With so many certifications and social certifications out there, it's hard to know what each of them means - and why they're important.
Generally, these certifications play a vital role in ensuring transparency and credibility in the manufacturing industry, giving us the confidence that we're making the right choice for our planet when making our purchases.
Here’s a guide to some of the most common certifications:
Organic Materials and Chemical Management Certifications
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This certification ensures that textiles are produced from organic fibers, free from toxic chemicals and meet environmental and social criteria. It covers the entire supply chain from harvesting the raw materials to processing and manufacturing the final product.
- Bluesign: This certification focuses on reducing the environmental impact of textile production by controlling the use of harmful chemicals, water usage, and energy consumption. It evaluates the entire supply chain and requires companies to use sustainable manufacturing practices.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This certification evaluates the safety of textiles and determines if they contain harmful substances. It tests for over 100 substances including heavy metals, formaldehyde, and pesticides.
Ethical Production and Social Compliance
- Cradle to Cradle Certified: This certification assesses products based on their environmental and social impact across their entire lifecycle. It evaluates products on five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.
- Fair Trade: This well-known certification promotes equitable trading practices, ensuring that workers receive fair wages and work under safe conditions. By choosing Fair Trade products, you're supporting a more just and ethical global economy.
- Fair Wear Foundation: This organization aims to improve labor conditions in the textile industry. This certification guarantees that companies adhere to strict social and environmental standards, creating a better world for garment workers.
- Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): BCI is all about making cotton production more sustainable. This certification helps farmers grow cotton in a way that reduces environmental impact and improves the livelihoods of those involved in its production.
Embracing Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation
- Water Footprint Network: This organization is all about reducing our collective water footprint in the textile industry. Their certification encourages companies to adopt water-saving practices and be more mindful of their water usage.
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP): This certification is all about helping companies measure and manage their carbon footprint. By promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CDP makes the textile industry greener and cleaner.
- Climate Neutral Certified: CNC is focused on eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by creating the world's most recognized and trusted climate label, so individuals can use their purchasing power to fight climate change.
As a consumer we hold so much power in our purchasing decisions. Next time you’re shopping, make sure the brand you’re buying from is committed to the environment and workers’ rights.
Written By: Pine & Palm Home
Photography By: Ethan Bodnar
