Counter Culture Drinks is committed to conducting business ethically and with integrity across everything we do — from how we treat our team to how we source our ingredients and engage with our supply chain.

This policy sets out our approach and commitments, and makes them clear and consistent — to our wholesale and retail partners, to our supply chain, and to ourselves. We brew everything in-house at our unit in Bedminster, Bristol, and take direct responsibility for our practices at every stage.

1Human rights

Counter Culture Drinks is committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights throughout its operations and supply chains. Our approach is guided by internationally recognised frameworks, including:

1. the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
2. the International Bill of Human Rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
3. the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

We recognise that, as a small business, our ability to influence every part of our supply chain is limited. However, we seek to use the influence we do have to promote responsible business practices, identify and address potential human rights risks, and work with suppliers that share our values.

2Labour standards & fair work

We are committed to fair, safe, and dignified working conditions for everyone in our business.

1. We pay all employees at or above the Real Living Wage as a minimum standard.
2. We operate reasonable working hours and do not require excessive overtime.
3. We do not use, support, or tolerate forced labour, bonded labour, or child labour in any part of our operation.
4. All employment is freely chosen. Workers are free to leave with reasonable notice.
5. We support the right of workers to freedom of association.
6. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful and free from harassment, intimidation and retaliation.

3Health & safety

As a food and drink manufacturer, health and safety is core to our operation. We maintain a safe working environment at Unit 1 St Catherine's Trading Estate, Bristol, for all team members and visitors.

1. We comply with all applicable UK health and safety legislation.
2. Risk assessments are maintained and reviewed on a regular basis.
3. All team members receive appropriate training for their role.

4Supply chain & supplier standards

Our ingredients and packaging are sourced primarily from European suppliers, with some global sourcing for specific raw materials. We hold Soil Association organic certification across our full product range, which sets baseline standards for the agricultural inputs within our supply chain.

We expect our suppliers to:

1. operate in compliance with labour laws applicable in their country of operation;
2. not use forced, trafficked, or child labour;
3. provide safe working conditions for their employees;
4. be open to reasonable requests for information about their ethical practices.

Before onboarding a new supplier, Counter Culture Drinks seeks to assess:

1. relevant food safety and quality standards;
2. organic or other applicable certifications;
3. environmental and ethical practices;
4. labour and human rights commitments;
5. ability to meet our operational requirements.

We periodically review key suppliers and, where concerns arise, seek to engage constructively to understand and address issues. Where serious breaches of this policy are identified and cannot be satisfactorily resolved, we may discontinue the relationship.

5Responsible procurement & business partnerships

Counter Culture Drinks seeks to work with suppliers, service providers, and business partners whose values align with our own. Alongside quality, service and value for money, we consider relevant environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when selecting key suppliers and service providers.

Where practical, we seek to work with organisations that demonstrate responsible business practices through recognised certifications, accreditations or public commitments — such as Certified B Corporations, 1% for the Planet members, certified organic businesses, social enterprises, or businesses with credible climate commitments. This approach applies not only to ingredient and packaging suppliers, but also to commercial partners such as distributors, logistics providers, banks, legal advisers and other professional service providers.

We recognise that the most responsible option may not always be available or commercially appropriate. In these cases, we seek partners who share our values and demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement.

6Environmental responsibility

We are committed to understanding and reducing our environmental impact.

1. We prioritise certified organic ingredients wherever commercially and operationally viable, and maintain Soil Association Organic certification across our product range.
2. We are completing a full carbon footprint assessment via Zevero (target: Q2 2026) to baseline and track our emissions.
3. We are B Corp certified (certified 2024), independently verified for our environmental and social performance.
4. We seek to minimise packaging waste and favour recyclable materials where commercially viable.

7Anti-bribery & corruption

We operate with integrity in all commercial relationships and have zero tolerance for bribery and corruption.

1. We comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010.
2. No employee or person acting on our behalf may offer, give, request, or accept a bribe.
3. Gifts and hospitality are only accepted or given where they are modest, transparent, and would not influence a business decision.
4. Actual or potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed as soon as reasonably practicable.

8Equal opportunities & non-discrimination

We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful and free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Employment decisions are based on merit and capability, and we seek to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our detailed commitments are set out in our Equal Opportunities & Inclusion policy.

9Responsible marketing & advertising

Counter Culture Drinks seeks to market its products honestly, transparently and responsibly. We will:

1. present products accurately and avoid misleading or exaggerated claims;
2. ensure environmental, health or social claims can be substantiated;
3. comply with applicable advertising, consumer protection and food labelling legislation;
4. seek to represent people fairly and inclusively in our marketing;
5. communicate in ways that are consistent with our values and respectful of our customers.

10Political activity & lobbying

Counter Culture Drinks does not engage in lobbying activities or make political donations. We do not provide financial or in-kind support to political parties, candidates or campaign organisations.

From time to time, we may participate in consultations, industry discussions or stakeholder engagement where these relate to our sector or mission. Our participation is intended to share knowledge and practical experience rather than influence legislation for commercial advantage.

11Raising concerns

Anyone who has concerns about a potential breach of this policy, or about unethical conduct relating to Counter Culture Drinks, is encouraged to raise them with Tom Smart, CEO & Co-Founder (tom@counterculturedrinks.com), or via the contact form on our website.

Concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously, handled as confidentially as reasonably practicable, and investigated fairly and promptly. No one will be disadvantaged or treated unfairly for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

12Putting this into practice

Counter Culture Drinks seeks to embed this policy through its day-to-day operations. This includes:

1. incorporating human rights and environmental considerations into procurement decisions;
2. seeking suppliers whose values align with our own;
3. applying fair and inclusive recruitment and employment practices;
4. providing appropriate training and guidance to employees where relevant.

13Our stakeholders

Counter Culture Drinks recognises that its decisions affect a range of stakeholders. When making significant business decisions, we seek to consider the interests of those who are most closely connected to our purpose and operations.

The level of engagement with each stakeholder group will depend on the significance of the decision, the potential impact on that stakeholder, and their relationship with the business. As a small company, we aim to maintain regular and open dialogue with our key stakeholders and to balance their interests alongside the long-term success of the business.

This policy is published on our website in line with our transparency commitments, and any updates are communicated to the team and relevant supply-chain partners.