The impact behind your products

We are careful about what we claim and how we back it up. Below is how we define and evidence the sustainability and impact statements you see on our products.

Validity of recycled materials

Any product we advertise as containing recycled materials is supported by supplier documentation. This typically takes the form of a recycled content certificate or equivalent verification issued at material or product level. These certificates confirm the source of the recycled material, the percentage of recycled content and wether the material is post-consumer or post-industrial, where available. We do not label products as recycled without this documentation on file.

Carbon footprint and carbon reduction

For selected products made using recycled materials, our suppliers provide Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). These LCAs calculate the product’s carbon footprint across defined stages of its lifecycle. Where possible, we compare a product made with recycled material and a like-for-like version made with virgin material using the same functional unit and methodology allows us to show the estimated carbon reduction associated with choosing recycled inputs. These figures are comparative, not absolute, and reflect supplier data rather than company-wide averages.

Sourcing with purpose, every time

Every product comes with purpose built-in because we source from impact-led brands and social enterprises. When we cannot source from a social enterprise, we turn to the next best sustainable option – the UK and EU’s leading sustainable merchandise suppliers – and add a donation to one of four charity partners.

Funding meals for children

Funding clean drinking water

Collecting plastic

Planting trees

A small ripple can create an ocean of change

At Social Supermarket, we bring together businesses that are a force for good all under one virtual roof. One order might seem like a drop in the ocean, but together we’re creating a tangible difference in the world with gifts and branded merchandise like...