Prove responsible practices. Strengthen trust. Reduce risk.
Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification helps organizations demonstrate credible sustainability performance across land use, sourcing, and supply chains. Designed to be flexible and risk-based, it supports responsible operations, regulatory readiness, and transparent communication.
➡ Comprehensive sustainability certification for responsible operations and sourcing
About the Certification
A flexible certification system built for real-world operations
Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification supports organizations managing land, handling materials, or operating sourcing and due diligence systems.
Built around the Sustainability Framework and optional PBN+ modules, the system helps organizations:
• Strengthen responsible practices
• Manage sustainability and sourcing risks
• Demonstrate credible performance
• Communicate achievements with confidence
• Support alignment with regulatory requirements, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
• Support credible ESG reporting and sustainability disclosures
Certification options include:
The system is performance-based, risk-based, and adaptable, allowing it to be used across different commodities, sectors, organization types, and levels of complexity.
Certification may apply to:
• Sustainability Scope – supporting broader sustainability performance and ESG reporting
• Regulatory Scope – supporting alignment with regulatory frameworks such as EUDR
Clear rules for claims and Seal use support transparent and credible communication.
Claims and Seal use
Communicate your certified performance
Depending on certification type and scope, organizations may be eligible to:
• Communicate certified status
• Use approved claims
• Use the Preferred by Nature Seal (where permitted)
This applies both to directly certified organizations and, where approved, to eligible materials under recognized schemes.
The programme includes clear rules to help ensure that certification claims are accurate, transparent and aligned with the certified scope.
➡ Access the Preferred by Nature Seal & Claim Panel Guidelines
Transparent communication
Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification includes clear requirements for sustainability claims, Seal use, and public communication. These requirements help ensure claims are specific, verifiable, and supported by certification evidence.
➡ Learn how our certification supports credible sustainability communication
Certification database
Verify certified organizations
Our Certification Database allows you to search for organizations certified under the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification programme.
It provides:
• Public information on certificate holders
• Current certification status
• Reliable verification of certification claims
➡ Access our database of certified organizations
Looking for a quick summary?
Our Sustainability Framework Certification infosheet provides an overview of the certification system, certification options, scopes, claims and key benefits.
How certification works
Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification follows a clear, practical process designed to support organizations at every stage.
1. Choose your certification pathway
Select the certification type that fits your operations:
• Land-Use
• Chain of Custody
• Due Diligence Systems
Define the sites, materials, products, or systems to be included, and identify whether certification applies to Sustainability Scope, Regulatory Scope, or PBN+ modules.
2. Prepare
Review applicable requirements and establish the systems, procedures, and evidence needed for assessment.
3. Get assessed
An independent evaluation is conducted. This may include:
• Document review
• Site visits
• Interviews
• Verification of implementation
4. Close gaps
If non-conformities are identified, corrective actions are implemented to resolve them.
5. Achieve and maintain certification
Once requirements are met, certification can be granted and maintained through regular follow-up assessments.
New to Sustainability Framework Certification?
Our Certification Guide provides a step-by-step overview of the certification journey, helping organisations understand certification pathways, audit requirements and key decisions before applying.
➡ Access the Certification Guide
Work with us
Start your certification journey
Our team will help you identify the most suitable certification pathway and guide you through the next steps.
➡ Apply for certification
Choose the pathway that fits your organization
Preferred by Nature offers different certification routes depending on your role, activities, and communication goals.
Whether you manage land, handle materials, or operate sourcing systems, there is a pathway designed for your needs.
Land-Use Certification
For farmers, foresters, plantations, estates, and group managers seeking to demonstrate responsible land management practices.
Chain of Custody Certification
For processors, manufacturers, traders, retailers, and other supply chain organizations needing verified control over sourcing and material handling, including the option to track geolocation data.
Due Diligence System Certification
For organizations seeking to demonstrate a credible due diligence system that identifies sources, assesses risks of non-conformance, applies risk mitigation, and verifies that products meet defined requirements.
Recognition of other certification schemes
Preferred by Nature may recognize selected external certification schemes within the Preferred by Nature Certification system.
Where approved, organizations certified under recognized schemes may:
- Use their certification as a basis for alignment with PBN Sustainability Framework Certification
- Access approved Seal, claims and communication options
- In defined cases, become eligible to use the Preferred by Nature Seal
Expand certification with PBN+ modules
PBN+ modules allow organizations to build on core certification and address specific sustainability topics.
Current modules include:
• Regenerative Agriculture
• Closer-to-Nature Forestry
• Ecosystem Restoration
• Carbon Footprint Certification
These modules support targeted improvements and allow organizations to communicate achievements in specific performance areas.
Standards supporting certification
Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification is built on a structured set of standards that define requirements across land use, supply chains, and due diligence systems.
These include:
- Sustainability Framework
- Chain of Custody Standard
- Due Diligence Standard
- PBN+ modules
- Supporting policies
The System Standard applies to all certificate holders and defines common programme requirements.
PBN-01 Sustainability Framework
Core sustainability and regulatory requirements
Defines the core performance requirements under the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification programme. It includes requirements covering environmental, social, and governance topics, supporting responsible land management, sourcing practices, and regulatory alignment, including EUDR-related risk management.
PBN-02 Systems Standard
Certification system implementation requirements
Specifies the organizational and management system requirements needed to implement and maintain Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification. It supports consistent application of certification requirements across operations and sites.
PBN-03 Due Diligence Standard for Product Conformance
Due diligence system requirements including the EUDR module
Defines requirements for implementing due diligence to ensure product conformance and includes an EUDR-specific module.
PBN-04 Seal and Claim Use Standard
Rules for use of the Seal and approved claims
Provides requirements for the use of the Preferred by Nature Seal and approved claims. It supports clear, transparent, and credible communication of certification status and certified materials.
PBN-05 Chain of Custody Standard
Requirements for material control across supply chains
Defines requirements for tracking and controlling certified materials throughout the supply chain. It supports transparency, traceability, and verified handling of certified products.
PBN-06 Terms & Definitions
Common terminology used across the certification programme
Provides definitions and explanations of key terms used throughout Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification standards and policies. Supports consistent interpretation and application of requirements.
PBN-07 Pesticides Policy
Requirements related to pesticide risk management
Defines Preferred by Nature’s internal policy for pesticide classification, acceptance, restrictions, and oversight within Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification.
PBN-08 GMO Policy
Requirements related to genetically modified organisms
Defines Preferred by Nature’s internal decision policy for GMO acceptance within Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification, including risk assessment, safeguards, transparency, and programme controls.
PBN-09 Claim Use Standard for Non-Seal Users
Rules for off-product claims and communications
Defines how organizations that do not use the Preferred by Nature Seal may communicate certification-related claims, including off-product communication and authorized messaging.
PBN-10 Pre-approved Claims
Approved claim options for certified organizations
Provides a set of pre-approved claims that certified organizations may use when communicating certification status, subject to applicable rules and approval requirements.
About the certification
PBN-01 Sustainability Framework
Core sustainability and regulatory requirements, defines the core performance requirements under the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification programme. It inclu...
Core sustainability and regulatory requirements, defines the core performance requirements under the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certification programme. It inclu...
PBN-02 Systems Standard
Certification system implementation requirements specify the organizational and management system requirements needed to implement and maintain Preferred by Nature Sustainability ...
Certification system implementation requirements specify the organizational and management system requirements needed to implement and maintain Preferred by Nature Sustainability ...
PBN-03 Due Diligence Standard for Product Conformance
Due diligence system requirements including EUDR module, defines requirements for implementing due diligence to ensure product conformance and includes an EUDR-specific module. ...
Due diligence system requirements including EUDR module, defines requirements for implementing due diligence to ensure product conformance and includes an EUDR-specific module. ...
PBN-04 Seal and Claim Use Standard
Rules for use of the Seal and approved claims provide requirements for the use of the Preferred by Nature Seal and approved claims. It supports clear, transparent, and credible co...
Rules for use of the Seal and approved claims provide requirements for the use of the Preferred by Nature Seal and approved claims. It supports clear, transparent, and credible co...
PBN-05 Chain of Custody Standard
Requirements for material control across supply chains define requirements for tracking and controlling certified materials throughout the supply chain. It supports transparency, ...
Requirements for material control across supply chains define requirements for tracking and controlling certified materials throughout the supply chain. It supports transparency, ...
PBN-06 Terms & Definitions
Common terminology used across the certification programme provides definitions and explanations of key terms used throughout Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certific...
Common terminology used across the certification programme provides definitions and explanations of key terms used throughout Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework Certific...
PBN-07 Pesticides Policy
Requirements related to pesticide risk management defines Preferred by Nature’s internal policy for pesticide classification, acceptance, restrictions, and oversight within Prefer...
Requirements related to pesticide risk management defines Preferred by Nature’s internal policy for pesticide classification, acceptance, restrictions, and oversight within Prefer...
PBN-08 GMO Policy
Requirements related to genetically modified organisms define Preferred by Nature’s internal decision policy for GMO acceptance within Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework...
Requirements related to genetically modified organisms define Preferred by Nature’s internal decision policy for GMO acceptance within Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework...
PBN-09 Claim Use Standard for Non-Seal Users
Rules for off-product claims and communications define how organizations that do not use the Preferred by Nature Seal may communicate certification-related claims, including off-p...
Rules for off-product claims and communications define how organizations that do not use the Preferred by Nature Seal may communicate certification-related claims, including off-p...
PBN-10 Pre-approved Claims
Approved claim options for certified organizations provide a set of pre-approved claims that certified organizations may use when communicating certification status, subject to ap...
Approved claim options for certified organizations provide a set of pre-approved claims that certified organizations may use when communicating certification status, subject to ap...
Meeting the EUDR requirements
16 actions to conform with the EU Deforestation Regulation
This document outlines actions that farmers and foresters can take to conform with the EU Deforestation Regulation.
This document outlines actions that farmers and foresters can take to conform with the EU Deforestation Regulation.
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