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- About the Certification
- Certification options
- Benefits of Certification
- Certified organisations
- Benchmarking with other standards
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About the Certification
Whether you are a small-scale forester or farmer or an international corporation sourcing commodities worldwide, Preferred by Nature Certification offers a solid foundation for your sustainability efforts.
A cornerstone of Preferred by Nature Certification is the Sustainability Framework, providing a comprehensive interpretation of sustainability.
The Preferred by Nature Certification is focused on performance and adaptability. Using a risk-based approach, we offer certification to all types of companies and land managers. Preferred by Nature Certification draws from several existing international sustainability schemes and aligns with applicable aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
For companies seeking to enhance their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, the Preferred by Nature Certification stands out as a valuable tool. It has been developed to capture a wide scope of core sustainability topics, contributing to comprehensive and credible ESG reporting.
>> Download our info sheet
>> Read our FAQs
>> Learn more about the Sustainability Framework
>> Access our Certification Service Guide
Certification options
Heads up foresters, farmers, supply chain companies or those involved in manufacturing and processing! Earning the Preferred by Nature Certification will put you right on track to achieve your sustainability goals. We continuously refine our Sustainability Framework through benchmarking against leading international standards. This helps us pinpoint differences and develop guidelines for businesses already certified under other sustainability programmes. Access the benchmarking results
Learn more:
- Forest & farm manager Certification (including add-on options to forestry/agriculture certifications)
- Chain of Custody Certification
- Due Diligence System Certification
Benefits of choosing the Preferred by Nature Certification
1. Comprehensive framework for sustainability practices, covering climate considerations
- Clear performance-based requirements
- Harmonises existing sustainability requirements for various products
- Risk-based approach focusing on essential issues per product and supply chain
- Credible, transparent and impartial implementation
2. Adaptable all-in-one, result-oriented standard
- Applicable to forestry, agriculture, and other sectors globally and used in land use certification and due diligence
- Suitable for all scales, commodities, and supply chain levels (land managers, producers, factories, mills, processors, traders, manufacturers, brands, retailers)
- Adapts to emerging markets and adjusts to new regulatory requirements, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation
- Covers all critical sustainability aspects, including strong requirements for due diligence and comprehensive consideration of ESG criteria
- Combines traditional sustainability issues with climate aspects for a holistic approach
3. Unlocking synergies with other certification schemes
- Benchmarked against major international forestry and agriculture standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) Forest Management Standard and Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard: Farm Requirements
- Can be applied as an add-on to existing certifications, with limited additional work
- Integrates missing components into your regular audits, maximising efficiency & cost savings
4. EU Deforestation Regulation alignment
- Includes 46 indicators related to EUDR conformance, supporting Regulation-required risk assessments
- Provides certificate for alignment with the Sustainability Framework EUDR indicators
- Certification against specific indicators from the Sustainability Framework: legality, deforestation and forest degradation
- Facilitates decision-making for operators and other actors in the supply chain
- Ensures smallholder inclusivity and empowerment
- Offers additional tools, such as Sourcing Hub and Due Diligence toolkit (supply chain mapping, risk assessment)
5. Communicating sustainability and carbon mitigation efforts using the Preferred by Nature Seal
- Validates sustainability excellence
- Can be used in supply chains and on final products depending on the conditions met
- Symbolises your commitment to people, nature and climate
Certified organisations
This comprehensive programme offers organisations a means to communicate their sustainability progress and gain recognition. Organisations have the flexibility to apply the programme to specific supply chains or their entire operation. The available claims can be adjusted to match the scope of their commitment.
>> Access our database of certified organisations
Preferred by Nature Due Diligence Toolkit
Our Due Diligence Toolkit is a free, open-source resource designed to help businesses meet EUDR requirements. From deforestation-free compliance to risk assessments, the toolkit equips you with the tools to operationalise the development and implementation of your due diligence system for forest and agricultural commodity supply chains.
Preferred by Nature Certification supports individuals and organisations in driving positive change towards a sustainable future.
Preferred by Nature has developed a framework containing a universal set of performance-based principles and criteria that address core aspects of sustainability across commodities and supply chains.
The Sustainability Framework, which is the core normative standard of the programme, is built on our decades of experience mapping supply chains, working with land managers and assessing risk worldwide. It can be used for land managers, retailers, and every step in between.
Preferred by Nature Certification is also aligned with emerging Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standards. This makes it a valuable resource for individuals and organisations committed to good ESG practices.
The Certification provides you with knowledge, tools and resources to build a sustainable future, from reducing carbon emissions to promoting social responsibility and nature protection.
Work with us
Backed by our dedicated team, you’ll be able to create a roadmap for your sustainability journey, make informed decisions and positively impact people, nature and climate.
Earn the Preferred by Nature Certification and play an active role in shaping a brighter future!
The Preferred by Nature Seal
The Preferred by Nature Seal is your gateway to showcasing your organisation’s commitment to sustainable practices. It signifies that your products support farm or forest management with respect for people, nature and climate.
Unlock the Seal’s potential
1. Certified foresters and farmers may use it to communicate the organisation's certified status: Certified organisations can display the Seal across their communication channels, affirming their certified status.
2. Using the Seal in relation to final products: Organisations aiming to use the Seal in relation to final products must be certified against the Sustainability Framework and also:
- Manage carbon footprint: This includes measuring the products carbon footprint and having a transparent plan for reducing it. Conformance with the Preferred by Nature Carbon Footprint Management Standard is required.
- Ensure positive impact: Make a financial contribution to projects that promote climate and biodiversity positive impacts, generating tangible benefits for people, nature and climate. Various options are available for this, as detailed in the Preferred by Nature Seal Use Policy.
3. For segregation: Organisations involved in manufacturing, processing or trading of non-final products may also use the Seal for segregation purposes. This method helps distinguish certified products as they journey through the supply chain.
Learn more:
Standards overview
PBN-01 Sustainability Framework
Contains the principles, criteria and indicators for sustainability, and includes indicators for farm/forest certification, and indicators relevant for processing facilities. It can be used in its generic form, or a commodity adapted form (we will develop commodity adaptations where needed). A subset of the Sustainability Framework is applicable to entities that hold Chain of Custody certification, such as processing, manufacturing and traders. The requirements focus on labour rights and health & safety in the value chain. (Download)
PBN-02 System Requirements
Requirements for organisations seeking Preferred by Nature certification. The standard aims at providing requirements for handling systems to ensure consistent implementation of Preferred by Nature certification requirements. (Download)
PBN-03 Supply Chain Management and Due Diligence Requirements
Contains requirements for entities seeking certification using a due diligence approach to securing low risk of violations of the Sustainability Framework (or regulatory) requirements in their product supply chains and at the source of the raw material. (Download)
PBN-04 Seal Use Policy
Requirements for companies using the Preferred by Nature Certified Seal. Also includes the requirements for climate compensation. (Download)
PBN-05 Chain of Custody and Traceability Standard
Generic Chain of Custody standard outlining the requirements for the models of Chain of Custody accepted under the Preferred by Nature Certification. (Download)
PBN-09 Terms and Definitions
A key document containing expansion on the different terms and definitions used in the Preferred by Nature Certification programme documents. (Download)
PBN-13 EUDR-aligned Indicators
Subset of the PBN-01 requirements, containing the indicators relevant to meeting deforestation and legality obligations of the EU Deforestation Regulation. These indicators are used to evaluate companies under the “Regulatory Scope”. (Download)
About the certification
Preferred by Nature Certification - FAQs
This FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions from clients and stakeholders about the Preferred by Nature Certification system. Note: The English version of this document ...
This FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions from clients and stakeholders about the Preferred by Nature Certification system. Note: The English version of this document ...
Preferred by Nature Certification Info Sheet
Discover the Preferred by Nature Certification – a practical and comprehensive tool designed to help your organisation meet and beat sustainability goals, regardless of your produ...
Discover the Preferred by Nature Certification – a practical and comprehensive tool designed to help your organisation meet and beat sustainability goals, regardless of your produ...
Preferred by Nature Certification Service Guide
Learn about the Preferred by Nature Certification process, including the certification procedure, cost structure, permissible trademarks and claims, confidentiality and impartiali...
Learn about the Preferred by Nature Certification process, including the certification procedure, cost structure, permissible trademarks and claims, confidentiality and impartiali...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Governance system
The document outlines the governance structure, detailing the roles and responsibilities for the maintenance and implementation of the Preferred by Nature Certification programme ...
The document outlines the governance structure, detailing the roles and responsibilities for the maintenance and implementation of the Preferred by Nature Certification programme ...
Preferred by Nature Certification for land managers
Whether you aim to strengthen legal compliance, amplify existing certifications or broaden your certification scope, Preferred by Nature Certification is the answer. Tailored to c...
Whether you aim to strengthen legal compliance, amplify existing certifications or broaden your certification scope, Preferred by Nature Certification is the answer. Tailored to c...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Certification scheme benchmarking procedure
This document outlines our benchmarking approach and process related to the Sustainability Framework, serving as a guide for Preferred by Nature’s staff and stakeholders. ...
This document outlines our benchmarking approach and process related to the Sustainability Framework, serving as a guide for Preferred by Nature’s staff and stakeholders. ...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Certification Rules V1.0
This document provides detailed information about how the programme operates for any interested stakeholder. It is mainly used as internal guidance for Preferred by Nature staff, ...
This document provides detailed information about how the programme operates for any interested stakeholder. It is mainly used as internal guidance for Preferred by Nature staff, ...
Standard development and revision process
This procedure explains the process for developing, reviewing and revising of all normative standards under the Preferred by Nature Certification (PBNC) programme. The scope of th...
This procedure explains the process for developing, reviewing and revising of all normative standards under the Preferred by Nature Certification (PBNC) programme. The scope of th...
Synopsis of changes in the Sustainability Framework v1.5
The updates made to the Sustainability Framework are limited to indicators related to EUDR alignment in Version 1.4; the sustainability indicators remain unchanged. The purpose of...
The updates made to the Sustainability Framework are limited to indicators related to EUDR alignment in Version 1.4; the sustainability indicators remain unchanged. The purpose of...
Benchmarking summaries
Benchmarking summary & add-on indicators: Sustainability Framework & Forest Stewardship Council Forest Management Standard
This document encapsulates the benchmark findings, facilitating comparison with the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) standards for forest management. It also considers FSC Regul...
This document encapsulates the benchmark findings, facilitating comparison with the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) standards for forest management. It also considers FSC Regul...
Benchmarking summary & add-on indicators: Sustainability Framework & Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Standard
By comparing the FSC CoC Standard with our own Sustainability Framework, we have identified additional indicators to propel your sustainability efforts forward with the Preferred ...
By comparing the FSC CoC Standard with our own Sustainability Framework, we have identified additional indicators to propel your sustainability efforts forward with the Preferred ...
Benchmarking summary & add-on indicators: Sustainability Framework & Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard
This document provides a summary of benchmark results for comparison with the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture Standard. It encompasses a concise overview of benchmar...
This document provides a summary of benchmark results for comparison with the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture Standard. It encompasses a concise overview of benchmar...
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.
EUDR Service Info Sheet
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) prohibits products and commodities linked with deforestation and forest degradation from being imported into the EU market or exported from ...
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) prohibits products and commodities linked with deforestation and forest degradation from being imported into the EU market or exported from ...
Preferred by Nature Certification - EU Deforestation Regulation aligned Indicators
To address the EUDR requirements, for agricultural commodities and wood products respectively, we have benchmarked the 157 indicators included in our Sustainability Framework with...
To address the EUDR requirements, for agricultural commodities and wood products respectively, we have benchmarked the 157 indicators included in our Sustainability Framework with...
Discover the Hummingbird Seal
Preferred by Nature Certification Seal Use
Discover how the Hummingbird Seal can be used for on-product labelling, segregation marking and promotion, offering a comprehensive framework for driving positive change and eleva...
Discover how the Hummingbird Seal can be used for on-product labelling, segregation marking and promotion, offering a comprehensive framework for driving positive change and eleva...
Preferred by Nature Seal Use Policy V1.0
This Policy regulates the conditions for using the Preferred by Nature Seal (the Seal) under the Preferred by Nature Certification for verified organisations. Verified organisatio...
This Policy regulates the conditions for using the Preferred by Nature Seal (the Seal) under the Preferred by Nature Certification for verified organisations. Verified organisatio...
Preferred by Nature Seal Graphic Guidelines
The guidelines explain graphical rules for Sustainability Framework verified organisations who may use Preferred by Nature's hummingbird seal in their product packaging or promoti...
The guidelines explain graphical rules for Sustainability Framework verified organisations who may use Preferred by Nature's hummingbird seal in their product packaging or promoti...
Standards
Sustainability Framework Standard V1.5
The Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework has been revised to provide a single framework for defining and benchmarking sustainability that can be used across different comm...
The Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework has been revised to provide a single framework for defining and benchmarking sustainability that can be used across different comm...
Preferred by Nature Certification - EU Deforestation Regulation aligned Indicators
To address the EUDR requirements, for agricultural commodities and wood products respectively, we have benchmarked the 157 indicators included in our Sustainability Framework with...
To address the EUDR requirements, for agricultural commodities and wood products respectively, we have benchmarked the 157 indicators included in our Sustainability Framework with...
Preferred by Nature Certification - System Requirements V1.4
This document is relevant to all organisations seeking Preferred by Nature Certification, encompassing both land use and supply chain sectors. It outlines the essential requiremen...
This document is relevant to all organisations seeking Preferred by Nature Certification, encompassing both land use and supply chain sectors. It outlines the essential requiremen...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Due Diligence System Requirements
This Standard sets out requirements for organisations that want to demonstrate compliance with the Sustainability Framework for specified products in their supply chains. The Stan...
This Standard sets out requirements for organisations that want to demonstrate compliance with the Sustainability Framework for specified products in their supply chains. The Stan...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Chain of Custody and Traceability Standard
This Standard applies to organisations verified by Preferred by Nature who want to make claims about the verified status of the products they sell. It has taken into account the E...
This Standard applies to organisations verified by Preferred by Nature who want to make claims about the verified status of the products they sell. It has taken into account the E...
Preferred by Nature Certification - Terms and Definitions V1.5
This document contains a list of terms and definitions used in the Preferred by Nature Certification programme.Note: The English version of this document is the official version. ...
This document contains a list of terms and definitions used in the Preferred by Nature Certification programme.Note: The English version of this document is the official version. ...
Preferred by Nature Seal Use Policy V1.0
This Policy regulates the conditions for using the Preferred by Nature Seal (the Seal) under the Preferred by Nature Certification for verified organisations. Verified organisatio...
This Policy regulates the conditions for using the Preferred by Nature Seal (the Seal) under the Preferred by Nature Certification for verified organisations. Verified organisatio...
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