FAQ.
Here's everything you might want to know about Uniplug.
01
General
What is Uniplug?
A platform that helps individuals and businesses discover healthier, more sustainable alternatives to everyday products. Read more about how we started.
Is Uniplug free to use?
Yes. Browsing the directory costs nothing, and brands never pay to be featured.
How is Uniplug different from other directories?
Most directories are pay to play. We don't take payment for placement, and any brand acquired by a major corporation is removed immediately. It's less a marketplace, more a movement. Here's how we compare to other tools people use to find better products:
| Feature | Uniplug.co | Oasis App / Yuka | EWG Skin Deep / Think Dirty | Green lifestyle directories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary mission | Elevating independent, plastic-free, and non-UPF innovators | Flagging additives and microplastics in ingredients | Scoring safety and toxicity levels in personal care | Recommending brands through curated content |
| Target sourcing | Independent, founder-led, and farm-direct brands | Mass-market, corporate-dominated shelf brands | Global corporate beauty and personal care lines | Brands with affiliate or sponsorship programmes |
| Packaging auditing | Strictly favours plastic alternatives (seaweed, compostables) | Focuses on material toxicity (leaching), not end of life | Doesn't factor in packaging footprint or microplastics | Doesn't factor in packaging footprint or microplastics |
| Ownership filter | Removes brands owned by major conglomerates or VC firms | Doesn't factor in corporate ownership structures | Doesn't factor in corporate ownership structures | Doesn't factor in corporate ownership structures |
| Vetting method | Manual human review of inputs and supply chain | Automated barcode scanning and databases | Lab data cross-referenced by algorithms | Editorial selection; placement criteria not disclosed |
| Monetisation | Free, no pay-to-play, no ads | Free to scan, with an optional paid subscription (e.g. Yuka Member Access, Oasis Pro) | Paid corporate verification badges and memberships | Sponsorships and affiliate commissions |
| Built for businesses | Dedicated portal for sustainable procurement | Consumer app only | Consumer database only | Consumer content only |
Is Uniplug a marketplace?
No. We're a discovery space, not a marketplace. For directory brands, you buy directly from them.
02
Trust & Curation
How do you vet brands?
Every brand is evaluated against five criteria: materials and ingredients, company responsibility, ownership and representation, packaging and end of life, and demonstrable impact beyond the product.
What happens if a brand gets acquired by a big company?
It comes off the directory immediately. We review ownership monthly, and sooner if flagged by the community.
Does taking outside investment disqualify a brand?
Not automatically. A founder can take outside investment and still operate with full integrity. What matters is control — if a major multinational becomes majority owner, that's a hard no.
What if a brand uses plastic packaging?
It's not an automatic disqualifier, but it weighs heavily. A brand using unnecessary plastic needs to demonstrate exceptional standards everywhere else.
03
How We Operate
Do brands pay to be featured?
Never. Brands don't pay us for placement, visibility, or promotion — not a penny. You're in because you earned it.
How does Uniplug make money?
Mainly through affiliate commissions when you buy through a link, and by acting as an authorised distributor for a small number of products. Neither affects who gets featured or how prominently.
Do you sell products directly?
For directory brands, no — you always buy direct from them. Browse the full directory to see for yourself. For a small number of authorised products, like compostable packaging and cutlery, we act as distributor ourselves.
Is Uniplug venture backed?
No. We're founder-funded, and we intend to stay that way.
04
For Brands
How do I apply to be featured on Uniplug?
Apply through our brand application page. We research every applicant properly before deciding.
What if my brand doesn't get approved?
If you don't make the cut, we'll tell you why. You can always reapply once you've improved the areas that weren't up to our standard.
Are there any fees to be listed?
None. Just honest visibility for brands doing it right. Apply here.