Our Criteria: How we evaluate partner brands

WHAT MAKES THE CUT AT UPHAVIN?

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SLOW PRODUCTION
TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
CIRCULAR DESIGN
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
ANIMAL WELFARE
BIODIVERSITY & SOILS

We don’t just let any brand join our team. At UpHavin, we’re all about raising the bar. We know no brand is perfect, but we’re here to celebrate progress, not perfection. These are our nine criteria—think of them as our guiding lights. While we don’t expect every brand to check all the boxes, they must demonstrate genuine efforts in key areas. We’re committed to highlighting their efforts, so you can shop with confidence.

So, what does it take to make it into our sustainable squad?

Let’s break it down:

Slow Production 🕰️

No fast fashion here! We partner with brands that prioritize quality over quantity, crafting pieces that are made to last and produced at a sustainable pace. It’s about thoughtful creation, not quick churn.

Social Impact 🤝

We love brands that give back! Whether they support local communities, empower workers, or contribute to social causes, we’re all about products that make the world a better place—beyond just being eco-friendly.

Responsible Materials ♻️

From organic cotton to recycled plastic, we’re looking for brands that choose materials with a lighter footprint. No harmful chemicals, no sketchy sourcing—just materials that are as kind to the planet as they are to you.

Transparent Supply Chain 🔍

We know—it’s a tough one! Tracing every step from raw materials to final product is no easy feat. But we’re keeping it because it matters. We want to spotlight brands that achieve this level of transparency, so we can proudly feature it on our platform.

Diversity & Inclusion 🌈

We celebrate brands that uplift diverse voices and create inclusive environments. From inclusive garments to fostering a culture of respect and equality, it’s all about making room for everyone at the table.

Circular Design & End-of-Life Options ♻️

Waste not, want not! We’re into brands that think about what happens to their products after they’re used. Whether it’s recycling, upcycling, or composting, we love designs that close the loop.

Handmade & Traditional Craftsmanship 👐

We value the art of making things by hand. Brands that preserve traditional techniques and craftsmanship, have a special place in our hearts—and on our platform.

Animal Welfare 🐾

We’re all for protecting our furry, feathered, and finned friends! We support brands that are cruelty-free, vegan, in every part of their process.

Biodiversity & Soils 🌱

Healthy soils mean a healthy planet. We partner with brands that support regenerative agriculture and practices that protect and enhance biodiversity.

How Do We Ensure Our Standards Are Met?

Every brand that joins our community must pass through a rigorous vetting process based on three fundamental pillars that ensure our marketplace operates with integrity and purpose.

Research & Discovery

When we stumble upon a potential brand partner, we dive deep into their story, founders, and mission. We want to know what they stand for, what they offer, and if they have any certifications that back their sustainability claims. It’s more than just a checkbox exercise—it’s about understanding the heart and soul of their operations.

UpCheck

Once we connect with a brand, we send them our “Sustainability Verification Form.” This form helps us dig deeper, gathering all the necessary info to confirm that their practices align with our standards. At this stage, brands also commit to upholding the three core pillars of sustainability that are central to UpHavin’s ethos.

Power of the Community

We trust our community to be the ultimate judges. While we carefully select brands based on our sustainable criteria, it’s up to you—our conscious consumers—to decide who stays. We believe in democratizing the sustainable market by giving your voice the power to shape our offerings. You’re not just a customer here; you’re a co-creator of our marketplace.

Are UpHavin Brands Certified?

Some are, but it’s not a deal-breaker! We recognize that certifications, while valuable, can be a barrier for small, emerging brands. The path to certification can be complex and costly, locking out amazing companies that might not have the resources but meet our standards.

That’s why we choose to embrace these innovative brands, that are 'in transition'. We’re all about making sustainability inclusive and accessible.

Achieving 100% sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Perfection? That’s just a myth. Our commitment is to offer the best options out there and to motivate our partners to keep pushing the envelope on sustainability. Transparency is key, which is why all brands must sign our Sustainability Verification Form—a tangible commitment to their practices.

As we proudly state in our Manifesto:

“We conceive certifications as a guarantee of valid criteria. At the same time, we do not conceive non-certifications as a guarantee of lack of them.”