The Sustainable Florist Barometer is an independent, official quality mark for florists to demonstrate that their flowers and plants and their business practices in-store are more sustainable.
By obtaining one of three levels of certification (bronze, silver, or gold) florists distinguishes themselves from others, and meet the growing demand for sustainability.
To obtain certification a florist must meet mandatory requirements and achieve a minimum number of points by adopting optional measures.
Incremental certification to bronze (15% of purchases), silver (30% of purchases) and gold (50% of purchases) for purchasing more sustainable flowers and plants with a recognised quality mark:
Organic/EKOSale of dyed fresh flowers is not permitted.
Mandatory waste separation (cardboard/paper, green, glass, plastics, other)
Use of renewable electricity is mandatory
Cleaning agents containing chlorine is not permittedVarious optional measures:
Company cars with clean engine (Euro5 or 6), or electric
Collective labour agreement for the Flower Retail Sector is mandatoryThe SMK Board of Experts sets objective criteria
The criteria for the Sustainable Florist Barometer are established through set procedures, with the input of the SMK Board of Experts for agro/food ‘Plant’. This Board sets the objective criteria for more sustainable purchasing and business practices. As part of the procedure, there is a public hearing at which there is an opportunity to respond to the draft proposal for a revised certification scheme for the The Sustainable Florist.
Certification under the supervision of the Dutch Accreditation Council
Independent certification bodies check whether florists meet the criteria of The Sustainable Florist. This method ensures broad and reliable public support. Periodic inspection under the supervision of the Dutch Accreditation Council.
Meets European standard for certification | ISO/IEC standards
The development, management and revision of the Sustainable Florist certification scheme, and inspection and certification, are undertaken in accordance with European standards (ISO/IEC17065).
Milieu Centraal has given a positive assessment
Excellent ranking by the Dutch public information organisation 'Milieu Centraal'. The label Sustainable Florist has earned the maximum score for ‘Monitoring’ and an excellent score for ‘Environment’. Their mission is to enable consumers to make sustainable choices. This information is independent, reliable and practical. Milieu Centraal has no commercial interests.