About the
sustainability label
On the way to PlanetProof is a European sustainability label that proves more sustainable agricultural production. Certified farmers and growers aim to produce beautiful products while caring for the planet. They contribute to biodiversity, reduced carbon emissions, less pesticide use, efficient water use, less waste, fertile soil, and animal welfare. They focus for instance on creating more nature elements on the farm, integrated pest management, separating waste, and recycled or recyclable packaging.
Agricultural businesses with the On the way to PlanetProof certificate can assure suppliers and customers that the organisation is reducing sustainability risks in the supply chain. Companies create due diligence based on a trustworthy, independently managed, and futureproof certification.
Products to certify
On the way to PlanetProof certification is available for milk, eggs, and plant products, like ornamentals, fruits and vegetables, and arable crops. Chain of Custody certification is for retail and trade, prepared and processed products, and service suppliers. Examples of products and services that can be certified are:
Purpose of On the way to PlanetProof
What and how we are producing and consuming today has consequences in the future. A quality label nudges consumers to purchase more sustainably. By setting strict requirements for all sustainability themes, certificate holders contribute to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the United Nations. The goals are by most countries and agreed upon the aim to make our way of life more sustainable to save our planet. Moreover, certificate holders contribute to the sustainability objectives as stated in the European Green Deal. The target for 2030 is 55 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990.
To learn more about certification, click on the button below.
The fastest growing sustainability label in The Netherlands
Over the past years, On the way to PlanetProof has experienced tremendous growth with great accomplishments. In total, almost 3,000 farmers and growers are certified in 2022, compared to 300 in 2017.
Over 60% of the production of fruits and vegetables in The Netherlands is certified and over 30% of fresh dairy in Dutch supermarkets. 49,980 hectares of land for dairy cattle is managed more sustainably and 57,416 hectares of the production of plant products is On the way to PlanetProof. Important accomplishments over the past five years, are summarised in the infographic below.
Results
On the way to PlanetProof has been growing significantly since 2017. The label now has:
- Over 2.900 participating companies;
- Spread internationally across Western and Southern Europe;
- Intensive collaborations with stakeholders such as governments, scientists, retail, industry associations, and manufacturers;
- Increasing consumer awareness.
Since 1992
On the way to PlanetProof was previously called Milieukeur and was founded by SMK in the early 1990s. The development of the quality mark was initiated by the Dutch government. In 2018, Milieukeur was given a new and international name for agrifood and horticultural products.
The label extended with animal products and now includes a number of sectors: plant products (ornamentals, arable crops, fruits and vegetables), milk, eggs, prepared and processed products, and retail and trade.
Ambition
We are working towards agricultural production that is in balance with the capacity of our planet. Are you wondering how?
Read moreTrustworthy
On the way to PlanetProof is one of the 10 Top Food Labels in The Netherlands. What does it mean?
Read moreInspection
Independent Certification Bodies carry out the inspections and are responsible for third party auditing.
Read moreAdvantages
The quality label on the product is beneficial for several reasons. Are you wondering which ones?
Read moreTraining
SMK offers training about On the way to PlanetProof certification. Check if there is one suitable for your organisation.
Read moreGovernance and decision making
Read more about the governance structure, decision making process, and criteria development.
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