The Best Ethical Flower Delivery Companies
Which flower delivery companies are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The Best Ethical Flower Delivery Companies
Why is it important to buy from ethical flower delivery companies?
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. The UK cut flower and ornamental plant market is worth over £1.3 billion, and with online flower delivery growing rapidly in popularity, the collective impact of consumer choices has never been greater. Our Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched way to compare brands and make more informed choices.
Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, commiserations and celebrations. We mark the most important moments in our lives by giving each other flowers. As we live in an ever more globalised society, ordering flowers online from delivery companies is a lovely way to connect with friends and family living far away. The UK market for cut flowers and ornamental plants has now risen to over £1.3 billion, according to the BBC. It is even more important than ever to buy organic flowers from ethical flower delivery companies because of the growing popularity of online flower shops.
There are some real ethical concerns in the flower delivery sector that you may want to be aware of before you order your next bouquet.
Our independent research: the lack of Fairtrade flowers and organic flowers
The Good Shopping Guide’s independent research into the flower delivery sector has revealed a severe lack of Fairtrade flowers available on the market. We found that only 4 sell Fairtrade flowers, out of a total of 16 companies.
Similarly, our research found that less than 20% of the companies in our report offer organic flowers. Due to their social and environmental benefits, companies selling either Fairtrade flowers or organic flowers were awarded additional points in our Fairtrade and Organic criteria. Our research assesses brands across Environment, Animals, and People criteria — see our How We Rate page for a full explanation of our methodology.
Pesticides and the need for organic flowers
The flower industry is one of the worst offenders for its use of pesticides. Flowers are not considered food products. Therefore the regulations on which chemicals can be used are much less strict. Some countries use toxic chemicals that are banned for growing food crops. Not only does this damage the health of flower farmers, but it also risks polluting local water systems and harming wildlife. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has worked with flower farms across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Colombia to improve labour standards and reduce hazardous chemical exposure — though significant challenges remain across the industry.
Kenya’s Lake Naivasha experienced serious environmental degradation due to the chemicals used in flower production. Back in the early 2010s, Circle of Blue reported that the pesticide waste from flower farms had polluted the lake and caused the deaths of thousands of fish. These pesticides severely damaged the lake’s ecosystem and deprived the local people of much-needed food and income. Although the situation appears to have improved in recent years, the case of Lake Naivasha demonstrates the serious risks that pesticides can pose to natural habitats.
Are locally grown flowers more ethical? Why you should buy seasonal flowers
So is it more sustainable to buy flowers grown locally? Or should you buy flowers imported from tropical climates? Some people argue that flowers grown closer to home have a lower environmental impact. There is less carbon used to transport the products at a shorter distance. However, the situation is more complex than you may think.
Some studies suggest that the carbon emissions required to produce artificial heat and light for flowers grown in cold climates of the UK or the Netherlands could be worse than the cost of transportation. A February 2025 report by the Fairtrade Foundation found that Fairtrade cut roses grown in Kenya have a lower carbon impact than European hothouse flowers — whether transported by air or by sea — due to the lower energy cost of growing in a naturally warm climate.
There is therefore no clear answer on whether locally grown flowers are less harmful to the environment. You can find ethical flower delivery companies that source either from the UK or abroad. However, if you can find outdoor-grown seasonal local flowers, such as daffodils in the UK, these will be more energy efficient. Luckily, lots of cut flower species grow easily in the UK’s temperate, wet climate.
Our Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table provides you with all the information you need to choose the right company to buy your flowers from without damaging the environment. Look for ethical flower delivery companies with a high score in our table, particularly those that have been awarded our Ethical Accreditation.
Moreover, by following the handy tips in this guide, you’ll know exactly which flowers are the most ethical, such as Fairtrade flowers and organic flowers. Organic flowers are the best solution for minimising the chemicals used in flower production, whilst Fairtrade flowers help ensure that flower farmers receive sufficient pay and job security.
The rise of plastic-free and sustainable flower delivery
Consumer expectations in the flower delivery sector are changing fast. Plastic-free packaging, zero-waste floristry, and B Corp certification are increasingly common signals that consumers use to identify genuinely ethical florists. Traditional practices such as cellophane wrapping, non-recyclable floral foam, and plastic sleeves are now being phased out by leading ethical brands in favour of compostable, biodegradable, and fully recyclable alternatives. Some of the most forward-thinking brands in our Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table — including those holding our Ethical Accreditation — have pioneered plastic-free packaging and closed-loop waste systems. As consumer demand for ethical gifting grows, particularly around occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, choosing a brand that has independently verified its ethical credentials is more important than ever.
Our recommendations: the ethical benefits of buying Fairtrade flowers and organic flowers
Fairtrade flowers and organic flowers are some of the most ethical products on the market. Organic flowers are significantly more sustainable than non-organic flowers. The process of organic farming uses fewer pesticides than traditional non-organic farming. Therefore, by buying organic flowers you are avoiding products made with toxic chemicals. Toxic agrochemicals pollute natural water systems, kill wildlife, and harm the health of farm workers. Look for flowers carrying Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certification, as these provide independently verified assurance of both environmental and labour standards.
If you are interested in purchasing organic flowers, two ethical flower delivery companies, Arena Flowers and Prestige Flowers, have products available for you. However, these products may be subject to seasonal changes, so we recommend contacting your chosen ethical flower delivery company to see what organic flowers they have in stock at that time.
In terms of human rights, buying Fairtrade flowers is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the farmers producing your bouquets are being treated fairly. The Fairtrade Foundation sets standards to improve workers’ rights, meaning workers producing Fairtrade flowers generally receive better pay, job security, and overall quality of life.
Moreover, like organic flowers, Fairtrade flowers are made with fewer chemicals, as the Fairtrade Foundation also sets regulations against hazardous substances. For Fairtrade flowers, we can recommend Bloom, Prestige Flowers, and Arena Flowers.
We also recommend exploring local florists in your area. Some will use flowers they have grown themselves, and often will deliver locally. Many local, small-scale florists can be discovered easily on Instagram or in farm shops and independent stores. If you are interested in growing your own flowers or purchasing ethically sourced plants, see our Ethical Plants and Garden Ratings Table for further guidance.
Ethical gifting: the bigger picture
If you are thinking carefully about the ethics of your flower purchase, it is worth applying the same scrutiny to other gift choices. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating gift and lifestyle brands since 2001. Our Ethical Chocolate comparison table and Ethical Greeting Cards Ratings Table apply the same independent research methodology to other popular gifting categories. For businesses in the flower and gifting sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The Good Shopping Guide’s team of independent researchers have conducted extensive investigations into brands and their sustainability certifications, policies and practices. Click on any brand name to read more information detailing brands’ ethics in our individual brand articles.
Arena Flowers, Prestige Flowers, Bloom, Organic Blooms, The Real Flower Company, Bloom & Wild, The Great British Florist, eFlorist, Appleyard Flowers, Blossoming Gifts, Bunches, Serenata Flowers, Flower Station Flying Flowers and Interflora.
Why is it important to choose an ethical flower delivery company?
The UK cut flower and ornamental plant market is worth over £1.3 billion, meaning the collective impact of consumer choices is considerable. Many flower delivery companies are involved in concerning practices, from the widespread use of harmful pesticides to a severe lack of Fairtrade and organic options. Choosing an ethical flower delivery company helps protect both the environment and the workers who grow your flowers.
What are the main ethical concerns with conventional flower production?
The flower industry is one of the worst offenders for pesticide use. Unlike food crops, flowers are subject to far less regulation, meaning toxic chemicals banned in food production are sometimes used. These substances can harm the health of flower farmers, pollute local water systems, and devastate wildlife. Kenya’s Lake Naivasha suffered serious environmental damage in the early 2010s as a direct result of pesticide runoff from flower farms.
Are locally grown flowers more sustainable than imported ones?
The answer is more nuanced than it might appear. While locally grown flowers reduce transport emissions, those grown in colder climates like the UK may require artificial heat and light — which can carry a higher carbon footprint than shipping from warmer regions. Outdoor-grown seasonal British flowers, such as daffodils, are generally the most energy-efficient option, requiring neither long-distance transport nor artificial growing conditions.
What is the difference between Fairtrade flowers and organic flowers?
Fairtrade flowers prioritise the human element, ensuring farmers receive fair pay, job security, and protection from hazardous chemicals. Organic flowers address the environmental dimension, being grown with fewer pesticides to protect ecosystems and water systems. The Good Shopping Guide’s research found that only four of the sixteen companies assessed sell Fairtrade flowers, and fewer than 20% offer organic options.
Which flower delivery companies offer Fairtrade or organic flowers?
Arena Flowers, Prestige Flowers, and Bloom are among the companies that offer Fairtrade flowers, while Arena Flowers and Prestige Flowers also carry organic options. Both Arena Flowers and Prestige Flowers hold The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation, reflecting their verified commitment to responsible practices. The Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table is a useful guide for those seeking either Fairtrade or organic flowers.
How can I find the most ethical flower delivery company?
The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Flower Delivery Companies Ratings Table allows you to compare brands across criteria including their Environmental Report, Fairtrade credentials, Organic offerings, and Animal Welfare. Companies in the green section, particularly those with Ethical Accreditation, are the most responsibly operated. It is also worth exploring local florists, who may grow their own flowers and deliver sustainably within your area.
Is Arena Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Arena Flowers sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Organic credentials, Fairtrade, and Animal Welfare. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Arena Flowers also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its forward-thinking approach within the flower delivery sector.
Is Prestige Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Prestige Flowers sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Organic credentials, Fairtrade, and Animal Welfare. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine and verified commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct. Prestige Flowers also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its leadership within the flower delivery sector.
Is Bloom an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Bloom sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fairtrade credentials, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic offering. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine commitment to responsible business practices. Bloom also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its dedication to ethical standards within the flower delivery sector.
Is Cotswold Botanical an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Cotswold Botanical sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. Holding Ethical Accreditation demonstrates the brand’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business. Cotswold Botanical also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its progressive approach to responsible practice.
Is Bloom & Wild an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Bloom & Wild sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Organic credentials, Fairtrade, and Animal Welfare. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful and recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices within the flower delivery industry.
Is Organic Blooms an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Organic Blooms sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Organic credentials, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Fairtrade credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer a recognised way to formally validate its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Organic Blooms also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is The Real Flower Company an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
The Real Flower Company sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fairtrade credentials, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic offering. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful way to further demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Petalon an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Petalon sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer a recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices. Petalon also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is The Great British Florist an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
The Great British Florist sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could allow The Great British Florist to formally validate its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Flower Station an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Flower Station sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a recognised means of formally demonstrating Flower Station’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business.
Is Flowerbx an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Flowerbx sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a valuable way to formally demonstrate Flowerbx’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.
Is Freddie’s Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Freddie’s Flowers sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Organic and Fairtrade credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Freddie’s Flowers a recognised opportunity to formally validate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Appleyard Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Appleyard Flowers falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report, Organic, and Fairtrade credentials. Consumers seeking flower delivery companies that do reach the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Blossoming Gifts an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Blossoming Gifts falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report, Organic, and Fairtrade credentials. Shoppers looking for flower delivery companies that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Bunches an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Bunches falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report, Organic, and Fairtrade credentials. Consumers wishing to find flower delivery companies that reach the ethical benchmark can refer to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is Serenata Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Serenata Flowers falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short across several areas, including its Environmental Report, Organic, and Fairtrade credentials. Consumers seeking flower delivery companies that do reach the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is eFlorist an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
eFlorist falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in several areas, including its Environmental Report, Organic, and Fairtrade credentials. Those seeking flower delivery companies that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Flying Flowers an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Flying Flowers falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, the brand falls short across several key areas, including its Organic and Fairtrade credentials, Armaments and Political Donations ratings, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table can guide consumers toward more responsible alternatives.
Is Interflora an ethical Flower Delivery Companies brand?
Interflora falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, it falls short across several key areas, including its Organic and Fairtrade credentials, Armaments and Political Donations ratings, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking more responsible alternatives can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Flower Delivery Companies Ethical Ratings Table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.