You’ve seen the labels. The leafy logos. The happy seals of approval. But let’s be real — does anyone 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 helping the planet… and who’s just slapping a green sticker on their greenwashing. That’s where third-party certifications come in — like a lie detector test for sustainability claims.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the most well-known certifications, tests, and badges of honour (and dishonour). And of course, we’ll show you how Cheeky Panda stacks up (spoiler alert: pretty damn well).

What Certifications Actually Do (and Don’t Do)

Let’s clear something up: not all certifications are created equal. Some mean a product’s kind to the planet. Some mean it’s kind to people. And some just mean it won’t give your skin an unexpected tantrum.

From environmental impact to ethical supply chains to health and safety standards — these labels cover a lot.

As such, they are helpful guides to separate the real-deal from free-tinted imposters. But they’re not golden halos, so “Vegan” doesn’t equal good for you (looking at you, deep-fried Oreos), and understanding what each certification shows is key to deciding if a brand or product aligns with your expectations.

Ready to decode the jungle of logos? Let’s build your sustainability cheat sheet.

Deep Dive: Key Certifications and Tests

FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified

What it means: FSC® certification is all about forest-friendly sourcing. It ensures that wood, paper, and bamboo come from responsibly managed forests or verified sustainable sources — not dodgy deforestation deals.

What it covers:

• Environmental protection (no clear-cutting ancient forests)
• Fair labour practices for workers
• Respect for Indigenous communities
• Chain-of-custody tracking (so you know where your material’s really coming from)

Why it matters: FSC® helps prevent the very thing we’re fighting against — wiping out forests for single-use products. It protects biodiversity, tackles illegal logging, and helps keep carbon safely stored in trees (and bamboo roots) where it belongs. In short: it keeps forests standing, and the planet breathing.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: All our bamboo toilet paper, tissues, kitchen rolls, wipes and straw products are FSC® certified — meaning our bamboo is sourced from audited, responsibly managed plantations (not forests), with full chain-of-custody transparency. It’s one of the reasons a tree can breathe easy every time you wipe.

Tip: Want receipts? Check the FSC website for Cheeky Panda’s certificate details and for more info on what it means to be certified and how to spot the real deal 

B Corp™ Certified

What it means: B Corp is the gold star (or bamboo shoot, if you will) of doing business for good. It certifies companies that meet high standards of social and environmental impact — not just in products, but across the entire business.

What it covers:

• Environmental sustainability
• Employee treatment & benefits
• Ethical supply chains
• Transparent governance & accountability
• Community impact and inclusion

Why it matters: B Corp cuts through the greenwashing by looking at how a company really behaves behind the branding. It’s not just about claiming to care — it’s about proving it, from factory floor to boardroom. It holds businesses to account and pushes them to do better, year after year.

As the climate crisis (and corporate greenwashing) gets more urgent, B Corp is raising the bamboo bar. The latest update is the 7th major shake-up of the standards, and it’s not just a little tightening of the screws—it’s a full-on strength test for every business that wants the badge.

The old way? Score 80+ points across five categories and you were in. The new way? You’ve got to meet baseline standards in every category to make the cut—no more smashing it in one area while quietly skipping leg day in the rest. That means nailing the foundation requirements and proving yourself in all seven impact areas: Purpose & Stakeholder Governance, Fair Work, JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion), Human Rights, Climate Action, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity, and Government Affairs & Collective Action.

The future of B Corp is stricter, smarter, and impossible to fake. We’re totally here for it—and we’ll be looking forward to re-certifying in 2026.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We became a certified B Corp before it was cool, back in 2021, and we’ve kept raising the bar ever since. Our most recent recertification score? 87.2 — reflecting how we roll when it comes to planet protection, people power, and proper accountability.

Tip: Want to dig deeper? Explore our B Corp profile to see how we stack up, and keep an eye out for recertification news in 2026.

ISO 14001 & ISO 9001 Certified

What it means: These internationally recognised standards prove a company can walk the walk when it comes to both sustainability and quality. ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management systems, while ISO 9001 ensures consistent product quality and customer satisfaction.

What it covers:

• ISO 14001 – Reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and complying with environmental laws.
• ISO 9001 – Robust quality management, consistent processes, and continual improvement to keep products top-notch.
• Both: Regular third-party audits to make sure the standards are met year after year.

Why it matters: Anyone can claim they’re green or make great products — ISO certifications make them prove it. ISO 14001 helps protect the planet by cutting waste, saving energy, and preventing pollution. ISO 9001 ensures customers get reliable, high-quality products every single time, no matter where or when they buy them. Together, they build trust you can measure (and audit).

How The Cheeky Panda qualifies: We hold both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications, meaning our environmental practices and product quality are independently verified to meet global best-practice standards. It’s how we make sure our bamboo goodies are planet-friendly, panda-approved, and consistently brilliant — from first roll to last sheet.

Tip: Curious about the details? Learn more about ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 straight from the source.

Vegan (Certified by The Vegan Society)

What it means: This certification guarantees that a product contains zero animal ingredients and hasn’t been tested on animals at any stage — not the raw materials, not the final product, nothing.

What it covers:

• No animal-derived ingredients or by-products in the finished product or anywhere along the supply chain.
• No animal testing (direct or indirect)
  
• Clear labelling for transparency

Why it matters: "Vegan" isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about the ethics behind everything you use. 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 helps consumers make kind choices without second-guessing.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: You might be wondering: why does it matter if a toilet paper brand is vegan? I’m not going to eat it, am I? Well, as it turns out, a lot of toilet paper brands are actually… not vegan, because they sneak animal-based glue into their rolls (and they don’t even have to tell you about it). Ew.

Cheeky Panda though? We’ve always been committed to no 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 zero animal derivatives, zero animal testing, and full transparency.

Tip: Look for the official sunflower logo — or check it at the source. 

Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International)

What it means: Leaping Bunny is the global gold standard for cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care, and household products. It certifies that no animal testing has been done at any stage of product development — anywhere in the supply chain. Zero fluff. Zero loopholes.

What it covers:

• No animal testing on ingredients or finished products
• Independent audits and supply chain checks
• Ongoing commitment to cruelty-free standards
• Global assurance — applies across borders

Why it matters: Plenty of brands say they’re cruelty-free. Leaping Bunny makes them prove it. This certification digs deeper than just the final product — it checks every supplier and every stage, so you can trust that no rabbits, mice, or any other friend was harmed in the making of the product.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: Our face wipes, baby wipes, handy wipes, antibacterial wipes and balsam tissues are proudly Leaping Bunny approved. We don’t test on animals, we don’t use suppliers that do, and we never will. Pandas wouldn’t stand for it. Neither do we.

Tip: Look for the bunny with serious bounce — or browse the official Leaping Bunny list.

EcoVadis Gold

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 gold rating puts you in the top 5% of companies assessed — not just talking the talk, but walking the sustainable walk (in very stylish, non-greenwashed shoes).

What it covers:

• Environment (emissions, resource use, product impact)
• Labour & human rights (worker conditions, diversity, safety)
• Ethics (anti-corruption, fair business practices)
• Sustainable procurement (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 — and who’s just dressing up for Earth Day. A gold rating means a company is serious about making sustainability part of its DNA — not just its marketing.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We were awarded EcoVadis Bronze in 2024, and Gold in 2025, ranking in the top 5% globally for our commitment to sustainability and ethical business. From climate action to supplier transparency, we tick the boxes — and then some. Not to brag, but... okay, we’re totally bragging.

Tip: Want the receipt? Visit EcoVadis to see how sustainability scores are shaking up the supply chain.

Buy Women Built

What it means: This certification spotlights brands that are founded and led by women — and aren’t afraid to say it. It’s about putting visibility (and spending power) behind businesses built by brilliant women who are changing the game, not waiting for permission to play it.

What it covers:

• Majority female-founded and/or female-led businesses
• Transparent leadership structures
• A mission to elevate and champion 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 with every purchase. It’s not just about who’s at the table. It’s about who built the damn thing in the first place.

How Cheeky Panda qualifies: We’re proudly co-founded by Julie Chen, who helped build Cheeky Panda from wild idea to household name — all while juggling mum-life, bamboo supply chains, and the occasional panda pun. Supporting women in business? We live it. We label it. We lead with it.

Tip: Curious who else is smashing ceilings and stereotypes? Check out Buy Women Built to discover and support more women-led brilliance.

Tested PFAS Free

What it means: This certification means a product has been independently tested and confirmed to contain no detectable PFAS — a.k.a. those pesky “forever chemicals” that never break down and really don’t belong in your wipes, tissues, or toilet roll.

What it covers:

• Lab testing for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
• No fluorinated chemicals in raw materials or final products
• Verified third-party testing (not just a box ticked by us)

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. We’re talking water pollution, bioaccumulation, and an unwanted guest list of side effects. Testing PFAS-free means you’re not wiping with anything toxic.

How The Cheeky Panda qualifies: Our full toilet paper, tissues, straws and dry wipe ranges are independently tested and verified PFAS-free, because “forever chemicals” have no place in your daily routine — or on your skin. We keep it clean, safe, and seriously soft — with none of the sneaky stuff.

Tip: If a product doesn’t shout about being PFAS-free, it probably hasn’t checked. Ask the awkward questions. Your body (and the planet) will thank you.

Biodegradable(Independently Tested)

What it means: A product is biodegradable when it naturally breaks down into non-toxic elements — like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter — without leaving a trace of nasties behind.

What it covers:

• Breaks down via natural processes (no industrial magic needed)
• Breaks down within a verified time frame (we’re talking months, not decades)
• Independently lab-tested
• No toxic residue left behind

Why it matters: Just because something disappears doesn’t mean it’s safe. Real biodegradability ensures a product returns to the earth without polluting soil, water, or ecosystems in the process. It’s how we close the loop — not just move the waste out of sight. It’s also one of the easiest ways to make sustainability feel simple: use it, toss it, let nature do its thing.

How The Cheeky Panda qualifies: Our wipes have been independently tested and certified as biodegradable — proven to break down quickly and safely without leaving behind chemicals or microplastic ghosts. Use, bin, done. Just don’t flush them — even the best bamboo can’t outsmart a Victorian sewer system.

Our tissues? They’re made from 100% bamboo, so they’re naturally biodegradable by design (no lab coat needed to figure that out). 

Tip: “Biodegradable” isn’t regulated in most places — so always check for lab testing or proper certification. If there’s no proof? It might just be eco-fluff.

UN Global Compact member 

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 (no dodgy backdoor sweatshops here)
• Anti-corruption (because shady deals ≠ sustainable impact)
• Public reporting and 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 walk the walk, report on progress, and stay accountable to a global set of standards. It’s voluntary, yes — but not for show. The Compact makes sure your sustainability talk doesn’t come with crossed fingers behind your back.

How The Cheeky Panda qualifies: We’ve proudly been a member of the UN Global Compact 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.

Tip: Curious what The Ten Principles actually are? Explore them here — and see why they matter more than ever.

How to Spot Genuine Certifications vs. Greenwashing

Let’s be honest — these days, everything from toilet paper to tuna is “eco-friendly” if you squint hard enough. 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 with a guilty conscience?

Here’s how to tell the real deal from the green-tinted fluff:

What to Look For:

• Official logos from recognised certifying bodies (FSC®, B Corp™, Leaping Bunny, etc.)
• Registry listings – most certifications have searchable databases. If it’s not listed, it’s not certified.
• Transparency – legit brands will happily explain their certifications, testing, and sourcing.

What to Watch Out For:

• “Eco,” “Green,” “Sustainable” with no proof – these aren’t regulated terms, so anyone can say them. And many do.
• Homemade badges and unverifiable seals
• Claims like “plant-based” or “natural” – doesn’t mean non-toxic, ethical, or sustainable. Arsenic is natural.
• No supply chain info – if a brand can’t (or won’t) tell you where their stuff comes from, assume the worst.

Where We Go From Here

Certifications aren’t the end goal — they’re part of the journey. We’re 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 things like climate action, equity, and circularity.

Because let’s face it — sustainability isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset. And we’re in it for the long haul.

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. We’re always happy to talk bamboo, biodegradability, or anything in between.