After Fashion Revolution Week sustainability has been on everybody’s radar. But trying to educate yourself and understand certifications on brand’s websites can feel as though you’re trying to navigate a whole other language. So, let KeiSei be your digital translator and help you understand these important (albeit confusing) symbols.
Materials
When purchasing an item, it’s vital to make sure that the materials used in production are of good quality – not just so they’ll wear well but also so they won’t have caused any environmental or human damage. Here are some of the most important and best-known certifications from cotton all the way to wool and leather.
Soil Association & the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Displaying this certification means, as a consumer, you can rest assured that the brand is committed to both ecological and social responsibility across their entire supply chain. This means that not only are workers’ rights protected, but the use of water is closely monitored as well as the use of dyes which have a huge environmental impact. As well as this, any cotton products must contain at least 70% organic fibres.
Better Cotton Initiative
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is another certification geared towards cotton. They aim to reduce the environmental impact of cotton production, as well as improving the livelihoods of farmers and of those living in cotton-producing areas.
Peta-Approved Vegan
Showing this alerts consumers that all products sold or distributed by a company contain only vegan fibres and materials.
OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX® has several different labels to help consumers make responsible and sustainable purchases.
Their MADE IN GREEN label certifies that the textiles used have been tested for harmful substances and have been manufactured under environmentally and socially responsible conditions.
Their STANDARD 100 certification promises that all textiles making up the product, from buttons to individual threads, have been tested for harmful substances.
Similarly, their LEATHER STANDARD label identifies those leather articles which have been tested for unsafe substances.
Their fourth label, STeP, is a more holistic certification ensuring that production facilities manufacturing textiles and leather articles do so sustainably. It encourages environmentally friendly production and good working conditions.
Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard looks at the welfare of sheep as well as the land they graze on. The certification covers the entire process, from the wool farmer through to the final business transaction. In order for this to be displayed, farms have to be progressive in land management and have good animal welfare practices.
Environment
Unfortunately, the fashion industry is highly damaging to the planet. That’s why it is so crucial for consumers to recognise which companies are environmentally responsible.
Eu Ecolabel
A Europe-wide certification, the EU Ecolabel applies to those products which have consciously reduced their environmental impact across the entire life cycle, from the extraction of the material and production, to its use and eventual disposal.
Positive Luxury
The Butterfly Mark recognises luxury brands which meet set standards of innovation and environmental performance. They have a helpful section here on their website where you can browse for your favourite designers.
Cradle to Cradle
In order to be Cradle to Cradle certified, a product has to be made with materials that are safe for the environment and for the consumer with the aim of promoting circularity in the fashion industry. Materials are scored based on how well they can be reused and are given either a basic, bronze, silver, gold, or platinum rating.
One Percent For The Planet
Businesses displaying this certification give at least 1% of their annual sales directly to approved environmental non-profits.
Social
With the recent anniversary of Rana Plaza, the rights of workers are once again a prominent topic for discussion. Since the disaster, many brands have been pledging to improve conditions and the certifications below are some indicators of their practises.
SA8000® Standard
This certification applies to factories and organisations and measures their social performance. Some areas that are assesses are child labour, discrimination, and working hours.
World Fair Trade Organisation
Displaying a WFTO Product Label signifies that all aspects of the supply chain are checked against their WFTO Fair Trade Standard. The certification represents the continued dedication to end poverty and inequality by encouraging sustainable fair trade practises.
Fairtrade
This recognisable logo indicates that the products are produced and traded fairly, as well as being fully traceable. Whilst the original marker can apply to any industry, their Fairtrade Textile Standard monitors the ethical production of a textile or piece of clothing.
As a consumer, there are so many ways you can do your part in cultivating a sustainable wardrobe.
Recognising some of these certifications will help put you on the right path. If you’re short on time, check out the Good On You app and instantly see how your favourite brands compare. Want to take your sustainable wardrobe to the next level? Start here with our guide to the best sustainable staples.
Serina Tatham
Having been an avid writer from a young age, being at KeiSei has given her the opportunity to pursue this love and combine it with her passion for ethical living, all while completing her bachelors at the University of Amsterdam.
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