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What qualifies a cleaning product as sustainable?
Empowering our customers to make sustainable purchasing decisions through transparent supply chain data.
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As sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword, businesses are increasingly seeking cleaning products that truly align with their environmental and ethical goals. But with so many brands making green claims, how do you really know what qualifies a cleaning product as sustainable?
At Lime Sustainable Supplies, we’re committed to cutting through greenwashing and helping businesses make informed, responsible choices. In this blog, we break down what actually makes a professional cleaning product sustainable, and how we make it easier than ever for you to identify the right solutions.
A truly sustainable cleaning product begins with the raw materials. That means:
Ingredients from renewable, biodegradable, or recycled sources
Packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or part of a closed-loop refill system
Responsible sourcing that protects natural resources
At Lime, our products are made using plant-based, non-toxic ingredients and come in eco-conscious packaging, with options that significantly reduce plastic waste.
It’s not just what’s in the bottle, it’s how the product is made, transported, used, and disposed of. Sustainable cleaning products are designed to reduce carbon emissions, water pollution, and energy use across every stage of their life.
We work exclusively with suppliers who actively measure and reduce their environmental impact, using energy-efficient production methods and low-impact logistics wherever possible.
A sustainable product must also be ethical. That means workers are treated fairly, working conditions are safe, and there’s no exploitation throughout the supply chain.
We only partner with manufacturers who uphold high standards of social responsibility, ensuring that sustainability includes people as much as it does the planet. Learn more about ethical sourcing and supply chains from the UK-based Ethical Trading Initiative.
Sustainable cleaning products should be safe for both humans and the environment. Many conventional cleaning chemicals contain harsh substances that pollute waterways and harm ecosystems.
All products we supply meet strict safety standards, delivering powerful performance without compromising wellbeing.
Trustworthy sustainability claims are often backed by certifications. Look out for labels like:
B Corp – for businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact
EU Ecolabel – for products that meet strict environmental criteria
Cruelty-Free or Leaping Bunny – for products not tested on animals
FSC – for responsibly sourced paper and wood
We carefully vet every product we offer to ensure it meets or exceeds recognised sustainability standards.
We know it can be overwhelming trying to compare sustainability credentials across products, that’s why we created our sustainable Leaf Rating System.
Every product we offer is given a leaf rating, clearly displayed on our site and materials. This rating is based on a transparent set of eco criteria derived from a full supply chain audit, covering:
Carbon footprint
Ingredient sustainability
Packaging impact
Social and ethical practices
Product lifecycle and circularity
This makes it easy to identify at a glance how sustainable a product truly is empowering your business to make choices aligned with your values.
Sustainable products don’t exist in a vacuum, they should be part of a wider commitment to reducing environmental impact. At Lime, we’re proud to support verified reforestation and carbon offsetting projects through our partnership with Ecologi, helping our customers contribute to climate-positive goals with every purchase.
There’s no single, universal standard for sustainability, but by considering the materials, lifecycle, ethics, safety, and certifications of a product, you can make better-informed choices.
At Lime Sustainable Supplies, we do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Every product we offer is chosen because it supports a more sustainable future, for your business, your people, and the planet.
Want to level up your cleaning strategy with sustainable supplies that deliver real impact?
📩 Get in touch or explore our range at limesupply.com.
On every delivery over £50*
With every sustainable order
By offsetting on sustainable orders