Become a member

UEBT is a non profit organisation with a membership commitment programme for companies that wish to enhance their work on sourcing botanicals with respect for people and biodiversity. We are open to any business committed to sourcing with respect. 

About membership

Members are committed companies of any size (including individual farms, cooperatives, processors, manufacturers and brands) who are actively involved in the collection or cultivation of botanicals. They might be producer organisations or companies that process raw materials into active ingredients, such as essential oils and herbal teas. They may be companies that manufacture final products such as fragrances, cosmetics, specialty beverages and more. Brands may also become members of UEBT. By sourcing with respect, companies are demonstrating sustainability leadership in their sector. 

Benefits

• The opportunity to be part of a growing movement of companies committed to sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity.

• Credible, flexible solutions for supply chain assessments (verification or third-party certification) to pinpoint weaknesses, manage risks with suppliers, and to harness opportunities for positive impact on people and nature in botanicals sourcing areas

• Independent expertise, tools and guidance, and support to improve operations, manage risks, respond to due diligence rules, and more.

• Access to innovative approaches for biodiversity regeneration and conservation on the ground

Requirements

UEBT members commit to improving their sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity. They set meaningful targets, undergo a review of their company’s sourcing systems, set measures for gradual improvement in a workplan, and monitor their progress. Learn more about what UEBT looks for and what are the five commitments a UEBT member makes.

Members adhere to the UEBT membership conditions and promote good practices in prioritised supply chains in line with the UEBT standard.

Steps

The starting point for any company is a formal commitment to UEBT membership conditions and obligations (available in our resources page).  Once this commitment is made, the company follows three steps:

1.   Application - Companies can email us to request an application form. We verify eligibility, and companies pay an application fee (calculated at 50% of the membership fee). Companies applying for certification at the same time can send us their combined application form to streamline the process.

2.   Review - UEBT carries out a desktop review of the company’s ethical sourcing system.

3.   Workplan - Companies develop a workplan focused on improving their ethical sourcing system. UEBT approves the workplan, at which time the membership fee is due.

Fees

Membership fees are invoiced annually at the start of every calendar year and are based on the total annual revenue of the member organisation.

(The first year of membership a pro-rato membership fee is invoiced for the months of membership in that calendar year)

Communicating about membership

UEBT members communicate about membership and use the UEBT member logo as a signature to their company at the corporate level. Many UEBT members then proceed to work with UEBT on a range of priorities in their supply chains, leading to additional claims that can be made or use of the UEBT certification label.