Biodegradable
Will break down into natural elements when exposed to certain conditions (light, moisture, air). Almost everything, given enough time, fits this definition, which is why it's a difficult term.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
A unit of measurement for carbon footprint analyses which represents all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide.
Carbon footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, product, process or organisation.
Carbon offsetting
Catch-all term for compensating for carbon emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove emissions elsewhere. It doesn’t focus on a particular type of project.
Carbon removal
A specific type of climate action that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and then stores it. High-quality carbon removal ensures the carbon dioxide is stored for thousands of years.
Climate change
A shift in long-term temperatures and weather patterns, driven today by human activity. Typically associated with global warming; the warming of our planet caused by greenhouse gas emissions trapping heat within our atmosphere.
Climate action
Action that aims to reduce the effects of, or mitigating, climate change.
Cradle-to-grave analysis
A technique used to assess the environmental impact associated with each stage of a product’s life cycle, from raw materials (cradle) to disposal (grave).
FSC®
Forest Stewardship Council®. A global, non-profit organisation promoting responsible forest management. Learn more
FSC® Mix
Means the forest-based material in a product is from a mix of FSC certified forests, recycled materials and controlled wood. Learn more
Home compostable
Certified to break down in a home compost within 180 days and leave no toxic residue.
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
A methodology to measure/assess the environmental impact of a product, service or process from inception to disposal at the item’s end of life.
Net zero
When the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is equal to the amount of greenhouses gases removed. It's also the point when global warming stops, which is why reaching it is critical in combatting climate change.
Plant-based
Derived from renewable plant materials like cornstarch and sugarcane.
Plastic-free
Does not contain petroleum-based plastics.
Roadside recyclable
Is widely recycled at the roadside by the majority of UK councils.
Supply chain sustainability
The responsible and ethical management of a supply chain. Instead of only focusing on economic metrics such as cost, supply chain sustainability takes a holistic approach. This includes considering a supply chain's environmental impact, chain of custody, labour conditions, supplier compliance, human rights and more.