Our Values
At I’m Plastic Free we have very clear values and strictly vet each organisation before manually approving new listings on our platform.
How?
We do due diligence on the organization’s website, as well as their claims and certifications, if available. In many cases, we ask direct questions and we also buy and test the actual product itself. We don’t accept organizations that don’t meet these criteria, as they won’t help us create that double positive impact we want to achieve: an Environmental Impact & a Social Impact.
Environmental Impact
Zero Waste
The products sold by the organisations featured in our listings are manufactured or sourced based on their minimal harmful impact to our environment, which translates to being made of natural and organic material, therefore zero waste, and certified home compostable at the end of their life. We look for products that abide certification standards like Home Compostable AS 5810 ABAX 9999 in Australia, NF T51-800 in France, prEN 17427 for Europe etc.
We pay careful attention to product quality as our motto is “to buy once” long lasting products that save resources and pollution.
Last but not least, we are fully aware that greenwashing is on the rise, so you can be sure that on our platform you won’t find businesses that have unsubstantiated claims or that claim to be greener than what they actually are (reusable straws in plastic packaging anyone?).
On our platform, you'll also find B2B businesses that offer innovative sustainable solutions on how to address your plastic challenges as a business.
Plastic Free
Brands listed on our platform sell products that are free of plastic or in some cases they have a minimal amount of plastic, i.e. a plastic pump or lid in a cosmetic, if necessary for its function, or some synthetic fibers in socks that are made ethically and sustainably and with certified organic cotton, overall though up to < 20%.
We are carefully sourcing “the best versions” for every product currently on the market, however, we are aware that sometimes there are no alternatives and we do need to make a few compromises.
Furthermore, the products sold by the brands on our platform are wrapped and shipped with minimal, fully compostable or recyclable plastic free packaging.
In the business to business B2B database, we list plastic free innovative materials and solutions that help other businesses lower their carbon footprint.
Circular Solutions
Some of the products by our eco brands follow a closed-loop system, typical of the circular economy, by which customers might be asked to send back empty packaging to be refilled with new products (i.e. personal hygiene / cleaning products etc.), this way zero or very minimal waste is created.
On the business to business B2B front, we also list circular / closed loop solutions for businesses, that help other businesses resolve their single-use plastic challenges, i.e. through reusables and Apps that help them manage the solution.
Palm Oil Free
All brands on our platform offer products that are free of palm oil, and also free of responsibly sourced palm oil (RSPO) because we believe that unfortunately, you cannot fill a bucket of water from multiple taps, then try and separate the water showing which tap that water portion has come from.
We are dedicated to passionately fight deforestation, as a way of preserving wildlife and minimising global warming.
Carbon Neutral Delivery
Our goal is not just to fight plastic pollution, we also strive to reduce carbon emissions so we are delighted to say that most of the businesses on our platform offer carbon neutral delivery of their products.
We'll strive to list eco-brands and business solutions that also offer carbon neutral products and services themselves in the future.
Social Impact
Ethical
All products on our platform, whether eco brands or business solutions are manufactured or sourced based on their minimal harmful impact to society, which translates to:
- no child labour
- no exploitation (no forced labour / no excessive hours)
- fair living wages for workers and social security payments
- safe and hygienic working conditions
- fair-trade
Service businesses also follow the same values.
Cruelty Free
None of the products by the brands listed on our platform and their ingredients are tested on animals and are, therefore, we can strongly stay behind our cruelty free policy.
Toxin Free
We carefully select brands that create their products with love and are either certified organic and / or free of toxic chemicals and pesticides.
Being an ocean-friendly social enterprise, it is paramount that the beauty products by our brands are all natural and reef safe. Organic ingredients are always listed in the product descriptions on the website of the producers. We meticulously select clean beauty products without the usual plastic packaging.
On the business to business B2B front, all solutions need to abide by the same toxin-free values, particularly for sustainable catering products that are in contact with food.
Vegan Options
While our platform is 100% cruelty free, we also aim at listing a very large selection of vegan brands. However, in some cases when no animal cruelty is involved, we also accept listings by non-vegan brands (i.e. beeswax wraps, wool clothing, insulation packaging material made of wool fibers etc.)
Made Locally
Our platform is global, however, users can easily select the country of residence and thus find products, services, and business solutions that are local, based in their own country.
As an example, we don’t believe in a bamboo toothbrush being flown around the world to get to the customer. A product is not eco-friendly anymore when it has to cross the whole world to get to the buyer. With our platform users can save on postage … and carbon!
Most of the listings on our platform are by small innovative businesses or start-ups that are as passionate about making a difference as we are and have a great story to tell.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
At I’M PLASTIC FREE we stand by the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals values:
Does your Business offer a Solution to Plastic Pollution?
Follow the steps to add your listing with us.
1. Register an Account
Click on the User Icon on the Header and register.
3. Get Verified & Approved
We verify each listing manually.
