Sustainability & Verification Policy
AqNova Company Information
Overview
AqNova Marketplace | Arivon Holding Corporation
VERIFICATION POLICY
The AqNova GROVE Framework | Green Standards · Registry · Oversight · Verified Badges · Enforcement Against Greenwashing
| G GREEN STANDARDS | R CERTIFICATION REGISTRY | O OVERSIGHT Verification | V VERIFIED BADGES | E ENFORCEMENT Anti-Greenwashing |
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| Document: Sustainability & Verification Policy Audience: Consumer-Facing (Public) Version: 1.0 | Effective June 2026 | Priority: P2 — Core Consumer Trust Document Purpose: Differentiates AqNova as genuinely verified Coverage: 30+ jurisdictions; 100+ certification bodies | Greenwashing Contact: verify@aqnovamarketplace.com Consumer Trust Officer: sustainability@aqnovamarketplace.com Certification Registry: aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications |
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| AqNova is not a greenwashing marketplace. Every sustainability badge displayed on AqNova has been reviewed against third-party certification evidence submitted by the vendor. Every claim is subject to ongoing monitoring. Any consumer who suspects a product's sustainability claims are false or misleading can report it to verify@aqnovamarketplace.com. AqNova investigates every report and removes non-compliant products. |
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AqNova Marketplace | Arivon Holding Corporation | EIN: 41-3210066 | Huntington Park; California; USA
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 — Foundation — The GROVE Framework; Definitions & Sustainability Philosophy ......... 3
GROVE 5 Principles · 8 Key Definitions · AqNova is not a greenwashing marketplace
SECTION 2 — G — Green Standards: The 14 Sustainability Minimum Standards (SMS) ................. 7
SMS 1: Organic · SMS 2: Fair Trade · SMS 3: Cruelty-Free · SMS 4: Compostable
SMS 5: Recycled 30%+ · SMS 6: Carbon Neutral (verified; not offsets-only)
SMS 7: Sustainable Forest (FSC/PEFC) · SMS 8: B Corp · SMS 9: Energy Efficient
SMS 10: Clean Chemistry · SMS 11: Vegan · SMS 12: Living Wage · SMS 13: 1% for Planet
SMS 14: Net Zero/SBTi · What Does NOT Qualify (7 categories) · Tier System (Standard/Enhanced/Elite)
SECTION 3 — R — Certification Registry: How It Works & 44 Accepted Certification Bodies ..... 17
Registry contents · Consumer access (badge click; direct search; QR code) · Data sources
Full table: 44 accepted certification bodies across Organic; Fair Trade; Cruelty-Free;
Compostable; Carbon; Forest; B Corp; Energy; Chemical; Vegan; Supply Chain categories
SECTION 4 — O — Oversight: The 5-Stage Verification Process .............................................. 26
Stage 1: Document submission + 5BD review · Stage 2: Authentication + Registry entry
Stage 3: Automated monitoring (90/60/30 day alerts; same-day badge suspension on expiry)
Stage 4: Periodic re-verification (Elite annual; Enhanced 25% spot-check; Standard biennial)
Stage 5: Consumer report investigation (24h acknowledgment; 20BD full investigation)
SECTION 5 — V — Verified Badges: 13 Badge Types; Award Standards & What Each Means ............. 34
Organic · Fair Trade · Cruelty Free · Recycled & Circular · Compostable · Carbon Neutral
Sustainable Forest · B Corp · Energy Efficient · Clean Chemistry · Vegan · Ethically Sourced
1% for the Planet · AqNova Elite Sustainable Brand designation
SECTION 6 — V — Verified Badges Continued: Revocation; Suspension & Appeals ...................... 50
6 grounds for revocation · 4-step revocation process · Appeals process · Re-application rules
SECTION 7 — E — Enforcement: Greenwashing; Global Legal Compliance & Consumer Reporting ........ 56
7 categories of greenwashing (false; vague; misleading omissions; irrelevant; offset overclaiming)
Consumer reporting: verify@aqnovamarketplace.com · 24h acknowledgment · 20BD investigation
16-row global legal framework table: FTC · EU Green Claims Directive · UK CMA Code
ACCC 2023 · Germany UWG · India ASCI 2023 · China SAMR · South Africa CPA · Nigeria FCCPA
Brazil CDC/CONAMA · Australia ACL · Canada Competition Act · Japan; South Korea; LATAM
SECTION 8 — Consumer Guide — Reading Badges; Verifying Claims & FAQs ............................ 68
5-step verification guide · 6 consumer FAQs on badges; carbon claims; global validity
SECTION 9 — AqNova's Own Sustainability Commitments (Walking the Walk) ........................... 73
DHL GoGreen · Packaging standards · Annual Transparency Report · Zero tolerance policy
SECTION 10 — Contact Directory & Version History ................................................................ 76
APP A — Version History & Approval Log ....................................................................... 77
| SECTION 1 | FOUNDATION — THE GROVE FRAMEWORK; DEFINITIONS & AQNOVA'S SUSTAINABILITY PHILOSOPHY |
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1.1 Why Sustainability Verification Matters
The global market for sustainable products exceeds USD $5 trillion and is growing at over 7% annually. With that growth has come an epidemic of greenwashing — companies making environmental claims that are vague; unsubstantiated; misleading; or outright false. Consumers who want to make genuinely sustainable purchasing choices are bombarded with unmarked labels; self-declared "eco-friendly" claims; and sustainability badges with no underlying verification.
AqNova was built to be the antidote to that. AqNova Marketplace is a curated platform — not an open marketplace. Every vendor is reviewed before approval. Every product must meet AqNova's sustainability criteria before listing. Every sustainability badge visible to consumers reflects a real; independent; third-party certification that has been submitted to and reviewed by AqNova. This is not aspiration — it is the fundamental operating standard of the platform.
This Sustainability & Verification Policy explains to consumers exactly how AqNova's curation and verification system works; what each badge means; how badges can be lost; and what AqNova does when greenwashing is detected. It is the most important trust document on the platform.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| G — Green Standards | AqNova's 14-criterion Sustainability Minimum Standards (SMS) define what it means for a product to qualify for listing on the platform. No product may be listed without meeting at least THREE of the 14 criteria. Every sustainability claim — whether in product descriptions; images; or badge displays — must be substantiated by evidence in AqNova's system. |
| R — Certification Registry | AqNova maintains a live Certification Registry: a database of the sustainability certifications held by vendors and products on the platform; the certifying body; the certification number; and the expiry date. The Registry is the evidentiary backbone of the badge system. Consumers can query the Registry for any product using the product's unique AqNova certification reference (visible on every badged listing). |
| O — Oversight | Verification is a continuous process — not a one-time onboarding check. AqNova reviews certifications on upload; monitors for expiry; conducts periodic re-verification audits; investigates consumer complaints; and deploys automated monitoring tools to detect potential greenwashing signals across all active listings. |
| V — Verified Badges | The AqNova badge system translates the Certification Registry into consumer-facing trust signals. Badges are color-coded by category (organic; fair trade; recycled; cruelty-free; carbon neutral; etc.) and tier (Standard; Enhanced; Elite). Every badge links directly to the relevant Registry entry so consumers can verify the underlying certification for themselves. |
| E — Enforcement | Greenwashing is taken seriously by AqNova — not as a PR matter but as a legal compliance obligation. AqNova enforces against greenwashing through: badge revocation; listing removal; vendor suspension; and — in serious cases — referral to the relevant regulatory authority (FTC; UK CMA; EU national competent authorities under the Green Claims Directive; ACCC; Competition Bureau Canada; and equivalents). Consumer reports are investigated within 5 business days. |
1.2 Key Definitions
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| "Sustainability Claim" | Any statement; label; image; badge; symbol; or marketing assertion that conveys to a consumer that a product; ingredient; packaging; production process; company; or supply chain has an environmental or social benefit. Includes both explicit claims ("100% organic") and implicit claims (packaging in green with leaf imagery). |
| "Third-Party Certification" | A formal assessment of a product; ingredient; or company's compliance with defined sustainability criteria; conducted by an accredited independent certification body — not the vendor itself. AqNova accepts only third-party certifications from bodies listed in the AqNova Certification Registry. |
| "Self-Declared Claim" | A sustainability claim made by the vendor without independent third-party certification. AqNova applies heightened scrutiny to self-declared claims and requires supporting documentary evidence even where a certification body does not exist for the specific claim. |
| "Greenwashing" | The practice of making misleading; false; vague; unsubstantiated; or exaggerated environmental or social claims about a product; ingredient; process; or company. Greenwashing includes: false claims (no factual basis); vague claims ("eco-friendly" without qualification); misleading omissions (highlighting one positive attribute while concealing significant environmental harm); irrelevant claims (highlighting an attribute already legally mandated); and carbon credit overclaiming (claiming "carbon neutral" based solely on the purchase of offsets without genuine emission reduction). |
| "Badge" | An AqNova-issued digital trust indicator displayed on product listings and vendor storefronts that visually communicates a verified sustainability attribute. Badges are issued by AqNova — not by the vendor — based on verified certification evidence in the Registry. |
| "14 Sustainability Minimum Standards" (SMS) | AqNova's 14-criterion sustainability assessment framework. Every product listed on AqNova must meet at least 3 of the 14 criteria. See Section 2 for the full criteria. |
| "Certification Registry" | AqNova's internal database of verified sustainability certifications for vendors and products on the platform. See Section 3 for full details. |
| "Green Claims Directive" (EU) | European Commission Proposal COM(2023) 166 on substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims — the EU's forthcoming framework for mandatory pre-verification of green claims. |
| SECTION 2 | G — GREEN STANDARDS: THE 14 SUSTAINABILITY MINIMUM STANDARDS (SMS) |
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2.1 The 14 Sustainability Minimum Standards
Every product listed on AqNova must meet at least THREE of the following 14 Sustainability Minimum Standards (SMS). Founding Vendor Program participants must meet at least FIVE. These are not aspirational guidelines — they are binding listing requirements. Products that do not meet the minimum threshold are not eligible for the AqNova platform regardless of other qualities.
| SMS # | Standard | Description & Accepted Certifications | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS 1 | Certified Organic | Product or primary ingredient(s) are certified organic under a recognized national or international organic certification program. Accepted: USDA NOP; EU Organic Regulation 848/2018; Soil Association (UK); Canada Organic (CAN/CGSB-32.310); GOTS (textiles); Demeter (biodynamic). | Organic certification body name; certificate number; expiry date; scope of certification (product-level; ingredient-level; or farm-level). |
| SMS 2 | Fair Trade Certified | Product or primary ingredient(s) are certified under a recognized fair trade standard demonstrating fair wages; safe working conditions; and community development. Accepted: Fairtrade International (FLOCERT); Fair Trade USA; IMO Fair for Life; World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO); Rainforest Alliance (fair trade component). | Fairtrade certificate; FLO-CERT certification number; audit report summary. |
| SMS 3 | Cruelty-Free Certified | Product is not tested on animals; certified by an independent cruelty-free certification body. AqNova does NOT accept self-declared cruelty-free claims. Accepted: Leaping Bunny (CCIC); PETA Beauty Without Bunnies (certified tier); Choose Cruelty Free (CCF — Australia). | Certification body; certificate number; website listing confirmation. |
| SMS 4 | Biodegradable / Compostable (Certified) | Product or packaging is certified biodegradable or compostable under an internationally recognized standard. Accepted: EN 13432 (EU); ASTM D6400 (US); AS 4736-2006 (Australia); ISO 17088. Certification bodies: DIN CERTCO (Seedling logo); BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute); TÜV Austria (OK Compost); ABA (Australasian Bioplastics). | Certification mark; certificate number; product/packaging scope. |
| SMS 5 | Recycled Content (Verified Minimum 30%) | Product or primary packaging contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content; verified by an independent third party or documented by supply chain chain-of-custody records. Materials: plastic; paper; glass; metal; textile fiber. | PCR content percentage; supply chain documentation; third-party verification or chain-of-custody certification. |
| SMS 6 | Carbon Neutral (Verified) | Product or organization holds a verified carbon neutrality certification based on genuine emission reduction with residual offsets from certified projects. AqNova does NOT accept self-declared carbon neutral claims based solely on offset purchase. Accepted methodologies: PAS 2060 (BSI); ISO 14064; Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi); Gold Standard; Verra VCS. Third-party verifiers: South Pole; Carbon Trust; Bureau Veritas. | Carbon footprint calculation methodology; third-party verification; offset project certification details (Verra VCS; Gold Standard; CDM project ID). |
| SMS 7 | Sustainable Forest Products (FSC/PEFC) | Wood; paper; or other forest-derived product is certified under a recognized sustainable forest management standard. Accepted: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) — FSC-C; FSC-Controlled Wood; FSC-Recycled; PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification); Rainforest Alliance (for sustainable sourcing). | FSC certificate code; SCS-COC number; PEFC certificate number. |
| SMS 8 | B Corp Certified | Vendor company holds a valid B Corporation certification from B Lab — demonstrating verified high standards of social and environmental performance; accountability; and transparency. B Corp certification covers the company; not individual products — but indicates a company-level commitment. | B Corp certification page URL; B Lab certification status; B Impact Score (minimum 80 required). |
| SMS 9 | Energy Efficient (Certified Standard) | Product has achieved an internationally recognized energy efficiency certification. Accepted: Energy Star (US/Canada/Australia); EU Energy Label (Class A or above); Nordic Swan Ecolabel; IEC energy efficiency marks; Japan JIS energy efficiency. | Energy efficiency certificate; rating label; test report. |
| SMS 10 | Free of Harmful Chemicals (Verified) | Product has been independently tested and certified to be free from specified harmful chemicals or to meet defined safety standards. Accepted: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (textiles); OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD; COSMOS Organic/Natural (cosmetics); NSF Organic; EWG Verified; GOTS chemical requirements; REACH compliance (EU); California DTSC Safer Consumer Products. | Certification body; certificate number; chemical exclusion list; test report summary. |
| SMS 11 | Vegan Certified | Product contains no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts and has not been tested on animals at any stage; certified by an independent vegan certification body. AqNova does NOT accept self-declared vegan claims for non-food products. Accepted: The Vegan Society (UK); Vegan Action; EVE Vegan; PETA (vegan certification). | Certification body; certificate or registration number. |
| SMS 12 | Living Wage Commitment (Supply Chain Documented) | Vendor can demonstrate a documented Living Wage commitment for workers in their primary supply chain. Accepted: Living Wage Foundation certification (UK); Fair Wage Network; Fair Trade USA supply chain standards; ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) membership; amfori BSCI audit or SMETA audit with wage compliance findings. | Wage audit report; certification; ETI/amfori membership; supply chain policy document with living wage commitment. |
| SMS 13 | 1% for the Planet Member | Vendor is a certified member of 1% for the Planet; contributing 1% of annual revenues to approved environmental non-profit organizations. | 1% for the Planet membership certificate; member ID. |
| SMS 14 | Climate Pledge / Net Zero Commitment (Science-Based) | Vendor organization has made a science-based Net Zero or climate commitment aligned with the Paris Agreement; validated by: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi); SME Climate Hub; Climate Pledge; UN Race to Zero. | SBTi validation letter; commitment documentation; progress report. |
2.2 What Does NOT Qualify — Claims AqNova Rejects
| The following types of claims do not meet AqNova's standards and are not accepted as evidence of any SMS criterion. Products whose sustainability claims rest solely on the following are ineligible for listing or badge award. |
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| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Generic Unsubstantiated Claims | Claims such as: "eco-friendly"; "green"; "natural"; "sustainable"; "environmentally responsible"; "earth-friendly"; "clean"; "pure"; "better for the planet" — without specific verifiable evidence of what the claim means and how it is substantiated. These terms are specifically identified as problematic by: FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. Part 260); UK CMA Green Claims Code; EU Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825/EU); ACCC Environmental Claims Guidance 2023. |
| Offsets-Only Carbon Claims | Claims of "carbon neutral"; "net zero"; "climate positive"; or "carbon offset" based solely on the purchase of carbon offsets without underlying genuine emission reduction by the vendor or product. AqNova requires a science-based emission reduction trajectory and limits the role of offsets to residual emissions only — consistent with: EU Green Claims Directive COM(2023) 166; UK ASA/CMA guidance; ACCC guidance on carbon neutral claims; FTC Green Guides review proposals. |
| Expired Certifications | Certifications that have expired and have not been renewed. AqNova's monitoring system flags expiry 90 days before the certificate lapses. Listing badges are suspended on the expiry date if renewal evidence has not been submitted. |
| Self-Declared Claims Without Evidence | Any claim in SMS categories where an independent certification body exists (e.g., SMS 3 Cruelty-Free; SMS 6 Carbon Neutral; SMS 11 Vegan) that is supported only by the vendor's own statement — without independent third-party verification. AqNova treats self-declared claims in these categories as non-qualifying. |
| Legally Mandated Claims Presented as Differentiators | Highlighting as a sustainability attribute something that is legally required in the product's market — e.g., "CFC-free" (CFCs have been banned globally since 1989); "lead-free" (lead is prohibited in most consumer goods); "no added hormones" (growth hormones in poultry are banned in many markets). These claims do not represent a genuine sustainability achievement above the legal baseline. |
| Cherry-Picked Positive Attributes | Highlighting one positive sustainability attribute while omitting significantly harmful ones — e.g., claiming "recycled packaging" for a product that contains substances prohibited under REACH; or "organic cotton" for a product whose supply chain involves child labor. AqNova assesses the holistic sustainability profile of the product category. |
| Country-of-Origin Misleading Claims | Claims implying sustainable sourcing from a specific region where the evidence shows otherwise — e.g., "responsibly sourced from the Amazon" without chain-of-custody documentation; or "made from sustainably harvested timber" without FSC/PEFC chain-of-custody. |
2.3 Sustainability Tiers — Standard; Enhanced; Elite
| Tier | SMS Criteria Met | Benefits and Designation | Eligible For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Meets 3-4 of the 14 SMS criteria | Single AqNova Sustainability badge per qualifying criterion. Visible on product listing. "AqNova Verified" label. | All approved vendors. Minimum platform requirement. |
| Enhanced | Meets 5-7 of the 14 SMS criteria | Multiple badges per qualifying criteria. "AqNova Enhanced Sustainability" designation on product listing and vendor storefront. Priority placement in sustainability-filtered search results. | Founding Vendor Program participants (mandatory 5-of-14). Standard vendors who voluntarily meet additional criteria. |
| Elite | Meets 8 or more of the 14 SMS criteria; OR holds B Corp certification (SMS 8) PLUS 4 other criteria | All applicable badges. "AqNova Elite Sustainable Brand" designation. Featured in AqNova's "Most Sustainable Brands" curated collection. Access to AqNova's Sustainability Champion marketing program. | Any vendor who meets the Elite threshold. Designated after a full verification audit. |
| SECTION 3 | R — CERTIFICATION REGISTRY: HOW IT WORKS & ACCEPTED CERTIFICATION BODIES |
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3.1 What Is the AqNova Certification Registry?
The Certification Registry is AqNova's central database of verified sustainability certifications held by vendors and products on the AqNova Marketplace platform. It is the evidentiary foundation of the badge system. Every badge displayed on the platform corresponds to a Registry entry. Every Registry entry corresponds to documentary evidence submitted by the vendor and reviewed by AqNova's sustainability verification team.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| What the Registry Contains | For each certification in the Registry: vendor name; product name(s) covered; certification name; certifying body; certificate number or ID; certificate scope; date of first verification by AqNova; certificate issue date; certificate expiry date; date of last re-verification; current status (Active; Expiring Soon; Under Review; Suspended; Revoked). |
| Consumer Access to the Registry | Consumers can access the Registry entry for any badged product by: clicking the badge icon on any product listing — which opens a modal displaying the Registry entry; visiting aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications and searching by vendor name; product name; or AqNova product ID; and scanning the QR code on the "AqNova Verified" seal if applicable. |
| Registry Transparency Commitment | AqNova publishes the AqNova Certification Registry Index — an aggregated summary of: total number of certifications in the Registry by type; number of active certifications; number of certifications under review; and number of certifications revoked in the past 12 months. The Index is updated monthly and published at aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications/index. |
| Data Sources | Primary: Vendor-submitted certification documents. Secondary: Direct verification with certification bodies where technically available (AqNova has automated verification integrations with USDA NOP; EU Organic database; FSC certificate checker (info.fsc.org); and B Lab directory (bcorporation.net)). Tertiary: Consumer reports triggering manual verification. |
3.2 Accepted Certification Bodies — Full Registry
| Certification Body | Product/Sector Scope | Jurisdiction | Verification URL | SMS Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA National Organic Program (NOP) | Organic food; personal care; fiber | USA | usda.gov/organic | SMS 1 — Organic |
| EU Organic (Reg. 848/2018) — ECOCERT; IMO; CERES; BCS; etc. | Organic food; feed | EU | organic.aber.ac.uk (DB) | SMS 1 — Organic |
| Soil Association | Organic food; personal care; textiles | UK | soilassociation.org | SMS 1 — Organic |
| Canada Organic (CAN/CGSB-32.310-2015) | Organic food | Canada | inspection.canada.ca | SMS 1 — Organic |
| GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) | Organic textiles | Global | global-standard.org | SMS 1 + SMS 10 |
| Demeter International (Biodynamic) | Biodynamic food; body care | Global | demeter.net | SMS 1 — Organic |
| Fairtrade International (FLOCERT) | Food; textiles; commodities | Global | flocert.net | SMS 2 — Fair Trade |
| Fair Trade USA | Food; consumer goods | USA | fairtradeusa.org | SMS 2 — Fair Trade |
| IMO — Fair for Life | Food; body care; textiles | Global | imo.ch | SMS 2 — Fair Trade |
| WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) | All categories | Global | wfto.com | SMS 2 — Fair Trade |
| Rainforest Alliance (fair trade component) | Food; timber; tourism | Global | rainforest-alliance.org | SMS 2 + SMS 7 |
| CCIC — Leaping Bunny | Cosmetics; personal care | Global (US/Canada primary) | leapingbunny.org | SMS 3 — Cruelty-Free |
| PETA Beauty Without Bunnies (Certified) | Cosmetics; personal care | Global | peta.org/beauty-without-bunnies | SMS 3 — Cruelty-Free |
| Choose Cruelty Free (CCF) | Cosmetics; personal care | Australia | choosecrueltyfree.org.au | SMS 3 — Cruelty-Free |
| DIN CERTCO / Seedling (EN 13432) | Packaging; bio-based products | EU + global | dincertco.de | SMS 4 — Compostable |
| BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute; ASTM D6400) | Packaging; foodservice | USA | bpiworld.org | SMS 4 — Compostable |
| TÜV Austria OK Compost (Industrial + Home) | Packaging; products | Global | tuv-at.at/okcompost | SMS 4 — Compostable |
| ABA — Australasian Bioplastics Association | Packaging; bio-based products | Australia + NZ | bioplastics.org.au | SMS 4 — Compostable |
| PAS 2060 (BSI) | Carbon neutrality | UK + global | bsigroup.com | SMS 6 — Carbon Neutral |
| Carbon Trust (Carbon Neutral; Net Zero) | Carbon footprint; neutrality; net zero | UK + global | carbontrust.com | SMS 6 + SMS 14 |
| Verra — VCS + CCB Standard | Carbon offset projects | Global | verra.org | SMS 6 (offsets component) |
| Gold Standard Foundation | Carbon offset projects | Global | goldstandard.org | SMS 6 (offsets component) |
| Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) | Corporate emission reduction | Global | sciencebasedtargets.org | SMS 6 + SMS 14 |
| FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) | Wood; paper; fiber products | Global | info.fsc.org | SMS 7 — Forest Products |
| PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) | Wood; paper; fiber products | Global | pefc.org | SMS 7 — Forest Products |
| B Lab (B Corp Certification) | All industries — company-level | Global | bcorporation.net | SMS 8 — B Corp |
| ENERGY STAR | Electronics; appliances; buildings | USA; Canada; Australia | energystar.gov | SMS 9 — Energy |
| EU Energy Label (Class A+) | Appliances; electronics | EU | energy.ec.europa.eu | SMS 9 — Energy |
| Nordic Swan Ecolabel | Multiple product categories | Nordic countries | nordic-ecolabel.org | SMS 9 + SMS 10 |
| EU Ecolabel (Flower) | Multiple product categories | EU | ecolabel.eu | SMS 9 + SMS 10 |
| Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) | Multiple product categories | Germany | blauer-engel.de | SMS 9 + SMS 10 |
| OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 | Textiles; apparel | Global | oeko-tex.com | SMS 10 — Chemical |
| OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD | Leather products | Global | oeko-tex.com | SMS 10 — Chemical |
| COSMOS Organic / Natural (Ecocert) | Cosmetics; personal care | Global (EU-based) | cosmos-standard.org | SMS 10 + SMS 1 |
| NSF Organic / NSF 305 | Personal care | Global | nsf.org | SMS 10 + SMS 1 |
| EWG VERIFIED | Cosmetics; personal care | USA | ewg.org/verified | SMS 10 — Chemical |
| The Vegan Society | Food; cosmetics; clothing | Global (UK-based) | vegansociety.com | SMS 11 — Vegan |
| Vegan Action | Food; personal care | USA | vegan.org | SMS 11 — Vegan |
| EVE Vegan Certification | Cosmetics; food; textiles | France (global) | eve-vegan.com | SMS 11 — Vegan |
| ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) | Labour standards; supply chain | Global (UK-based) | ethicaltrade.org | SMS 12 — Living Wage |
| amfori BSCI | Supply chain social compliance | Global | amfori.org | SMS 12 — Living Wage |
| Living Wage Foundation (Real Living Wage) | Wages | UK | livingwage.org.uk | SMS 12 — Living Wage |
| 1% for the Planet | Company-level contribution | Global | onepercentfortheplanet.org | SMS 13 |
| Fairtrade International — Additional | Commodities and traders | Global | fairtrade.net | SMS 2 (dual listing) |
| SECTION 4 | O — OVERSIGHT: THE AQNOVA VERIFICATION PROCESS — 5 STAGES |
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4.1 Verification Is a Continuous Process — Not a One-Time Check
AqNova's verification approach is designed to mirror the standard set by the most rigorous sustainability certification bodies globally — not merely to check a box at onboarding. A certification submitted today may expire in 12 months. A vendor may update their product formulation after approval. A certification body may suspend a vendor's certificate for non-compliance. AqNova's 5-stage verification process addresses all of these scenarios through a combination of initial review; ongoing monitoring; periodic re-audit; and event-triggered investigation.
| 1 STAGE | Application Review — Document Submission and Initial Assessment Before any listing goes live: every vendor must submit to AqNova's sustainability verification team: (a) complete certification documentation for each claimed SMS criterion (certificate; certificate number; expiry date; scope of certification); (b) product-level certification scope confirmation (where the certification covers the company not just the product — e.g., B Corp — vendor provides confirmation that the specific listed product falls within the certified scope); (c) for self-declared claims where no certification body exists: supporting documentation (lab test reports; supply chain audit reports; lifecycle assessment; etc.); (d) packaging documentation confirming compliance with AqNova's sustainable packaging standards. AqNova's verification team reviews all submissions within 5 business days. Incomplete or insufficient submissions are returned with specific guidance within 5 business days. |
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| 2 STAGE | Document Authentication and Registry Entry AqNova authenticates submitted certifications through: (a) direct verification against publicly accessible certification body databases (FSC; USDA NOP; B Lab; EU Organic; ENERGY STAR — all of which maintain publicly searchable certificate registries); (b) automated API verification where technically available; (c) manual verification for certification bodies without public registries — including requesting confirmation from the issuing body. Upon successful authentication: the certification is entered into the AqNova Certification Registry with all required fields. The relevant badge is activated on the product listing. The consumer-facing Registry entry is immediately accessible. |
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| 3 STAGE | Ongoing Monitoring — Automated Expiry and Anomaly Detection AqNova's automated monitoring system: (a) sends vendors a certificate expiry notification 90 days; 60 days; and 30 days before the certificate lapses; (b) suspends the relevant badge on the expiry date if renewal evidence has not been submitted (the badge suspension is immediate and automatic — it does not require manual action by AqNova staff); (c) monitors certification body public databases for certificate suspensions or revocations affecting AqNova vendors; (d) deploys natural language processing (NLP) on listing content to detect sustainability claim language that does not correspond to an active Registry entry — triggering a manual review; (e) analyzes consumer review content for signals of product non-conformity with claimed certifications. |
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| 4 STAGE | Periodic Re-Verification Audits AqNova conducts scheduled re-verification audits: (a) Annual full re-verification for all Elite tier vendors; (b) Annual targeted spot-check audit covering 25% of Enhanced tier vendors; (c) Biennial full re-verification for Standard tier vendors; (d) Event-triggered re-verification for any vendor whose certification body issues a sector-wide alert; recall; or suspension; (e) Ad hoc re-verification triggered by consumer reports (see §7.2). Re-verification audits require vendors to re-submit current certification documents. Vendors who fail re-verification have their badges suspended pending investigation. |
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| 5 STAGE | Consumer Report Investigation AqNova treats every consumer report of a suspected sustainability misrepresentation as a formal investigation. Investigation procedure: (a) Acknowledgment within 24 hours of report receipt; (b) Listing review and preliminary assessment within 3 business days; (c) Vendor notification and request for clarifying evidence within 5 business days; (d) Full investigation completion within 20 business days (extendable to 40 business days for complex cases requiring third-party expert review); (e) Consumer notification of outcome within 5 business days of investigation completion; (f) If investigation confirms misrepresentation: badge revocation; listing suspension; and regulatory referral where warranted (see Section 6 and Section 7). |
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4.2 What Happens When You Buy a Badged Product
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-Purchase Verification | Before you purchase: the badge on the product listing links to a live Registry entry. Click the badge to see: the specific certification; the certifying body; the certificate number; the expiry date; and the date AqNova last verified the certificate. AqNova updates Registry entries in real time — the information you see is current. |
| Order Confirmation | Your order confirmation email includes a summary of the sustainability attributes of the products you have purchased — including the badge(s) and the Registry reference. |
| If a Badge Is Removed After Your Purchase | If AqNova removes a badge from a product you have purchased — because a certification was found to have been misrepresented — AqNova notifies you by email within 24 hours of the badge removal. AqNova provides a full refund if you wish to return the product. The refund process follows AqNova's standard returns policy and the applicable statutory consumer rights in your jurisdiction. |
| SECTION 5 | V — VERIFIED BADGES: WHAT EACH BADGE MEANS; AWARD STANDARDS & DISPLAY |
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5.1 The AqNova Badge System — Consumer Guide
AqNova badges are displayed on product listing pages; vendor storefronts; and — where the vendor has elected to use them — on external marketing materials under a licensed badge program. Each badge has a specific meaning and reflects a specific verified criterion. This section tells consumers exactly what each badge means and what evidence it requires.
| 🌿 AQNOVA ORGANIC CERTIFIED Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite (depending on total SMS score) Criteria: Product or primary ingredient(s) are certified organic by an accredited third-party certification body recognized in AqNova's Certification Registry. The organic certification covers the production methods; ingredient sourcing; and processing of the product. Accepted Certifications: USDA NOP · EU Organic (Reg. 848/2018) · Soil Association · Canada Organic · GOTS (organic textiles) · Demeter · NSF Organic · COSMOS Organic |
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| 🤝 AQNOVA FAIR TRADE VERIFIED Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: Product or primary ingredient(s) are certified under a recognized fair trade standard. This means: workers in the supply chain received at least a fair trade minimum price; the vendor contributes to the Fairtrade Premium for community development; and the supply chain has been audited for compliance. Accepted Certifications: Fairtrade International (FLOCERT) · Fair Trade USA · IMO Fair for Life · WFTO · Rainforest Alliance |
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| 🐰 AQNOVA CRUELTY FREE Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: This product and its ingredients have NOT been tested on animals — verified by an independent third-party certification body. This badge is NOT awarded for self-declared cruelty-free claims. Every cruelty-free badge on AqNova reflects an actual certification by Leaping Bunny; PETA Beauty Without Bunnies (certified tier); or CCF Australia. Accepted Certifications: Leaping Bunny (CCIC) · PETA Beauty Without Bunnies (certified) · Choose Cruelty Free |
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| ♻️ AQNOVA RECYCLED & CIRCULAR Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: Product or primary packaging contains a verified minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Documentation: chain-of-custody records; third-party verification of recycled content percentage. "Recycled & Circular" also covers products certified under Cradle to Cradle (C2C) standards. Accepted Certifications: PCR content verified by supply chain documentation · Cradle to Cradle Certified · GRS (Global Recycled Standard) |
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| 🌱 AQNOVA COMPOSTABLE Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: Product or packaging is certified to biodegrade within a defined composting environment — industrial composting (EN 13432; ASTM D6400) or home composting — within the standard timeframe. AqNova does NOT award this badge for products that claim to biodegrade in landfill or marine environments without certification. Accepted Certifications: DIN CERTCO (Seedling) · BPI (ASTM D6400) · TÜV Austria OK Compost · ABA (Australia) · ISO 17088 |
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| 💨 AQNOVA CARBON NEUTRAL (VERIFIED) Tier: Enhanced or Elite only Criteria: This product or the organization that makes it has achieved verified carbon neutrality under a recognized methodology. IMPORTANT: this badge is NOT awarded for claims based solely on offset purchase. It requires a documented baseline emission calculation; genuine reduction activities; and use of certified offsets only for residual emissions. Accepted Certifications: PAS 2060 (BSI) · Carbon Trust Carbon Neutral · SBTi (for aligned claims) · Verra VCS + Gold Standard offsets · South Pole; Bureau Veritas (third-party verifiers) |
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| 🌲 AQNOVA SUSTAINABLE FOREST Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: This product is made from forest-derived materials (wood; paper; bamboo; cork; etc.) that have been certified as sustainably sourced under FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody standards. The forest was managed in a way that protects biodiversity; water systems; and Indigenous rights. Accepted Certifications: FSC (FSC-C; FSC-Recycled; FSC-Controlled Wood) · PEFC · Rainforest Alliance |
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| ✅ AQNOVA B CORP VERIFIED Tier: Enhanced or Elite (company-level; applies to all products from the vendor) Criteria: The company that makes this product is a certified B Corporation — verified by B Lab as meeting the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance; public transparency; and legal accountability. B Corp certification requires recertification every 3 years. Accepted Certifications: B Lab (B Corporation Certification) — minimum B Impact Score: 80 |
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| ⚡ AQNOVA ENERGY EFFICIENT Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: This product has achieved an internationally recognized energy efficiency certification — meaning it meets or exceeds defined energy performance thresholds tested by an accredited laboratory. Accepted Certifications: ENERGY STAR · EU Energy Label (A or above) · Nordic Swan · Japan JIS · IEC energy efficiency marks |
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| 🧪 AQNOVA CLEAN CHEMISTRY Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: This product has been independently verified to be free from a defined list of harmful chemicals — including restricted substances lists from REACH (EU); California Safer Consumer Products; and the applicable certification body's restricted substance list. Accepted Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 · OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD · COSMOS Organic/Natural · EWG Verified · NSF Organic |
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| 🌿 AQNOVA VEGAN CERTIFIED Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: This product contains no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts and has not been tested on animals at any stage of production — verified by an independent vegan certification body. Not awarded for self-declared vegan claims on non-food products. Accepted Certifications: The Vegan Society · Vegan Action · EVE Vegan |
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| 🌍 AQNOVA ETHICALLY SOURCED Tier: Enhanced or Elite only (requires Living Wage + supply chain audit evidence) Criteria: The vendor has documented a Living Wage commitment for workers in their primary supply chain and has undergone an independent supply chain social compliance audit. This badge reflects genuine human rights and labor standards — not a self-declaration. Accepted Certifications: ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) · amfori BSCI · Fair Wear Foundation · Living Wage Foundation · SA8000 |
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| 💚 AQNOVA 1% FOR THE PLANET Tier: Standard; Enhanced; or Elite Criteria: The company that makes this product is a certified member of 1% for the Planet — contributing at least 1% of annual revenues to approved environmental non-profit organizations. Accepted Certifications: 1% for the Planet (official member certification) |
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5.2 The "AqNova Elite Sustainable Brand" Designation
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| What It Means | A vendor carrying the "AqNova Elite Sustainable Brand" designation has been verified as meeting 8 or more of the 14 SMS criteria — or holds B Corp certification plus 4 additional criteria. This designation is the highest sustainability recognition AqNova awards. It means: the brand's sustainability program has been comprehensively reviewed; multiple independent certifications have been verified; and the brand has demonstrated sustainability performance across multiple dimensions (organic/clean chemistry; fair trade/ethical sourcing; carbon/climate; circular/packaging). |
| How to Verify | Every Elite designation links to the vendor's full Registry profile at aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications/[vendor-id] showing every verified certification; its certifying body; certificate number; and expiry date. |
| Revocation of Elite Status | Elite status is revoked if the vendor falls below 8 verified active criteria — for example if two certifications expire and are not renewed. Revocation of Elite status does not prevent the vendor from maintaining Standard or Enhanced badges for remaining active criteria. |
| SECTION 6 | V — VERIFIED BADGES CONTINUED: REVOCATION; SUSPENSION & APPEALS |
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6.1 Grounds for Badge Suspension and Revocation
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification Expiry (Automatic Suspension) | When a certificate in the Registry reaches its expiry date without a renewal certificate having been submitted: the corresponding badge is automatically suspended. Suspension is immediate and automated — it does not require manual action. A suspended badge shows as inactive on the listing and in the Registry. The listing remains live with reduced badge visibility. Vendors have 30 days from the expiry date to submit renewal documentation before the suspension becomes a revocation. |
| Certification Body Suspension or Revocation of the Vendor's Certificate | If AqNova's monitoring system (or AqNova's staff) identifies that the certification body has suspended or revoked the vendor's certificate: AqNova suspends the relevant badge within 24 hours and initiates an investigation. If the certification body confirms the suspension/revocation: AqNova revokes the badge. If the vendor provides evidence that the suspension was an error by the certification body and has been lifted: AqNova restores the badge. |
| Material Change to Product Formulation or Sourcing | If a vendor changes the formulation; ingredients; sourcing; or production method of a product in a way that would affect its compliance with a certified standard: the vendor must notify AqNova within 14 days of the change. AqNova suspends relevant badges pending re-verification. Failure to notify AqNova of a material change that affects a certification: grounds for immediate badge revocation and account enforcement action. |
| AqNova Verification Investigation Finding | If AqNova's verification investigation (Stage 4 or 5 of the verification process) finds that: a certificate was submitted in a form that was inaccurate; falsified; or does not cover the specific product as listed; OR a self-declared claim was not substantiated by the submitted evidence: AqNova revokes the badge immediately and initiates enforcement action under the Vendor Agreement. |
| Consumer Report — Substantiated Finding | If a consumer report triggers an investigation (§7.2) that concludes that a sustainability claim was misleading; false; or greenwashing: AqNova revokes the relevant badge; suspends the listing; and takes enforcement action proportionate to the severity of the finding. |
| Regulatory Authority Finding | If a national regulatory authority (FTC; CMA; ACCC; EU national competent authority; etc.) issues a finding; enforcement action; or order in relation to a vendor's sustainability claims: AqNova revokes relevant badges immediately on receipt of the authority's public finding or notice to AqNova. |
6.2 Badge Revocation Process
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Step 1 — Notification | AqNova notifies the vendor in writing (email + Vendor Portal notification) of: the specific badge(s) being revoked; the grounds for revocation; and the evidence AqNova has relied upon. Notification is provided simultaneously with (or before) the badge revocation taking effect — except in cases where the revocation is triggered by an automated certificate expiry or a regulatory authority finding; where revocation takes effect immediately. |
| Step 2 — Badge Revocation and Consumer Notification | The badge is removed from all product listings and the vendor storefront within 24 hours of the revocation decision. AqNova updates the Certification Registry entry to "Revoked" status. Consumers who purchased the product during the period when the badge was displayed: notified by email if the revocation was due to a finding of false or misleading claims (greenwashing). |
| Step 3 — Vendor Response Window | The vendor has 14 business days from revocation notification to submit: a remediation plan (if the revocation was due to certification expiry or administrative failure); or a formal appeal (if the vendor disputes the grounds for revocation). |
| Step 4 — Escalation | If the revocation is due to a substantiated finding of greenwashing or deliberate misrepresentation: escalation under AqNova's enforcement framework applies — see Section 7 and the Vendor Agreement. |
6.3 Vendor Appeals Against Badge Revocation
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grounds for Appeal | A vendor may appeal a badge revocation if: (a) the revocation was based on an incorrect finding (e.g., the certificate was valid but not correctly reflected in the Registry due to a data entry error); (b) the certificate has been renewed after expiry and the renewal was submitted within the 30-day cure period; (c) the revocation was based on a consumer report that the vendor can demonstrate was submitted in bad faith or with incorrect information. |
| Appeal Process | Submit a formal appeal to verify@aqnovamarketplace.com with subject "Badge Revocation Appeal — [Vendor Name] — [Badge Type] — [Date]". Include all supporting documentation. AqNova acknowledges within 2 business days; responds substantively within 14 business days. If the appeal is upheld: the badge is reinstated; the Registry is updated; and the vendor is notified. |
| Re-Application After Revocation | Following a revocation that is NOT appealed (or where the appeal is not upheld): the vendor may re-apply for badge award once: (a) a current; valid certification has been obtained; and (b) 6 months have passed since the revocation date (for revocations due to deliberate misrepresentation). Revocations due to certification expiry (administrative): no 6-month wait; badge can be restored immediately on submission of renewal evidence. |
| SECTION 7 | E — ENFORCEMENT: GREENWASHING DETECTION; GLOBAL LEGAL COMPLIANCE & CONSUMER REPORTING |
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7.1 What Is Greenwashing — And Why AqNova Takes It Seriously
Greenwashing undermines consumer trust; distorts market competition; harms genuinely sustainable brands; and — most fundamentally — prevents the consumer choices that are necessary to drive the transition to a sustainable economy. It is an economic harm as well as an environmental harm. Regulators globally are increasingly treating greenwashing as a serious legal violation — not just a reputational concern. AqNova's enforcement posture reflects this regulatory direction.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| False Claims | A sustainability claim with no factual basis — e.g., claiming a product is "organic" without any organic certification. This is the most serious form of greenwashing and may constitute criminal fraud in some jurisdictions. |
| Vague Claims | Claims so general and unclear that they have no verifiable meaning — e.g., "eco-friendly"; "green"; "sustainable"; "natural"; "environmentally conscious." These terms are specifically identified as problematic by the FTC Green Guides; UK CMA Green Claims Code; and EU Empowering Consumers Directive. |
| Misleading Omissions | Highlighting one positive sustainability attribute while concealing significant negative ones — e.g., "certified organic cotton" while not disclosing that the dyeing process uses toxic chemicals; or "plant-based packaging" while not disclosing that the product contains animal-derived ingredients. |
| Irrelevant Claims | Claiming compliance with a standard that is legally required anyway — e.g., "CFC-free aerosol" (CFCs have been banned under the Montreal Protocol since 1989); "no animal testing" in a jurisdiction where animal testing for cosmetics is already illegal. |
| Carbon Claim Overclaiming | Claiming "carbon neutral" or "climate positive" based solely on the purchase of carbon offsets — without genuine emission reductions. Regulators in the EU; UK; Australia; and New Zealand have specifically identified this as greenwashing. |
| Certification Mark Misuse | Displaying a certification logo or mark on products that are not actually covered by the certification — e.g., displaying the FSC logo on products sourced from non-certified supply chains; or displaying a Leaping Bunny logo without certification. |
| Implied Environmental Imagery | Using green color schemes; nature imagery; leaf icons; or sustainability-associated language in marketing without any underlying substantiated environmental claim — designed to create a false impression of sustainability without making an explicit statement. |
7.2 Consumer Reporting — How to Report Suspected Greenwashing
| Anyone — consumer; competitor; journalist; NGO; or regulatory authority — can report a suspected greenwashing violation on AqNova. AqNova investigates every report. Reports are not shared with the vendor under investigation without AqNova's internal assessment. Reports submitted in bad faith (i.e., designed to harm a competitor without factual basis) are actionable under AqNova's platform terms. |
|---|
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| How to Report | Email: verify@aqnovamarketplace.com | Subject: "Greenwashing Report — [Product Name] — [Vendor Name]" | Report Form: aqnovamarketplace.com/sustainability/report | Or from any product listing: click "Report" → "Sustainability Claim Concern." |
| What to Include in Your Report | (1) The specific product (name; URL; AqNova product ID if visible). (2) The specific claim you believe is misleading or false (e.g., "the listing claims Leaping Bunny certified but I could not find this vendor in the Leaping Bunny directory"). (3) Any evidence you have (e.g., screenshots; links to the certification body database showing the vendor is not listed). (4) Your contact information (optional — AqNova responds with outcomes to identified reporters; anonymous reports are investigated but outcomes cannot be shared). |
| Investigation Process | Stage 5 of AqNova's verification process: Acknowledgment within 24 hours; listing review within 3 business days; vendor notification within 5 business days; full investigation within 20 business days (extendable to 40 for complex cases); consumer notification of outcome within 5 business days of conclusion. |
| Outcomes | Outcomes range from: no action (claim validated); badge modification (claim partially accurate; badge adjusted); badge suspension (pending vendor re-verification); badge revocation; listing suspension; vendor enforcement action; and regulatory referral. AqNova notifies the reporting party of the outcome (excluding confidential investigation details). |
7.3 Global Greenwashing Legal Compliance Framework
AqNova monitors and enforces against greenwashing in compliance with the following national and regional regulatory frameworks. Where AqNova identifies that a vendor's claims may constitute a violation of applicable national law: AqNova refers the matter to the relevant authority.
| Jurisdiction | Applicable Law / Guidance | Key Prohibition | Enforcement Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH AMERICA | |||
| USA | FTC Green Guides (16 C.F.R. Part 260; revised 2012; under review 2024-2025). FTC Act §5 (unfair or deceptive trade practices). | Unsubstantiated environmental claims; overclaiming; vague claims without qualification. | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov). Private right of action under state consumer protection laws (California; New York; Massachusetts). |
| California (USA) | California Environmental Marketing Claims Act (Bus. & Prof. Code §17580-17581). California Green Chemistry Regulations. | Specific restrictions on environmental terms including "compostable"; "recyclable." Scientific substantiation required. | California Attorney General; DTSC. Private right of action (strong class action bar). |
| Canada | Competition Act (Part VI Deceptive Marketing Practices); Competition Bureau Guide to Environmental Claims (2008). | False or misleading environmental representations; unsubstantiated comparative claims. | Competition Bureau (competition.bureau.gc.ca). Canadian Advertising Standards (ASC). |
| EUROPE | |||
| EU (27 Member States) | Green Claims Directive (COM(2023) 166 — forthcoming); EU Empowering Consumers Directive (2024/825/EU); UCPD (2005/29/EC). | Generic vague claims; carbon neutral via offsets only; sustainability labels without certification; comparative claims without equivalent methodology. | National competent authorities (per member state). European Commission (DG JUST). Consumer organizations. |
| United Kingdom | CMA Green Claims Code (September 2021); Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008; ASA CAP Code. | 6 principles: truthful; clear; full information; fair comparisons; full lifecycle; substantiated. Penalties up to 10% global turnover (Digital Markets; Competition and Consumers Act 2024). | Competition and Markets Authority (gov.uk/cma). ASA (advertising claims). Trading Standards. |
| Germany | Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG — Act against Unfair Competition); German UBA (Federal Environment Agency) guidance. | Misleading environmental advertising; unsubstantiated claims; deceptive labeling. Germany among most active in green claims enforcement in EU. | Wettbewerbszentrale (German Advertising Standards). UBA. LVG courts (civil injunctions widely used). |
| ASIA-PACIFIC | |||
| Australia | Australian Consumer Law (ACL) §18 (misleading/deceptive conduct); §29 (false representations). ACCC Environmental Claims Guidance (August 2023). | 8 principles including: truthful; reliable; not misleading; evidence-based; comparable; not use offsets for absolute claims. ACCC specifically targeting carbon neutral and net zero claims. | ACCC (accc.gov.au). ASIC for financial green claims. State and territory consumer protection agencies. |
| New Zealand | Fair Trading Act 1986 §9 (misleading conduct); Commerce Commission guidelines on environmental claims. | Misleading or deceptive environmental claims; unsubstantiated carbon neutral claims. | Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). Advertising Standards Authority. |
| Singapore | Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA); Singapore Green Label Scheme (SGLS); Singapore Green Plan 2030. | Misleading environmental marketing; uncertified use of Singapore Green Label. | Singapore Environment Council (sec.org.sg). Competition and Consumer Commission. |
| Japan | Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations; JIS Q 14021 (environmental labels). Consumer Affairs Agency. | Misleading environmental representations; Type II self-declared claims without substantiation (ISO 14021). | Consumer Affairs Agency (caa.go.jp). Japan Fair Trade Commission. |
| South Korea | Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising; Korea Eco-Label scheme. Ministry of Environment. | False or misleading eco-labeling; uncertified use of Korea Eco-Label. | Korea Consumer Agency. Ministry of Environment. |
| India | Consumer Protection Act 2019; Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Guidelines for Environmental Claims (January 2023). | ASCI 2023: specific guidance on biodegradable; recyclable; organic; and carbon claims. Substantiation required; absolute claims discouraged without full lifecycle evidence. | ASCI (ascionline.org). Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). National Green Tribunal. |
| China | Anti-Unfair Competition Law; Green Product Certification (GB/T 33761); China Environmental Labeling (HJ); MEE guidance. | False environmental labeling; uncertified use of China Environmental Label. | State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR); MEE; CNCA. |
| AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST | |||
| South Africa | Consumer Protection Act 2008 §41 (false; misleading; deceptive representation); National Consumer Commission guidance. | False or misleading product representations including environmental claims. | National Consumer Commission (thencc.gov.za). National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). |
| Nigeria | Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 (FCCPA); SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) labeling requirements. | Misleading or false product claims; NAFDAC requirements for health-related claims. | Consumer Business Protection Commission (CBPC); SON; NAFDAC. |
| UAE; Saudi Arabia; GCC | UAE Consumer Protection Law No.15/2020; Saudi Consumer Protection Law; GCC consumer protection frameworks. UAE Green Economy Initiative; Saudi Green Initiative. | False or misleading commercial practices including environmental claims. | UAE Ministry of Economy; MOIAT; Saudi ZATCA; GCC consumer protection authorities. |
| LATIN AMERICA | |||
| Brazil | Consumer Defense Code (CDC) §37 (misleading advertising); CONAMA environmental labeling; INMETRO Brazilian Labeling Program (PBE); CONAR (National Advertising Self-Regulation Council). | Misleading environmental advertising; unsubstantiated green claims. | PROCON; Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJ); CONAR; INMETRO. |
| Colombia; Mexico; Argentina; Chile | National consumer protection laws; competition law; advertising self-regulation codes in each country. | Misleading environmental claims governed by national misleading advertising and consumer protection provisions. | SIC (Colombia); PROFECO (Mexico); CNDC (Argentina); SERNAC (Chile). |
| SECTION 8 | CONSUMER GUIDE — READING BADGES; VERIFYING CLAIMS & REPORTING ISSUES |
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8.1 How to Verify a Badge on Any AqNova Product
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Click the Badge | Every sustainability badge on a product listing is a clickable link. Clicking the badge opens the live Certification Registry entry for that specific certification. The entry shows: the certification name; certifying body name; certificate number; scope (does it cover this specific product?); issue date; expiry date; and date AqNova last verified the certificate. |
| Step 2: Cross-Check With the Certification Body | For certification bodies with public registries: you can independently verify the certificate by searching the certification body's own database using the certificate number shown in the Registry. Public registries: FSC (info.fsc.org); B Lab (bcorporation.net); USDA NOP (ams.usda.gov/organic); ENERGY STAR (energystar.gov/productfinder); Leaping Bunny (leapingbunny.org/brands); Fairtrade (flocert.net). |
| Step 3: Look for Scope Confirmation | A certification may cover the company but not every product it makes. For example: a vendor may hold USDA Organic certification for their food line but also sell non-food products. The Registry entry shows the scope — check that the specific product you are viewing falls within the scope of the certification. |
| Step 4: Check the Status | The Registry shows the status of every certification: Active; Expiring Soon (within 90 days); Under Review; Suspended; or Revoked. Do not rely on a badge if the Registry shows the status as anything other than "Active." |
| Step 5: Report If Something Doesn't Add Up | If the information in the Registry does not match what you can verify through the certification body's own database: report it at verify@aqnovamarketplace.com or via the "Report" function on the listing. |
8.2 Frequently Asked Questions — Consumer Sustainability Guide
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Q: Is every product on AqNova sustainable? | Every product listed on AqNova must meet at least 3 of AqNova's 14 Sustainability Minimum Standards. No product is permitted on the platform without meeting this minimum. However: meeting 3 criteria does not mean a product is perfect — it means it meets a verified minimum sustainability threshold. We encourage consumers to read the specific badge(s) on each product and verify what they cover. |
| Q: Can I trust AqNova badges more than badges I see on other platforms? | AqNova badges are issued by AqNova — not by the vendor. No vendor can self-award an AqNova badge. Every badge reflects a specific third-party certification that has been reviewed and entered into AqNova's Certification Registry. The badge links to a live Registry entry with full verification details. This is materially different from self-declared sustainability claims on most other platforms. |
| Q: What if a vendor changes their formulation after a badge is awarded? | Vendors are contractually required to notify AqNova within 14 days of any material change to product formulation; sourcing; or production method that affects a certification. AqNova suspends relevant badges pending re-verification. If you notice that a product's description has changed but its badge status has not been updated: report it. |
| Q: Are AqNova badges valid globally? | The underlying certifications (e.g., USDA Organic; FSC; Fairtrade) are recognized in the jurisdictions specified by those certification programs. AqNova's badge system reflects these certifications. AqNova's badge itself is a platform-level trust signal — it communicates that AqNova has verified the relevant certification; not that the certification itself grants rights in any jurisdiction. |
| Q: Does "carbon neutral" mean the product is good for the climate? | Not necessarily. AqNova's Carbon Neutral badge requires verified carbon neutrality under a recognized methodology — with genuine emission reduction activities; not just offset purchases. However; carbon neutrality addresses only the direct carbon footprint of a product — not all environmental impacts. Consumers seeking comprehensive environmental performance should look for products with multiple SMS criteria. |
| Q: Can I see the actual certification documents? | AqNova publishes the certificate details (name; number; scope; expiry; certifying body) in the Registry. AqNova does not publish the underlying certification documents themselves — those are confidential between the vendor and the certification body. However; many certification bodies maintain publicly searchable databases where the certificate details can be independently verified using the certificate number shown in the Registry. |
| SECTION 9 | AQNOVA'S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS — WALKING THE WALK |
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AqNova does not just require sustainability from vendors — we hold ourselves to the same standards. The following are AqNova's own sustainability commitments as a platform operator:
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| DHL GoGreen Carbon-Neutral Shipping | AqNova's preferred logistics partner DHL offers GoGreen carbon-neutral shipping. Vendors who ship via DHL are encouraged to activate GoGreen for all shipments. AqNova offsets the carbon footprint of AqNova's own platform operations through certified offset projects (Verra VCS; Gold Standard). |
| Sustainable Packaging Standards for Vendors | AqNova requires all vendors to use FSC-certified outer cartons; eliminate single-use plastic void fill; and use compostable mailers (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400) or minimum 50% recycled content mailers. Founding Vendor Program participants: immediate compliance; standard vendors: deadline December 31, 2026. |
| Annual Sustainability Transparency Report | AqNova publishes an Annual Sustainability Transparency Report covering: total certifications in the Registry by type; number of badge revocations in the reporting year; number of greenwashing investigations completed; AqNova's own carbon footprint and reduction activities; progress toward packaging commitments. Published at aqnovamarketplace.com/sustainability/report. |
| Greenwashing Zero Tolerance | AqNova does not earn revenue from greenwashing. AqNova's commission model means we earn only when genuine sustainable products are sold. A product that turns out to be greenwashing is not only a violation of consumer trust — it is a violation of AqNova's commercial model. This economic alignment reinforces our commitment to genuine verification. |
| Continuous Improvement | AqNova's SMS criteria and accepted certification bodies are reviewed annually. New credible certification programs are added as they emerge. Criteria are updated as scientific understanding of sustainability evolves. Consumer and vendor input is welcomed — sustainability@aqnovamarketplace.com. |
| SECTION 10 | CONTACT INFORMATION; REPORTING & VERSION HISTORY |
|---|
| Contact Type | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Sustainability & Greenwashing Reports | verify@aqnovamarketplace.com | aqnovamarketplace.com/sustainability/report |
| Certification Registry Queries | certifications@aqnovamarketplace.com | aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications |
| General Sustainability Inquiries | sustainability@aqnovamarketplace.com |
| Badge Dispute or Appeal (Vendors) | verify@aqnovamarketplace.com | Subject: "Badge Revocation Appeal — [Vendor] — [Badge] — [Date]" |
| Annual Sustainability Report | aqnovamarketplace.com/sustainability/report |
| Certification Registry Index | aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications/index |
| Consumer Verification Tool | aqnovamarketplace.com/certifications/verify |
| Legal Notices | legal@aqnovamarketplace.com | Postal: Legal Department; AqNova Marketplace / Arivon Holding Corporation; Huntington Park; California; USA |
Appendix A — Version History & Approval Log
| Version | Date | Summary | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | June 2026 | Initial release. AqNova GROVE Framework (5 principles: Green Standards; Certification Registry; Oversight; Verified Badges; Enforcement). Section 1: Foundation — sustainability philosophy; GROVE framework; 8 key definitions (Sustainability Claim; Third-Party Certification; Self-Declared Claim; Greenwashing; Badge; 14 SMS; Certification Registry; Green Claims Directive). Section 2: 14 Sustainability Minimum Standards — full table (SMS 1-14: Organic; Fair Trade; Cruelty-Free; Compostable; Recycled 30%+; Carbon Neutral; FSC/Forest; B Corp; Energy Efficient; Clean Chemistry; Vegan; Living Wage; 1% for the Planet; Net Zero/SBTi) with criteria; accepted certifications; and evidence required. What does NOT qualify (7 categories: generic claims; offsets-only carbon; expired certs; self-declared where cert body exists; legally mandated claims; cherry-picked; country-of-origin misleading). Tier system: Standard (3-4 SMS); Enhanced (5-7 SMS); Elite (8+ SMS or B Corp +4). Section 3: Certification Registry — what it contains; consumer access (badge click; direct search; QR code); Registry Index; data sources (USDA NOP API; FSC checker; B Lab directory; EU Organic DB). 44-row accepted certification body table (certification body; scope; jurisdiction; verification URL; SMS criterion). Section 4: 5-Stage Verification Process (Stage 1: Application document review 5BD; Stage 2: Authentication + Registry entry; Stage 3: Automated expiry monitoring (90/60/30 day alerts; same-day automatic badge suspension on expiry); Stage 4: Periodic re-verification (Elite annually; Enhanced 25% spot-check; Standard biennial; event-triggered; consumer-triggered); Stage 5: Consumer report investigation (24h acknowledgment; 3BD listing review; 5BD vendor notification; 20BD full investigation; 5BD consumer notification of outcome)). What happens when you buy a badged product (pre-purchase verification; order confirmation sustainability summary; post-revocation notification within 24h + full refund). Section 5: 13 badge types with color-coded boxes (Organic; Fair Trade; Cruelty Free; Recycled & Circular; Compostable; Carbon Neutral; Sustainable Forest; B Corp; Energy Efficient; Clean Chemistry; Vegan; Ethically Sourced; 1% for the Planet) each with tier; criteria; accepted certifications. Elite Sustainable Brand designation (8+ SMS; full Registry profile link; revocation rules). Section 6: 6 grounds for badge revocation (certificate expiry; certification body action; material product change; investigation finding; substantiated consumer report; regulatory authority finding). 4-step revocation process. 3-provision appeals process. Re-application rules (6-month wait for deliberate misrepresentation; immediate for administrative expiry). Section 7: 7 categories of greenwashing. Consumer reporting: email verify@; form link; listing report button; 24h acknowledgment; 20BD investigation; outcome notification. 16-row global greenwashing legal compliance table (USA FTC Green Guides/§5; California EMCA; Canada Competition Act; EU Green Claims Directive/ECD 2024; UK CMA Green Claims Code/DMCCA 2024; Germany UWG; Australia ACL/ACCC 2023; New Zealand FTA; Singapore CPFTA; Japan AUPMR; South Korea Fair Labeling; India CPA 2019/ASCI 2023; China AMLU; South Africa CPA 2008; Nigeria FCCPA; UAE/Saudi/GCC; Brazil CDC/CONAMA; LATAM). Section 8: 5-step consumer badge verification guide (click; cross-check; scope; status; report). 6 consumer FAQs. Section 9: AqNova's own commitments (DHL GoGreen; packaging standards; Annual Sustainability Transparency Report; greenwashing zero tolerance; continuous improvement). Section 10: 8-contact directory. Appendix A: Version history. | CCRO (Ronke Olatoye) + Sustainability Officer / Ubon Isang (CEO) |
AqNova Marketplace | Arivon Holding Corporation | EIN: 41-3210066 | Huntington Park; California; USA
Sustainability & Verification Policy | GROVE Framework | Version 1.0 | Effective June 2026
verify@aqnovamarketplace.co | certifications@aqnovamarketplace.co | sustainability@aqnovamarketplace.co
Core Consumer Trust Document | P2 Priority | FTC Green Guides · EU Green Claims Directive · UK CMA Code · ACCC Guidance · 20+ Jurisdictions