The Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) has officially launched its new website, unveiled at the Garden Press Event on Tuesday 17 February 2026.
The refreshed platform, available at www.responsiblesourcing.org.uk, has been designed to offer clearer navigation, improved transparency and expanded background information about how the
scheme operates across the growing media supply chain.
While the RSS supports manufacturers, retailers and growers, the new website has also been developed with amateur gardeners and wider stakeholders in mind, making it easier for anyone with an interest in growing media to understand how products are assessed and what responsible sourcing means in practice.
The RSS is the industry-led certification scheme for growing media, independently audited and built around seven environmental and social criteria: energy use, water use, social compliance, habitat and biodiversity, pollution, renewability and resource use efficiency. The scheme enables manufacturers to assess and improve the responsible sourcing profile of their products, while providing retailers and consumers with greater clarity.
A key feature of the new website is the publication of audited products. Once manufacturers have completed the independent audit process, their products and responsibility ratings will be listed on the site. This allows consumers and professional users to view and compare product ratings, improving transparency and supporting informed purchasing decisions.
The new website provides:
- Clear explanations of how the scheme works and how products are assessed
- Accessible information for amateur gardeners and industry professionals
- Publication of audited products and their responsibility ratings
- Updated Scheme Rules and governance information
- Guidance on certification and use of the RSS logo
Commenting on the launch, Steve Harper, Chair of the RSS, said: “The Responsible Sourcing Scheme continues to evolve to reflect the needs of both the industry and consumers. The new website improves transparency, explains the assessment process more clearly, and makes it easier for gardeners to understand and compare responsibly sourced products. It represents an important step forward in strengthening trust and openness across the sector.”
The launch reflects the scheme’s ongoing commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and clear communication throughout the growing media industry.
For further information, visit: www.responsiblesourcing.org.uk
