppliers are encouraged to offer refillable or concentrated product formats.
  • Packaging must be clearly labelled with disposal instructions.
  • Suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to reducing packaging over time.

1.3 Manufacturing and Carbon Footprint


  • UK-based manufacturing is strongly preferred.
  • Where products are manufactured outside the UK, suppliers must demonstrate responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices.
  • Suppliers are encouraged to measure and report their carbon footprint.
  • Suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental impact over time.
  • Manufacturing processes must comply with all relevant UK and EU environmental regulations.

1.4 Biodegradability


  • Cleaning formulations must be readily biodegradable.
  • Physical cleaning tools must be made from materials that biodegrade or can be composted at the end of life wherever possible.

1.5 Environmental Claims and Responsible Marketing


  • Suppliers must ensure that all environmental, sustainability, ingredients, material, packaging, and product-performance claims provided to EcoElara are accurate, clear, evidence-based, and capable of being substantiated.
  • Suppliers should avoid vague or absolute claims such as “eco-friendly“, "sustainable", "non-toxic", "chemical-free", "planet-friendly”, or similar terminology unless the claim can be clearly defined and supported by appropriate evidence.
  • Where environmental claims are made, suppliers should provide EcoElara with relevant supporting information where requested, including certifications, test results, ingredient information, material composition, manufacturing information, or other appropriate evidence.
  • Suppliers must notify EcoElara if any environmental claim, certifications, ingredient, material, packaging specifications, or product information previously supplied becomes inaccurate or changes.
  • EcoElara reserves the right to amend, qualify, or decline to use supplier marketing claims where sufficient supporting information is not available.

SECTION 2 - HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS


2.1 Product Safety


  • All products must comply with UK REACH regulations and relevant UK cosmetic and cleaning product safety legislation.
  • Products must be safe for use around children when used as directed.
  • Products must be suitable for individuals with common allergies and skin sensitivities wherever possible.
  • Full ingredient disclosure must be provided to EcoElara on request.
  • Safety Data Sheets must be available for all cleaning products.

2.2 Allergen Awareness


  • Suppliers must clearly identify any known allergens in their products.
  • Products marketed as suitable for sensitive skin or allergy-prone households must be substantiated with evidence.
  • Suppliers must notify EcoElara immediately of any product safety concerns or recalls.

2.3 Animal Welfare


  • No products listed on EcoElara may be tested on animals.
  • Cruelty-free certification is strongly preferred.
  • Suppliers must be able to confirm their supply chain is free from animal testing on request.

SECTION 3 - ETHICAL AND SOCIAL STANDARDS


3.1 Labour and Employment


  • Suppliers must comply with all applicable UK employment law.
  • Suppliers must pay at least the UK National Living Wage to all employees.
  • Child labour is strictly prohibited throughout the supply chain.
  • Forced or compulsory labour is strictly prohibited.
  • Workers must be free to join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.

3.2 Equality and Inclusion


  • Suppliers must operate without discrimination on grounds of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
  • EcoElara actively seeks to partner with diverse-owned businesses, including women-owned, BAME-owned, and social enterprises.

3.3 Transparency and Integrity


  • Suppliers must not make unsubstantiated environmental claims (greenwashing).
  • All certifications and accreditations claimed must be current and verifiable.
  • Suppliers must notify EcoElara immediately of any changes to their product formulations, certifications, or manufacturing processes.
  • Suppliers must not misrepresent their products to EcoElara or to consumers.

SECTION 4 - CERTIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS


EcoElara strongly prefers suppliers who hold one or more of the following recognised certifications. Certification is not mandatory for all product categories but is a significant positive factor in our evaluation:


  • 🌿 B Corp Certification
  • 🌿 EU Ecolabel (DEFRA accredited)
  • 🌿 Soil Association Organic Certification
  • 🌿 Cruelty Free International (Leaping Bunny)
  • 🌿 FSC Certification (for wood-based products)
  • 🌿 GOTS Certification (for organic textile products)
  • 🌿 Vegan Society Certification
  • 🌿 Carbon Neutral or Net Zero certification
  • 🌿 Made in Britain Mark
  • 🌿 Royal Warrant

SECTION 5 - COMMERCIAL TERMS


5.1 Pricing and Margins


  • Suppliers must offer EcoElara competitive wholesale pricing that allows for sustainable retail margins.
  • Pricing must be consistent with terms offered to comparable retailers.
  • Suppliers must provide advance notice of any price changes.

5.2 Stock and Fulfilment


  • Suppliers must maintain adequate stock levels to fulfil EcoElara orders within agreed lead times.
  • Suppliers must notify EcoElara promptly of any stock shortages or fulfilment issues.
  • Product quality must be consistent across all orders.

5.3 Exclusivity


  • EcoElara does not require exclusivity as standard.
  • Exclusive arrangements may be discussed on a case-by-case basis for new product launches or own-brand development.

SECTION 6 - ONGOING COMPLIANCE


  • EcoElara reserves the right to remove any supplier from our platform who fails to meet or maintain these standards.
  • Suppliers will be reviewed annually against this Code of Conduct.
  • EcoElara reserves the right to update this Code of Conduct and will provide suppliers with reasonable notice of any changes.
  • Suppliers are required to sign a declaration confirming their acceptance of this Code of Conduct before being listed on EcoElara.
  • EcoElara may request additional information from suppliers as part of its product selection and ongoing product review process.