You've seen the leafy logos. The happy seals. The badges of honour scattered across every product that claims to care. But do you actually know what they mean?
In a world where every loo roll, lip balm, and laundry detergent claims to be "eco-friendly," it's getting harder to tell who's genuinely helping the planet… and who's just slapping a green sticker on a product. That's where third-party certifications come in. They're like a lie detector test for sustainability claims. Independent proof that someone's actually done the work, not just the marketing.
We know how confusing the certification jungle can be. So here's our guide: the most well-known certifications, what they actually guarantee, how to spot the real deal from the eco-fluff, and exactly where Cheeky Panda stands.
Spoiler alert: we’re doing pretty well for ourselves.
What Certifications Actually Do
Not all certifications are created equal. Some prove a product's kind to the planet. Some prove it's kind to people. Some just guarantee it won't trigger a skin reaction. Some cover the entire business; others cover just one product or line.
The thing they all have in common: they're third-party verified. That means an independent body has audited the claim, checked everything, and said, "Yes, this is legit." No greenwashing, no crossed fingers, no fine print hiding in the depths of a website.
But it’s important to remember that certifications are not golden halos. "Vegan" doesn't mean good for you (deep-fried Oreos are vegan). So understanding what each certification actually covers is key to deciding if a brand aligns with what you care about.
Ready to decode the labels? Let's build your certification cheat sheet.
The Certifications That Matter
FSC® Certified: Responsibly Sourced Bamboo
What it means: FSC® certification guarantees that materials (like wood or bamboo) come from responsibly managed forests or verified sustainable sources, not dodgy deforestation deals.
What it guarantees:
- Environmental protection
- Fair labour practices for workers
- Respect for Indigenous communities
- Chain-of-custody tracking
Why it matters: FSC certification helps keep forests managed responsibly and makes supply chains easier to trace, so there’s less risk of a product coming from a poorly managed or illegally logged forest. In short, trees stay where they belong: in the forest.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: Our bamboo toilet paper, tissues, kitchen rolls, wipes, and straw products are FSC® certified. The bamboo we use in those products comes from audited, responsibly managed bamboo forests, with full chain-of-custody transparency.
Want proof? Check Cheeky Panda's FSC certificate on the FSC website, or learn more about what FSC certification actually means.
B Corp™ Certified: A view into whole business integrity
What it means: B Corp is one of the most widely recognised certifications out there for how a business performs on social and environmental fronts. It certifies companies that meet rigorous standards across social and environmental impact, not just in their products, but across the entire business.
What it guarantees:
- Environmental sustainability across operations
- Employee treatment, benefits, and fair wages
- Ethical supply chains and transparency
- Governance and real accountability
- Community impact and inclusion
Why it matters: B Corp looks at how a company actually behaves behind the branding. It's not about claiming to care. It's about proving it, from factory floor to boardroom. The certification holds businesses accountable and pushes them to do better, year after year.
In 2025, B Corp tightened its standards significantly. The old way? Score 80+ points across five categories and you're in. The new way? You must meet baseline standards in every category. No more smashing it in one area while quietly skipping another. That means nailing the foundation and proving yourself across all seven impact areas: Purpose & Stakeholder Governance, Fair Work, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Human Rights, Climate Action, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity, and Collective Action.
B Corp certification has gotten more rigorous over time, with stricter requirements and companies being held more accountable than before.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We became a certified B Corp back in 2021 (before it was the cool thing to do), and we've kept raising the bar ever since.
Curious? Explore our B Corp profile to see exactly how we stack up.
ISO 14001 & ISO 9001: Confirming Environmental Management & Quality Systems
What it means: These are globally recognised management system standards that verify that a company has systems in place to manage a particular aspect, like environmental impact (ISO 14001), or quality (ISO 9001).
What it guarantees:
- ISO 14001: Reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, complying with environmental laws
- ISO 9001: Robust quality management, consistent processes, continual improvement
- Both: Regular third-party audits to verify standards are met, year after year
Why it matters: Anyone can claim they care about sustainability or make great products. ISO certifications make them prove it with independent audits. ISO 14001 requires documented systems for managing environmental impact, resource efficiency, and compliance with environmental laws. ISO 9001 ensures consistent quality management and continuous improvement. Together, they provide independent verification that a company is walking the talk.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We hold both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications. Our practices are independently verified to meet global best-practice standards. This means our bamboo products are manufactured consistently, with documented systems for environmental responsibility, and independently audited to confirm it.
Learn more: Learn more about ISO 14001 and ISO 9001.
Vegan Certified (The Vegan Society): Guarantees No Animal Derivatives
What it means: This certification guarantees that a product contains zero animal ingredients and hasn't been tested on animals.
What it guarantees:
- Zero animal-derived ingredients or by-products, anywhere in the supply chain
- No animal testing (direct or indirect)
- Clear, transparent labelling
Why it matters: Here's the thing you might not know: Some paper products might contain animal-derived ingredients. These can turn up in the glue or in processing aids used to make them.
"Vegan" isn't just about what you eat, it also matters for personal care products. This certification sets a clear, trusted standard in a world where anyone can slap "plant-based" on a label. It protects animals, supports cruelty-free innovation, and lets consumers make kind choices without second-guessing.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We've always been committed to zero animal-based ingredients in our products. As a result, we were the first UK tissue brand to be certified by The Vegan Society, leading the way with no animal derivatives and no animal testing.
Look for: The official logo, or verify it with The Vegan Society.
Cruelty Free International (formerly Leaping Bunny): Cruelty-Free Gold Standard
What it means: The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme is a strict, independently verified cruelty-free standard. Brands that take part are checked to make sure their entire supply chain (not just the finished product) actually meets those cruelty-free requirements.
What it guarantees:
- No animal testing on ingredients or finished products
- Independent audits and full supply chain checks
- Ongoing commitment to cruelty-free standards
- Global assurance across borders
Why it matters: Nobody ever claims not to be cruelty free. Cruelty Free International makes brands prove they are indeed cruelty-free. This certification goes deeper than just the final product: it checks every supplier and every stage, so you know that no rabbits, mice, or any other friend was harmed in the making.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: The products from our range that contain active ingredients, and would be likely to undergo relevant testing, such as our face wipes, baby wipes, handy wipes, antibacterial wipes, and balsam tissues are proudly certified cruelty-free. The rest of our products do not contain active ingredients, so they wouldn’t undergo animal testing in the first place. That’s why our “dry” products are not certified. But across the board, we don't test on animals. We don't use suppliers that do. We are committed to not testing on animals and not working with suppliers that conduct animal testing. Pandas simply wouldn't stand for it.
Look for: The Cruelty Free International logo, or browse the official Cruelty Free list.
EcoVadis Platinum: Recognised in the Top 1% of companies for Sustainability
What it means: EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability ratings platform that evaluates companies on how well they manage their environmental, social, and ethical responsibilities. A platinum rating means you are in the top 1% of companies assessed.
What it guarantees:
- Environment (emissions, resource use, product impact)
- Labour & human rights (worker conditions, diversity, safety)
- Ethics (anti-corruption, fair business practices)
- Sustainable procurement and supplier responsibility
Why it matters: With over 100,000 companies rated globally, EcoVadis doesn't mess around. Their scorecards help buyers, partners, and consumers spot who's doing the real work. A platinum rating means a company leads the industry in making sustainability part of its DNA.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: In 2024, we earned EcoVadis Bronze. In 2025, Gold. And in 2026, we reached Platinum, ranking in the top 1% globally for our commitment to sustainability and ethical business.
Learn more: Visit EcoVadis to see how sustainability scores are reshaping supply chains.
Buy Women Built: Women-Founded Leadership
What it means: This certification spotlights brands that are founded and led by women. It's about putting visibility (and spending power) behind brilliant women who are changing the game.
What it covers:
- Majority female-founded and/or female-led businesses
- Transparent leadership structures
- A mission to elevate women in business
- Representation that… actually represents
Why it matters: Despite women starting businesses at record rates, they still get a tiny slice of investment and recognition. The Buy Women Built mark flips that script, helping consumers support gender equity through their purchases.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We're proudly co-founded by Julie Chen, who built Cheeky Panda from a wild idea to a household name while juggling mum-life, bamboo supply chains, and the occasional panda hat.
Discover more: Check out Buy Women Built to find and support more women-led brilliance.
Tested PFAS Free: Looking for "Forever Chemicals"
What it means: This product has been independently tested for PFAS (nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent in the environment), and the lab didn’t detect any fluorine (a common indicator of PFAS) above the levels its equipment is able to measure.
What it guarantees:
- Lab testing for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
- No fluorine was detected above the level the lab’s equipment is able to measure
- Verified third-party testing
Why it matters: PFAS have been linked to some pretty nasty health and environmental impacts, and once they're out there, they stick around forever (hence their “forever chemicals” nickname). We're talking water pollution, bioaccumulation, and a long list of potential side effects.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: Our toilet paper, tissues, straws, and dry wipe ranges are independently tested PFAS-free, because we think it’s obvious that "forever chemicals" have no place in your daily routine.
Ask the questions: If a product makes a PFAS-related claim, it’s worth checking that the brand backs it up with clear testing information and real evidence.
Biodegradable: Independently Tested to Break Down Safely under the relevant disposal conditions
What it means: A product is biodegradable when it naturally breaks down into non-toxic elements (water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter) without leaving nasties behind.
What it guarantees:
- Breaks down via natural processes (no industrial magic needed) in conditions relevant to the way the product is likely to be disposed of
- Breaks down within a verified time frame
- Independently lab-tested
- No toxic residue left behind
Why it matters: Just because something disappears doesn't mean it doesn’t have any impact. The impact might just not be visually (or immediately) visible. Real biodegradability ensures a product returns to the earth without polluting soil, water, or ecosystems in the process. Aiming for proper biodegradability is how we’ll close the loop, not just move waste out of sight: use it, toss it, let nature do its thing.
UN Global Compact Member: The 10 Principles for Ethical Business
What it means: The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. Members commit to aligning their strategies and operations with ten universal principles (covering human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption). In short: it's like joining the Avengers, but for ethical business.
What it covers:
- Environmental responsibility (climate, resources, circularity)
- Human rights (non-negotiable, across the supply chain)
- Fair labour practices
- Anti-corruption
- Public reporting and transparent progress tracking
Why it matters: It's not just a badge. It's a public promise to do better, and keep doing better. Members are expected to report on progress and stay accountable to a global set of standards.
How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We've proudly been a UN Global Compact member since 2024, committing to transparency, integrity, and action that aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Whether it's ethical sourcing, decent work, or climate action, we're in it for the long haul.
Curious? Explore the Ten Principles.
How to Spot Real Certifications vs. Greenwashing
Here's the truth: these days, everything presents itself as "eco-friendly". But how do you know if that leafy-looking label actually means something… or if it's just a sticker slapped on by marketing departments without much proof behind it?
What to Look For:
✓ Official logos from recognised certifying bodies (FSC®, B Corp™, Leaping Bunny, etc.)
✓ Registry listings: most certifications have searchable databases where you can check the brands that are certified
✓ Transparency: brands will happily explain their certifications, testing, and sourcing, either proactively or upon request
What to Watch Out For:
✗ "Eco," "Green," "Sustainable" as generic claims with no proof: these aren't regulated terms
✗ Homemade badges and seals
✗ Claims like "plant-based" or "natural": these aren't regulated terms
In conclusion
Certifications aren't the end goal; they're part of the journey. At Cheeky Panda, we're genuinely proud of the stamps we've earned and the trees we've kept in the forest. But we're not stopping here.
We're always working toward higher standards, clearer proof, and even smarter swaps, including new certifications that push us further on climate action, equity, and just doing the right thing.
We're big on transparency, and even bigger on sharing what we've learned. Got questions about how we source, certify, or keep our products panda-approved? Just ask!
