ethical fashion certifications that are good to know
Certifications help when it comes to shopping with a conscience. They identify which brands are really on a sustainable and ethical journey. Each certification tells a story - about the care for our environment, the respect for workers' rights, and the commitment to quality, sustainable materials.
Certifications play a crucial role in identifying truly ethical and sustainable brands. Due to the complexity of the fashion industry's supply chains, sustainability remains multifaceted.
Here is an evolving list that aims to demystify various certifications you may encounter – a work in progress that will expand gradually.
When you choose items backed by these certifications, you're casting a vote for a better world. the more we lean towards ethically certified goods, the more we encourage companies to adopt transparent and responsible practices.
say NO to greenwashing
GOTS - Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS - When it comes to natural fibers look for the GOTS certification. This certification is given to textile products that are made with minimum of 70% organic materials. GOTS demonstrate that a fabric is certified organic andensures the whole supply chain meets strict social and environmental standards. Any added chemicals, namely dyes must meet certain criteria regarding their environmental impact and toxicity.
Water consumption is another main factor that GOTS considersin the certification process. They require transparency in data regarding energy and water usage per kilogram of textile. Target goals to reduce overall resource usage must also be in place.
If you buy from a company that is GOTS certified, then you know the cotton is organic and the whole process was ethical and sustainable.
B-Corp
B-Corp, measures a company's environmental and social impacts. To become certified by B-Corp, a business must achieve a minimum verified score on the B Impact Assessment, which rigorously evaluates the company's effects on its employees, customers, community, and environment. The ranking system of B-Corp enables participating brands to enhance themselves and emphasises recognising brands that aspire to make a positive difference.
B-Corp serves as an excellent starting point for businesses aiming to do good. Being B-Corp certified, brands display the logo, indicating their dedication to ethical practices and responsible business operations.
Fair Trade
Fair Trade focusses on economic empowerment and sustainable living. They work closely with companies to ensure the staffenjoy safe working conditions, the company is safeguarding the environment, they are buildingsustainable livelihoods, and increasing their income to uplift communities.
Being Fair Trade Certified means abiding by rigorous industry-specific standards that ensure everyone is united in achieving a common goal.
Fair Trade certified factories also must do work on the environmental side like invest in water efficient technology, waste reduction, and reduced chemical usage. Look to Fair Trade Certification to spot brands that prioritise the well-being of garment labourers in their supply chains.
Fair Trade means no slave labour, no child labour, safe and fair working conditions, and fair pay.
WRAP - Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production
WRAP certifies ethical practices in the textile industry, promoting safe, lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing around the world.
At its core, WRAP strives to create a more personable and humane industry, one that values the well-being and dignity of all individuals involved in the production process. So, when you see the WRAP certification, you know that it stands for more than just a label - it represents a commitment to creating a better world for workers and consumers alike.
Choose brands that prioritises people over profits and join the movement towards a more socially responsible and inclusive industry.
OEKO-TEX® is commitment to creating a better world for all
OEKO-TEX®mission is to ensure fabrics are free from harmful chemicals and contribute to a cleaner and greener world. With 18 institutes across Europe and Japan, they have a strong presence and expertise in keeping textiles clean and safe. They are passionate about promoting sustainable and responsible practices in the textile industry.
There Standard 100 badge guarantees clothes are safe for consumers and the environment.By choosing OEKO-TEX® certified products, you are protecting yourself and the environment, while supporting responsible and sustainable practices.
Ethical Clothing Australia -ECA
An accreditation body, working collaboratively with local textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) businesses to protect and uphold the rights of Australian garment workers.
To be ECA accredited, a business’s manufacturing operations are audited from design to dispatch, ensuring local TCF workers, are being paid appropriately, receiving all their legal entitlements and working in safe conditions.
By supporting an ECA accredited business you are helping to strengthen the Australian TCF industry and you’re valuing the rights of our local garment workers.
Better Cotton Initiative - BCI
The Better Cotton Initiative or BCI is a non-profit organisation with the largest cotton sustainability program in the world. BCI works to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. They do this by setting a clear criteria for participants, encouraging companies to incorporate environmental, social, and economic fairness.
When considering clothes made with BCI cotton, know they are not only sourced more sustainably but also follow ethical practices. Just a note, BCI cotton isn’t as sustainable as organic cotton.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claimed Standards (RCS
Are an international, voluntary standard enforced by the Textile Exchange. The standards set the criteria for third-party certification of recycled materials and chain of custody.The GRS is intended for all products that contain at least 20% recycled materials and are required to meet strict social and environmental requirements related to processing and chemical use. Chain of Custody Certification ensures that the identity of the recycled material is aintained: from the recycler to the final product.
leather obtained through more sustainable practices.
The Leather Working Group
The Leather Working Group, also known as LWG, gives its stamp of approval to leather tanneries and traders. They award gold, silver, or bronze rankings based on how well these stakeholders adhere to environmental protection guidelines. LWG's audits cover waste management, water usage, energy efficiency, and more. All assessments are carried out by third parties using consistent standards.
Being certified by LWG means that a company or product uses leather obtained through more sustainable practices.
forest for all forever!
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is becoming more popular in the fashion industry as brands and shoppers become aware of the ecological impact harvesting trees for fibre content. Where FSC used to be reserved for paper and paper products manufacturing, it’s now being used to ensure cellulose based fabrics such as rayon and viscose are made from FSC-certified forests.
FSC work with forests, supply chains, retailers and many others in order to make sure that the 10 FSC principles are met. An FSC certified forest ensures that the product comes from a responsibly managed forest and supply chain.But,be aware they may not be sustainable in their water usage or other materials.
PETA Approved Vegan certifies apparel, accessories, furniture, or home decor products to be animal-free. However, with this certification participants do their own self-auditing, and there are no checks to confirm that they are being truthful.
1% For The Planet anyone who is committed to giving at least 1% of their sales or salary to the environment can become a
member of 1% For The Planet. Their mission is to “bring dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving.” If a brand is a 1% for the Planet member, it’s a good clue that they are committed to more than just profit.
Style Society Marketplace is for the conscious shopper who values sustainable fabrics, ethically made and lasting style!
