Corporate Social Responsibility

What does sustainable mean?

We hear the term sustainable every day. But when is something sustainable? Officially sustainable means: little impact on the environment. It is therefore good that we are and remain aware of this in order to contribute in this way.

How does Flowers.NL view Corporate Social Responsibility?

At Flowers.NL, we consider sustainability to be of paramount importance and we actively work on this based on social commitment and a future-oriented vision. We believe it is important that a professional florist affiliated with Fleurop meets the requirements of the independent Barometer Sustainable Florist quality mark, which is a strict requirement for membership of Fleurop.

More than 80% of consumers (business & private) now find it important that companies have a sustainability strategy. They increasingly allow their choice to be influenced by this. The Barometer Sustainable Florist quality mark uses a checklist determined by the independent body SMK. With the checklist, the flower florist ensures that both the purchase of the flowers and the processes surrounding making and delivery are done in a sustainable way.

SGS periodically checks the Fleurop Florist's shop to ensure that the florist permanently complies with the guidelines and requirements for the quality mark. In this way, every customer ensures that a bouquet is delivered in a sustainable way from a local Fleurop specialist florist. That gives an extra good feeling.

As a Flowers.NL brand, we take climate neutrality, circularity and fair chains into account as much as possible with all activities and processes, in order to operate in a future-proof manner (CSR).

We also endeavor to deal with the sustainability principle as responsibly as possible at our office in Duiven and the business processes that take place there. You can think of; recycling, consciously dealing with electricity, not wasting water and generating and using green electricity.

We generate all our electricity ourselves by means of solar panels. The office is 100% equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, and the building is 100% double glazed. For heating we are connected to the district heating network of the municipality of Duiven. Our fleet is modest and 100% electric.

The Meaning of the MPS Quality Mark for Flowers.

The MPS quality mark, or the Environmental Programme for Floriculture, is an important certification system that focuses on making the flower and plant sector more sustainable. This quality mark was created out of the need to minimise the impact of floriculture on the environment and at the same time guarantee the quality and traceability of flowers and plants.

What does the MPS quality mark entail?
The MPS quality mark is a widely supported system that helps growers and horticulturists to apply sustainable practices. This includes aspects such as:

• Environmental impact: MPS members are encouraged to reduce their use of water, energy and chemicals. The quality mark encourages the use of environmentally friendly resources and techniques.
• Social responsibility: The MPS quality mark also pays attention to working conditions and social responsibilities within the sector. This means that growers ensure a safe working environment and fair working conditions for their employees.
• Traceability: Products with the MPS quality mark are fully traceable. This means that consumers can see where and how their flowers were grown, which contributes to a conscious choice for sustainable products.

Benefits for the Consumer
For consumers, the MPS quality mark offers a guarantee that the flowers they buy have been produced in a responsible manner. By choosing MPS-certified products, consumers not only support environmentally friendly practices, but also the commitment to social sustainability within the sector.

Conclusion
The MPS quality mark plays a crucial role in making the flower and plant sector more sustainable. It offers a transparent and reliable way for consumers to choose environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. Due to the growing demand for sustainable flowers, the MPS quality mark has become a valuable indicator of quality and responsibility in floriculture.

Looking for Beauty and Sustainability?

Meet the Sustainable Florist

Flowers aren't just beautiful to look at; they can also convey a powerful message of caring for our planet. Sustainable florists play a crucial role in promoting environmentally conscious practices within the flower industry, offering customers the opportunity to purchase flowers that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly.

What Makes a Florist Sustainable?

Sustainable florists focus on minimizing their ecological footprint and supporting ethical practices in the flower industry. Here are some key characteristics of sustainable florists:

1. Local and Seasonal: Sustainable florists aim to buy and sell flowers that are locally grown and available in the right season, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with long-distance transportation and respecting natural growth cycles.

2. Organic and Pesticide-Free: They prefer organic and pesticide-free cultivation methods to keep harmful chemicals out of flower production and protect the environment.

3. Ethical Sourcing: Sustainable florists consider labor conditions and fair trade practices when sourcing flowers, supporting farmers and workers in the flower industry to ensure they receive fair compensation.

4. Reduced Waste: They strive to minimize waste by reducing packaging, recycling, and creating long-lasting flower arrangements.

5. Flowers with a Story: Sustainable florists like to share the story behind each flower, allowing customers to form a deeper connection with their purchase and the source of the flowers.

Why Choose a Sustainable Florist?

Choosing a sustainable florist goes beyond buying beautiful flowers. It's a conscious choice to contribute to a healthier planet and the well-being of people throughout the flower industry. By shopping with a sustainable florist, you support the shift toward more ethical and eco-friendly practices in the industry. Plus, you can enjoy flowers that are not only a visual delight but also a conscience-pleaser—a reminder of the beauty and value of sustainability.

How to Find a Sustainable Florist?

Looking for a sustainable florist? You don't need to look any further—all the florists we collaborate with are certified sustainable florists. Sending flowers through Flowers.NL is a step in the right direction to support both beautiful flowers and our beautiful planet.

In a world increasingly recognizing the value of sustainability, sustainable florists offer a greener choice for flower enthusiasts. With every purchase, customers can celebrate the beauty of nature while also contributing to a healthier, ethical flower industry and a more sustainable world.