5 Ethical Brands in the UK You NEED to Be Following

Sustainable and environmentally friendly practices are becoming more and more important globally, and we as consumers now have the option to choose to buy products and services from brands with values that align with our own.

Of course, deciding you want to buy your products from forward-thinking businesses also means putting in a fair amount of work before making any purchase. To help you find eco-friendly UK-based products and brands, we’ve listed 5 that are operating to make a real difference to people’s lives without harming the planet!

1. Black+Blum

Black+Blum is a company based in London that manufactures environmentally friendly food and drink storage solutions to reduce single-use plastics and food waste.

Black+Blum products include lunch bowls/pots/boxes, reusable water bottles (including glass), a food flask, a sandwich box, a Thermo pot, a reusable cutlery set, and natural water filters.

The materials they use to manufacture their products were chosen with care to find those with minimal environmental impact, for instance, bamboo, recyclable cardboard, cork, and stainless steel. With these materials, their products are designed to last so that you can enjoy lunch on the go for years to come.

We’ve all been guilty, at one time or another, of grabbing a quick bite to eat from a supermarket or café because it seems so convenient. But this simple act is not only costing a lot of money in the long run, but it is also contributing to the mounds of plastic and food waste. Black+Blum help to eliminate this so that you can eat in a way that is better for you and the environment. Find them on Instagram @blackblumdesign.

2. UpCircle

UpCircle is a brand that is an innovator in the world of skincare. Upon realising how many byproducts are wasted in the food industry, they set about to find a way to use this ‘waste’ in a useful way. They salvage these natural ingredients to create beneficial skincare products that don’t waste a thing.

Their products include facial cleansers, eye creams, face serums, masks and toners, moisturisers, and scrubs, with ingredients such as coffee grounds, fruit stone powder, and chai spices, which would otherwise have been thrown away.

UpCircle product packaging is 100% recyclable, made 99% plastic-free with paper tape, and all of their marketing materials are made from recycled coffee cups to reduce their impact. Find them on Instagram @upcirclebeauty.

3. Asquith

If you have set yourself that ever-popular resolution to get fit in the new year, or if you have a love for moving your body, Asquith can provide you with ethical activewear. This brand is centred around respect for the environment and a love of nature while providing their customers with fashionable, breathable activewear, underwear, and pyjamas.

Asquith only works with fabrics that have minimal impact on the environment and society. Their clothing materials include bamboo viscose, which is naturally durable, sweat-wicking and breathable, and soft for maximum comfort. The bamboo is harvested sustainably and processed without chemicals.

They also have a trademark fabric known as Bambor®, a blend of bamboo, organic cotton, and a little Elastane for some added stretch. This makes for a super soft, durable and breathable fabric that moulds to the shape of your body. Follow them on Instagram @asquithlondon.

4. Nathalie Bond

Nathalie Bond is a company based in Sheffield that creates body and bath products to nourish your skin and help you relax when you most need it. All of their products are handcrafted using sustainable ingredients that are both natural and organic to treat your skin in the right way without impacting the environment.

Nathalie Bond products include face care, hand care, bath and body products, and beard oil, as well as essential oils and aromatherapy candles for the ultimate relaxation, all of which are eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and free from palm oil.

To eliminate plastic, they only use glass, amber apothecary bottles with aluminium lids and their products are protected during shipping using starch chips that are 100% biodegradable. Click here to follow them on Instagram @nathalie.bond.

5. ECOVER

Switching products you use daily is one of the most difficult things to do, especially if you aren’t always organised enough to purchase what you need online ahead of time. If you find yourself walking around the supermarket unsure of what to buy, then look out for ECOVER the next time you’re looking for washing up liquid or laundry detergent since they can now be found in Sainsbury’s and other supermarkets.

ECOVER make an allergen-free washing up liquid that comes in a range of fragrances, including no fragrance, and all their products use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients to leave dishes and clothes spotlessly clean. Their bottles are completely biodegradable, bar the cap (which is recyclable), everything is made in a zero-waste factory, and all products are vegan. What more could you ask for? Click here to find them on Instagram @ecover_UK.

Bonus: Ethical Nutrition Co.

We couldn’t end this list without a little shameless self-promotion about our UK-based family-run business, Ethical Nutrition Co! We provide vegan-friendly supplements across the UK, including our multivitamin, turmeric and curcumin, vegan Vitamin D, and magnesium taurate.

We never use palm oil or additives, and all of our packaging is 100% ethical, compostable and recyclable.

Whether you’re looking to improve your immune system, boost your energy levels, improve your mood, or take care of your bones, nails, skin, joints, or heart, our supplements are here to support your health and your values. Click here to follow us on Instagram @ethicalnutritionco.

Find a new company to follow? We hope so! Make sure you follow these brands on social media and keep them in mind next time you need to shop!