• Home
  • Our green initiative

Our Commitment to Make Sustainable Shopping Easy

At Moincoins, we are committed to helping our customers make better, more sustainable shopping decisions for their everyday needs. That's the reason we invented an eco rating system that evaluates every partner brand and retailer on its eco-friendliness. We’re happy to explain how we rate our partner shops.

Why Is This Important to Us?

You might be wondering why we came up with this set of eco markings in the first place. The answer is simple! Moincoins was launched with a simple idea in mind: to make sustainable shopping available to everyone. We know how challenging it can be to find brands that take sustainability seriously. To make things easier for you, we try to break down the brands' business operations into bite-sized pieces of information that everyone can understand.

Our Eco Philosophy in a Nutshell

  1. Moincoins blog: Knowledge is power and we've got you covered! Discover our monthly articles and uncover intriguing insights on the latest sustainable trends in fashion, lifestyle, and savings! Our content creators are always on the lookout for the most recent developments that change how we shop, consume, and live. We're sure you'll find it exciting.
  2. Eco category: Get a comprehensive overview of all the eco-friendly brands we collaborate with. You can easily locate this category in the top navigation of our website. 
  3. Eco tag: You might notice that several brands are marked with an eco tag. This signifies that the brand is already making a significant effort towards sustainability, and we want to ensure everyone is aware of it!
  4. Eco deals: Some deals can also be highlighted with an eco tag. We choose products and collections from our partners that stand out as more eco-friendly.
  5. Sustainability info: Here we reveal all the information about brands' commitments to a more sustainable future, as well as the products they offer. You can find this information under the “Deals” section of each partner brand.
  6. Eco rating system: We have established our own system that evaluates the sustainability of each partner brand and retailer we work with. Are you curious about how it functions? Then continue reading to find out more about it!

How Does Our Eco Rating System Work?

When it comes to sustainability, we understand that things aren't always straightforward. After all, there is no definitive solution to such a complex, global problem. However, we want to make it less daunting by exploring brands' eco-consciousness in a way that benefits our customers. To put it simply, our eco-rating system evaluates brands' actions towards a more sustainable future based on carefully selected criteria for fashion, health and beauty, food and beverages brands, and department stores.

As a shopper, you have the right to know what you're purchasing. So, we developed a range of eco statuses that indicate how close brands are to a more eco-friendly future. From "non eco" to "eco nerd" brands, we're confident you'll quickly identify the company that best meets your preferences

Eco Statuses

Non Eco

Non eco status bar, Moincoins

Partner shops that check off 0-2 of 12 eco criteria and hence still have a lot to improve about their environmental and social sustainability.

Eco Newbie

Eco newbie status bar, Moincoins

Partner shops that check off 3-5 of 12 eco criteria and hence have already introduced sustainable practices for people and the planet, but have room to improve.

Eco Skilled

Eco skilled statusbar, Moincoins

Partner shops that check off 6-9 of 12 eco criteria and hence are already doing great in terms of environmental and social sustainability.

Eco Nerd

Eco nerd status bar, Moincoins

Partner shops that check off 10-12 of 12 eco criteria and hence can be called experts in terms of sustainability and their efforts to protect the environment and people’s rights.

What Are Our Eco Rating Criteria?

We are aware that sustainability goes beyond the clothes' fabrics, the ingredients in your skincare or the additives used in our food. It is a complex system that involves a lot more than what meets the eye. Nevertheless, our aim is to emphasise the most crucial sustainability-focused actions that our partner brands undertake.

When developing the eco rating criteria, we consider factors such as a brand's impact on the environment and its workers, supply chain transparency, and animal welfare policies. Each criterion varies depending on the industry the brand operates in. Below, you will find comprehensive information on each of these.

Eco Criteria for Fashion Brands

Environment

  • Eco collection. The brand/retailer offers an eco collection or has a significant amount of eco-friendly products.
  • Organic and/or non-toxic. The retailer offers products made of materials like organic cotton, jute, linen, silk, ramie or wool. Toxic chemicals listed by the European Chemicals Agency are avoided in the manufacturing process (we believe that the EU sets the highest regulatory standards).
  • Reduced its carbon emissions. The brand or retailer has already reduced some of its carbon emissions. Examples can include but are not limited to installing renewable energy generators on the brand's production or logistic sites, switching to local production sites, reducing transportation emissions, etc.
  • Recycled or upcycled materials. The brand uses recycled or upcycled materials in its production process. The retailer sells products made of recycled or upcycled materials.
  • Sustainable packaging and/or transport. The brand or retailer uses sustainable packaging and/or offers sustainable transport options. For example, the company uses paper instead of plastic packaging or biodegradable packaging made from mycelium, or it switched its transportation service to an eco alternative, etc.

Animals

  • Vegan collection. The brand/retailer offers a vegan collection or has a significant amount of vegan products.
  • Fully vegan. The brand offers vegan products only. That means it’s not using any animal-derived materials, such as wool, silk, leather, fur, beak, etc. Furthermore, no animals were harmed during the production process (this includes animal testing).

People

  • Fair working conditions. The brand/shop has implemented fair working conditions, including fair pay, reasonable working hours, and no use of child labour, among other things. To confirm this, we look for the following certifications:

    - B Corp Certified
    - GOTS
    - World Fair Trade Organization (for suppliers)
    - Cradle2Cradle
    - International Labour Organization standards/norms
    - Cotton made in Afrika (for suppliers)
    - Ethical Trading Initiative
    - EU Ecolabel

    If a brand is small and doesn't have direct certification, we check if its suppliers have it. If yes, we give them an eco point. If the brand is part of a fashion group and only provides information for the whole group, we evaluate them based on the group's data. If there is no legitimate certification, we take into account the Fashion Transparency Index, public reviews from the brand's employees, and recent media coverage (whether positive or negative). To earn a point, the brand must meet at least two of these criteria.

  • Local production. The brand mostly produces its products within the country and/or area where it is located, employing local workers and supporting the local economy.

Other

  • Donations or charity contributions/collaborations. The brand or retailer donates money to charity organisations or has collaborations with them.
  • Sustainable promise or commitment. The brand or retailer has made a sustainability promise or commitment and is working towards achieving its eco goals in the nearest future.
  • Slow fashion or second-hand clothing. The brand or retailer is committed to fewer new collection cycles and a higher product quality/durability and/or offers second-hand clothing.

Eco Criteria for Beauty and Health Brands

Environment

  • Organic ingredients. The brand sells products made of organic ingredients that are farmed and grown without pesticides, chemical fertilisers, GMOs, sulphates or antibiotics.
  • Reduced its carbon emissions. The brand or retailer has some achievements in reducing its carbon emissions. Examples can include but are not limited to installing renewable energy generators on the company’s production or logistic sites, switching to local production sites, reducing transportation emissions, etc.
  • Sustainable packaging and/or transport. The brand or retailer uses sustainable packaging and/or offers sustainable transport options. For example, the company uses paper instead of plastic packaging or biodegradable packaging made from mycelium, or it switched its transportation service to an eco alternative, etc.
  • Palm-oil free. The retailer doesn’t offer any products that contain palm oil.
  • Non-toxic or natural products. The brand does not use in its products toxic chemicals listed by the Environmental Working Group. It only uses natural ingredients. The retailer only offers non-toxic, natural products.

Animals

  • Cruelty-free products. The brand does not harm, kill or test on animals in the production process nor does it hire subcontractors to do so. The products are hence not sold in China. The retailer guarantees that the offered range is cruelty-free.
  • Vegan collection. The shop offers a vegan collection or has a significant amount of vegan products.
  • Fully vegan. The shop offers vegan products only. That means that none of the offered products contain any animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, animal hair, animal fats, milk, crushed cochineal bugs, etc. Also, no animals were harmed during the production process (this includes animal testing).

People

  • Fair working conditions. The brand/retailer has established fair working conditions, including fair pay, legitimate working hours, and no child labour. We verify this by checking for the following certifications:

    - B Corp Certified
    - World Fair Trade Organization (suppliers)
    - Cradle2Cradle
    - International Labour Organization standards/norms
    - Ethical Trading Initiative
    - EU Ecolabel

    If a brand is small and does not have direct certification, we investigate if its suppliers have it. If they do, we award an eco point. If the brand is part of a larger group and only provides information for the entire entity, we evaluate based on the group's data. If there are no legitimate certifications, we consider public reviews of the brand's employees and recent media coverage (whether positive or negative). To earn a point, the brand must meet both of these criteria.

  • Local production. The brand mostly manufactures its products where it is located, employing local workers and supporting the local economy.

Other

  • Donations or charity contributions/collaborations. The brand or retailer donates money to charity organisations or has collaborations with them.
  • Sustainable promise or commitment. The brand or retailer has made a sustainability promise or commitment and is working towards achieving its eco goals in the nearest future.

Eco Criteria for Food and Drink Brands

Environment

  • Non-gmo. The brand/retailer does not use or sell products that contain genetically modified ingredients.
  • Organic. The brand produces or sells certified organic products. The retailer focuses on selling certified organic products.
  • Reduced its carbon emissions. The brand/retailer has some achievements in reducing its carbon emissions. Examples can include but are not limited to installing renewable energy generators on the brand's production or logistic sites, switching to local production sites, reducing transportation emissions, etc.
  • Sustainable packaging and/or transport. The brand/retailer uses sustainable packaging and/or offers sustainable transport options. For example, the company uses paper instead of plastic packaging or biodegradable packaging made from mycelium, or it switched its transportation service to an eco alternative, etc.

Animals

  • Vegetarian options. The brand or retailer offers vegetarian products. That means, no animals were killed in the production process and the product doesn’t contain meat or fish.
  • Vegan options. The brand or retailer offers vegan options. Meaning, some products don’t contain ingredients derived from animals, such as cow milk, cheese, butter, meat, fish, eggs, honey, etc.
  • Fully vegan. The brand or retailer offers vegan products only. That means none of the sold products contain any of the animal-derived ingredients or products such as cow milk, cheese, butter, meat, fish, eggs, etc. Also, no animals were harmed during the production process (this includes animal testing).

People

  • Fair working conditions. To ensure fair working conditions, including fair pay, reasonable working hours, and no use of child labour, the brand/retailer has implemented specific measures. To verify their implementation, we check for the following certifications:

    - B Corp Certified
    - World Fair Trade Organization (suppliers)
    - International Labour Organization standards/norms
    - Ethical Trading Initiative

    If a brand is not directly certified, we examine whether its suppliers are certified. If the brand is part of a larger group and only provides information for the whole entity, we evaluate based on the group's data. If no legitimate certification is available, we consider public reviews of the brand's employees and recent media coverage (positive or negative). In order to receive a positive score, the brand must meet both of these criteria.

  • Local production. The brand mostly manufactures its products where it is located, employing local workers and supporting the local economy.

Other

  • Donations or charity contributions/collaborations. The brand/retailer donates money to charity organisations or has collaborations with them.

  • Sustainable promise or commitment. The brand/retailer has made a sustainability promise or commitment and is working towards achieving its eco goals in the nearest future.
  • Waste reduction. The brand/retailer has reduced its waste production significantly.

Eco Criteria for Department Stores

Marketplace

  • Sustainable brands only. The shop only cooperates with and sells products from brands that are sustainable. For example, brands that actively reduce their carbon footprint, use recycled or upcycled materials, have committed to equal and fair working conditions, produce locally, focus on a circular economy, are fully vegan, etc.
  • Supports local brands. The retailer prioritises cooperation with local brands and promotes them on its website.
  • Transparent product descriptions and site navigation. The shop provides transparent and user-friendly product descriptions that include details on the items’ sustainability. The retailer’s website has relevant filters and search options that help users find eco-friendly products.

Environment

  • Product range that promotes a sustainable lifestyle. The shop has a range of brands and/or products that promote a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
  • Reselling used goods. The shop offers products that are used, upcycled, refurbished or second-hand.
  • Reduced its carbon emissions. The retailer has some achievements in reducing its carbon emissions. Examples include but are not limited to installing renewable energy generators in the shops, production or logistic sites, switching to local production sites, reducing transportation emissions, etc.
  • Sustainable packaging and/or transport. This criterion analyses the delivery to the end customer, as well as the moving goods in the supply chain. For example, the company uses paper instead of plastic packaging or biodegradable packaging made from mycelium, or it switched its transportation service to an eco alternative, etc.
  • Eco collection. The retailer offers an eco collection or has a substantial amount of eco-friendly products.

Animals

  • Vegan options. The shop offers vegan options. Meaning, some products don’t contain ingredients derived from animals, such as wool, silk, leather, fur, beak, beeswax, animal hair, animal fats, milk, crushed cochineal bugs, cow milk, cheese, butter, meat, fish, eggs, honey, etc.

People

  • Fair working conditions. The brand/retailer has implemented fair working conditions, such as fair compensation, legitimate working hours, and a prohibition of child labour. To ensure this, we verify if the brand/retailer has the following certifications:

    - B Corp Certified
    - GOTS
    - World Fair Trade Organization (suppliers)
    - Cradle2Cradle
    - International Labour Organization standards/norms
    - Cotton made in Africa (suppliers)
    - Ethical Trading Initiative
    - EU Ecolabel

    If a brand/retailer is small and does not possess a direct certification, we examine if its suppliers have them. If the suppliers have the certifications, we award an eco point. If a brand/retailer belongs to a fashion group and provides data for the entire entity, we evaluate the data of that group. If the brand/retailer has no legitimate certification, we consider the Fashion Transparency Index, public reviews of the brand/retailer's employees, and recent media coverage (positive or negative) in our evaluation. For a brand/retailer to earn a point, it must meet at least two of these criteria.

Other

  • Donations or charity contributions/collaborations. The retailer donates money to charity organisations or has collaborations with them.
  • Sustainable promise or commitment. The shop has made a sustainability promise or commitment and is working towards achieving its eco goals in the nearest future.

What Is an Eco Category?

Eco category in the top navigation bar of Moincoins

The eco category, which you see in the top navigation bar, lists brands that have eco status “eco skilled” or “eco nerd”. Those are online stores that fulfill more than 50% of our green criteria. We round up those brands to make sustainable shopping decisions smoother - you can be sure that every company on the list is more than just a green enthusiast.

What’s more, you can see how much cashback you can earn when you shop at one of those eco-friendly shops. By clicking on the title, you can easily navigate to the brand’s/retailer’s page and explore the saving options as well as the most important information about the brand or retailer.

What Is an Eco Tag?

Provider card with eco tag on a category page

The eco tags on a brand’s or retailer’s card mean that the whole company has been rated “eco skilled” or “eco nerd”. This way we highlight eco-friendly companies when you for example explore the list of our Fashion partners.

What Are Eco Deals

Eco tag on the Moincoins deal

The eco deals on a brand’s page mark specific offers that are eco-friendly, e.g. an eco or vegan collection. This means that the company may be classified as “non eco”, as it doesn’t score enough points to climb higher in our rating, yet, we found an eco-friendly product line that stands out from the range of their products. It would be unfair not to feature such an initiative, that is why we decided to encourage the positive in every evaluated company.

A Word Before You Leave

Please keep in mind that we differentiate our rating based on the country you’re shopping in. Therefore you may notice that in some cases brand’s or retailer’s eco score may vary in different locations. Moincoins is currently available for shoppers in the US, UK and Germany.

At the moment, we only have the eco rating in place for some of our partner shops in selected categories. This will change as we slowly roll out the rating system to more categories.

At Moincoins, we aim to be as transparent and thorough as possible. Each shop is asked to fill out a questionnaire in order to determine which sustainability efforts it has in place. We also conduct extensive research on each company ourselves and to the best of our capabilities. 

But we're not perfect. The seagull team is always willing to reconsider the status and provide updated information on the recent sustainability practices of our partners. You can support us by sharing any helpful information about your favourite brands.

Send us a message via our contact form.