2025 Natural Grocers Sustainability Report

PLANET

NUTRITION EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

CREW

QUALITY

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM PRICING

PEOPLE

ANIMAL WELFARE

HEALTH

Household Cleaning Products

EXPANDED RESEARCH-BASED STANDARDS FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS In 2025, we expanded our product standards for household cleaning products to reflect the latest research and to further align with our long-standing commitment to human and environmental health. We believe that these updates continue to enhance our position as an industry leader in ingredient transparency and standards for more environmentally sound household cleaning products. BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF TRUST We first introduced household cleaning standards in 2016, offering carefully curated alternatives to conventional products. The company’s latest updates reflect growing scientific understanding about the impact that certain common ingredients can have on indoor air quality, ecosystems, and overall well-being. With this update, the list of prohibited ingredients in household cleaning products now includes more than 100 ingredients. In addition to previously excluded substances like phosphates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colors, and chlorine, the new standards ban: FULL INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE—BECAUSE TRANSPARENCY MATTERS Unlike federal regulations, which do not require full ingredient disclosure for household cleaning products, Natural Grocers® requires every brand it sells to provide a complete ingredient list on packaging. While limited exceptions are made for proprietary fragrance and enzyme blends, these components must still comply with our rigorous safety and environmental standards. MORE THAN CLEAN—PRIORITIZING PLANET-FRIENDLY PACKAGING We seek products that are ethically sourced, sustainably produced, and innovatively effective. We also prioritize more sustainable packaging with a reduced environmental footprint. This includes recycled, biodegradable, or plant derived materials. For example, many Natural Grocers Brand Household Cleaning Products use sugar cane-based or 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, while other leading options use recyclable paper and steel containers. For more information about select chemicals commonly used in conventional household cleaning products, please see Earth Watch: The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Cleaning Products. Formaldehyde donors Phthalates Parabens Ethanolamines Glycol ethers Quaternary ammonium compounds

Vendor Profile: Meliora

Founded in 2013 with the core value of complete transparency in product ingredients, they have an expanding selection of household products that are produced cleanly and responsibly by their team in Illinois. Meliora has options for laundry, bath and body soaps that are made without single-use plastic and are made from ingredients that are clearly listed on the packaging. As they expand, their vision remains the same and they keep a keen eye on waste and environmental impacts so that their growth does not adversely impact their neighbors and the environment. For more information about Meliora, please visit: https://meliorameansbetter.com Chicago-based Meliora is a growing company with a vision for people to have clean, happy, and healthy homes without relying on products with secret formulas and mysterious chemicals.

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FISCAL YEAR | 2025