The Sustainable Florist

Sustainability: everybody is for it, and every industry is buzzing about its importance. But how do we put it into practice? And how does a florist sustainably run his business?

In Florint’s new international project, the Sustainable Florist, we answer that crucial question. And give florists a practical instrument to encourage them on the path to sustainability, and help them measure their progress.

Sustainable floristry in 2020

2020 has been a year of crisis and change. The epidemic forced us to isolate and look inward. The fast social changes also demand that we look ahead, and plan for the future.

Here at Florint, we see a future in which the issue of Sustainability will be more and more central. As individuals, as communities, and as florist entrepreneurs. 

The idea of sustainability is complicated and abstract. So we have worked hard to make it practical, and concrete, for you. Together with Dutch florist association VBW and our certification partner SMK, we present the Sustainable Florist Certification:

Sustainable Florist Certification Scheme

The Sustainable Florist Certification Scheme is an independent certification, with a complete checklist for florists. It allows you to measure your level of sustainability through an audit, employing 3 ‘grades’, and offers you countless tips on how you can improve. On top of that, it gives you a way to market your sustainability and turn it into added value. 

The criteria of the Certification Scheme have been developed independently by sustainability institute SMK, together with many relevant stakeholders and experts. The system is based on an existing Dutch certification scheme – successfully launched in The Netherlands by VBW, the Dutch florist association. Florint is the initiator behind the international roll-out of the Sustainable Florist. SMK, as an independent sustainability platform, is the license holder and administrator of the certificates.

The awarded bronze, silver and gold sustainability certificates come with a clearly recognisable label and logo. These can be used to promote the certified business to the consumer, and offer significant marketing value. Having earned the certificate makes for a wonderful story to tell your customers!

The certification process

The certification opportunity of The Sustainable Florist is being offered internationally. The procedure is established by the national florist association (a member of Florint) together with the professionals from SMK. The formal audits are undertaken by SGS, an independent certifying body.

Aspects of business sustainability that are measured include:

  • Purchasing
  • Packaging
  • Waste management
  • Energy efficiency
  • Water management
  • Transport optimization
  • Use of chemicals
  • Flower conditioning
  • Employment conditions

The scheme thus recognises various levels of business sustainability. It rewards progress in the form of 3 certification levels: bronze, silver and gold.

Want to learn more?

To get to know the certification system ‘Sustainable Florist’ in detail, please contact the Direction Committee of Florint, the International Florist Organisation. We will gladly answer any questions you may have, and help you along on the path to sustainability.