Shopping for sustainable fashion can be a daunting task, with a seemingly endless array of labels and certifications vying for your attention. But not all certifications are created equal, and it's important to understand what each one signifies before making an informed purchase. In this post, we'll explore some of the most widely recognized sustainable fashion certifications, and what they stand for.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS is an international certification for organic textiles, including clothing, home textiles, and personal care products. In order to be certified under GOTS, a product must meet strict environmental and social criteria, including the use of organic fibers, environmentally friendly processing methods, and fair labor practices.
Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade Certified is a certification that signifies that a product has been produced in a way that guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions for the workers who made it. This certification is widely recognized and is applicable to a wide range of products, including clothing and accessories.
bluesign®
The bluesign standard is a comprehensive certification for sustainable textile production. In order to be certified under the bluesign standard, a product must meet strict environmental criteria, including water and air pollution, chemical use, and energy efficiency.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard is a certification that verifies that a product contains recycled materials, and that the production process meets strict environmental and social criteria. This certification is widely recognized and applies to a range of products, including clothing and accessories.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
The Cradle to Cradle certification is a comprehensive sustainability certification that takes into account the entire life cycle of a product, from the sourcing of materials to the disposal of the product at the end of its life. This certification applies to a wide range of products, including clothing and accessories.
Certifications do an incredible job of raising the bar across the fashion industry in promoting sustainable and ethical practices and increasing the transparency practised by brands. Commonly, getting certified is a lengthy and often expensive process, limiting the size of companies that can join the ranks. When it comes to sustainable fashion, checking for certifications can be a great way to validate expectations in the brands you shop but is not necessarily the most holistic.
These are just a few of the most widely recognized sustainable fashion certifications. When shopping for sustainable fashion, it's important to understand what each certification signifies, and what criteria must be met in order to receive that certification. By understanding these certifications, you'll be better equipped to make informed purchases that align with your personal values.
Comments