Meliora Cleaning Products
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
overview
about
Meliora makes home cleaning products with a special emphasis on sustainable sourcing and circularity. Highlights
• B-Corp
• Woman-owned
• Cruelty-free
• Toxin-free cleaning
• Sustainable sourcing
sustainability
details:
Packaging
Meliora's primary packaging comes in three forms: (1) home-compostable paper cans with steel ends, (2) recyclable paperboard boxes, and (3) plastic bulk buckets. Packaging is plastic free with the exception of buckets. Plastic buckets are part bulk bucket program, and each comes with a pre-paid shipping label for return, refill, and reuse. Meliora therefor claims to be “single-use-plastic-free”. Shipping packaging is made of entirely recyclable cardboard.
Ingredient Sustainability
Meliora uses a very limited number of low-impact ingredients in their formulations. With the exception of certain essentially oils, which can sometimes carry sustainability concerns, ingredients are exceedingly sustainable. Ingredient sourcing is certified by MADE SAFE, and all products have been reviewed by EWG and graded ‘A', the highest possible score for environmental and human non-toxicity.
Energy Use and Footprint
Meliora regularly publishes comprehensive sustainability reports (last available from 2022). Though these reports do not include specific details regarding emissions across all scopes, they do outline some reduction strategies. Meliora recycles and composts manufacturing waste wherever possible, and reuses materials that would have otherwise gone to landfill. Through this reuse, the brand eliminates the need to source virgin materials, which prevents the generation of emissions.
Meliroa is also a certified B-Corp, which means they've been positively audited for emissions measuring and reduction strategies.
Waste Management
Meliora has a robust refill program which reduces waste at the consumer end. They also employ numerous waste management strategies in production. Reuse systems have allowed them eliminate all plastic barrels from being sent to landfill. The only waste in production comes from powdered ingredients, for which they are working on solutions.
Business Model
Meliora offers a limited selection of cleaning products with no product churn or seasonal items. In combination with brand's refill program, the business model embodies the principles of cicularity and mindful consumption. Meliora is a certified B-Corp.
non-toxic
details:
Meliora's formulations are exceedingly non-toxic and safe. All products have been evaluated and graded by EWG, with all of them receiving an ‘A' score, the highest possible.
social responsibility
details:
Meliora makes their products at a manufacturing facility in Chicago, where they abide by local labor standards. They do not produce products in countries with high fair labor violation risk. They've worked with Living Wage for US to ensure fair wages for their employees. As a certified B-Corp, Meliora has been positively evaluated for fair labor practices.
The brand is a member of 1% for the planet and actively contributes to environmental causes, and is 100% cruelty free certified by Leaping Bunny.
