Textile certifications

In the textile industry, certifications are essential to ensure the quality and sustainability of products. These certifications not only benefit producers and consumers, but also promote responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

In the following, we will explain the main textile certifications and their importance.

Important textile certifications

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)


The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the world's most recognised certifications for the production of organic textiles. This certification ensures that textiles are produced in a sustainable way, respecting both the environment and working conditions.

Main features of GOTS:

1. Use of certified organic fibres:

  • Products must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres.
  • The use of fibres of transgenic origin is not allowed.

2. Restrictions on the use of chemicals:

  • Prohibition of toxic and harmful substances during the production process.
  • Strict controls on permitted chemicals, ensuring that they are safe for workers and the environment.

3. Environmental and social criteria:

  • Control of water and energy use to minimise environmental impact.
  • Demands for fair working conditions, including living wages and a safe working environment.

4. Traceability and transparency:

  • Requires full traceability from raw material production to final product.
  • Regular audits to ensure compliance with standards.

GOTS applies to the entire textile production process, from the harvesting of organic fibres, through the spinning, weaving and manufacturing processes, to the final packaging. This ensures that each stage of the process meets strict criteria for sustainability and social responsibility.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100


OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an international certification that guarantees that textile products are free of substances harmful to human health.

This standard is administered by the International OEKO-TEX Association, a group of independent research institutes in Europe and Japan, dedicated to research and testing in the field of textile ecology.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification process involves rigorous testing at all stages of textile production, from raw materials to end products such as yarns, fabrics and clothing.

Certified products must meet strict criteria that ensure the absence of hazardous chemicals, such as:

1. Banned substances: Verification of the absence of chemicals that are prohibited by law, such as certain azo dyes, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, among others.

2. Regulated substances: Assessment of compliance with legal limits on chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

3. Unregulated substances: Analysis of the presence of chemicals that are not yet regulated by law, but are considered harmful to health, based on the latest research.

4. Health parameters: Assurance that products meet high safety standards for human health, considering factors such as skin pH and colour fastness to avoid allergic reactions and other irritations.

To obtain OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, products must be tested in accredited laboratories and must meet strict limits set for each product category.

The levels of control are more stringent for items that are in direct contact with the skin, especially for products intended for babies and young children.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification is reviewed annually, and companies must renew their certification to ensure that they continue to meet the standards. In addition, inspections are carried out on a random basis to ensure continued compliance with the requirements.

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)


The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international certification that establishes requirements to ensure the recycled content of products, as well as responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in their production.

Designed to meet the needs of companies seeking to verify the recycled content of their products and ensure sustainable production, the GRS is administered by Textile Exchange, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting sustainability in the textile industry.

The GRS applies to the entire supply chain, from the collection of recycled materials to the final production of the product.

The main objectives of the GRS are:

1. Ensure recycled content: Verify that products contain the correct amount of recycled materials. Certified products must contain at least 20% recycled materials to be considered under the GRS standard.

2. Traceability: Ensure traceability throughout the supply chain to ensure that recycled materials are handled appropriately at each stage of production.

3. Environmental requirements: Establish responsible environmental practices in factories, including proper waste management and reduction of the environmental footprint.

4. Social responsibility: Ensure fair and safe working conditions and protect the rights of workers involved in production.

5. Chemical restrictions: Prohibit the use of certain hazardous chemicals and ensure proper management of permitted chemicals.

Companies seeking GRS certification must undergo rigorous audits by accredited certification bodies. These audits assess compliance with the standards at all stages of the supply chain, from material recyclers to final product manufacturers.

Bluesign®


Bluesign® is a certification system and industry standard that focuses on sustainability in textile production, ensuring that products are manufactured in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Founded in Switzerland in 2000, Bluesign® aims to reduce environmental impact and protect consumers and workers along the entire textile supply chain.

The Bluesign® system addresses five key principles:

1. Resource productivity: Optimises the use of materials and natural resources to minimise waste and improve production efficiency. This includes responsible water and energy management.

2. Consumer safety: Ensures that textile products are safe for end-users, excluding the use of hazardous chemicals and ensuring that end products meet the highest safety standards.

3. Occupational safety: Ensures safe and healthy working conditions for workers in the textile industry. This involves the implementation of good health and safety practices at all stages of production.

4. Emissions to air and water: Controls and minimises emissions of harmful substances to air and water, promoting the use of clean technologies and processes that reduce pollution.

5. Chemicals: Evaluates and restricts the use of hazardous chemicals in the production process, promoting safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Companies seeking Bluesign® certification must undergo a rigorous audit and assessment of their production processes.

This includes the review of raw materials, chemical use, resource efficiency and working conditions. Only those companies that meet the strict Bluesign® criteria can carry the Bluesign® certification seal.

Bluesign® works closely with manufacturers, brands and retailers to promote transparency and responsibility in the textile supply chain.

Fair Trade Certified


Fair Trade Certified is an international certification that promotes fair and sustainable trade, guaranteeing that products bearing this label have been produced under responsible labour and environmental conditions.

This certification system aims to improve the living and working conditions of producers and workers in developing countries, as well as to promote sustainable agricultural and production practices.

The main principles of Fair Trade Certified are:

1. Fair working conditions: Ensure that workers receive fair wages, have access to safe and decent working conditions, and that their rights are respected. This includes the prohibition of child and forced labour.

2. Guaranteed minimum prices: Establish a minimum price for certified products that covers production costs and provides a decent living for producers. This protects farmers against market fluctuations and ensures that they receive fair compensation.

3. Fair Trade Premium: Buyers of Fair Trade Certified products pay an additional premium that is invested in community and development projects. These investments can be in education, health care, infrastructure, or improved farming practices.

4. Sustainable agricultural practices: Promote farming and production techniques that are environmentally sustainable and protect biodiversity. This includes responsible management of natural resources and reducing the use of hazardous chemicals.

5. Transparency and traceability: Ensure that Fair Trade Certified products are traceable throughout the supply chain, ensuring that Fair Trade standards are met at every stage of production and trade.

6. Empowering communities: Fostering the organization and empowerment of producers and workers, promoting their active participation in decision-making and the continuous improvement of their living and working conditions.

Fair Trade Certified applies to a wide variety of products, including coffee, cocoa, tea, fruits, textiles, and handicrafts, among others. Consumers who choose Fair Trade Certified products contribute directly to improving the livelihoods of producers and to promoting fairer and more sustainable trade.

Cradle to Cradle Certified™


Cradle to Cradle Certified™ is an international certification that assesses the sustainability of products and materials throughout their entire life cycle, from creation to recycling or reuse.

Developed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, this certification is based on the principles of the circular economy, promoting products that are safe for people and the environment and that can be fully recycled or composted.

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products are assessed in five key categories:

1. Health of materials: This category ensures that the materials used in the production of the product are safe for human health and the environment. All ingredients are evaluated for toxicity and the use of non-hazardous materials is encouraged.

2. Material reuse: Evaluates the product's ability to be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life. The aim is to design products that can be broken down and reused without generating waste.

3. Renewable energy and carbon management: Promotes the use of renewable energy in production and the reduction of the carbon footprint. Companies are encouraged to use clean energy sources and to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Water management: Encourages the responsible and efficient use of water in production processes. Practices that protect and conserve water resources are valued, ensuring that the water used does not pollute the environment.

5. Social equity: Ensures that business practices respect human and labour rights, promoting fair and equitable working conditions throughout the supply chain. This includes implementing policies that support diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ certification is awarded at five levels: Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, depending on product performance in each of the above categories. Products must be reassessed every two years to ensure continued compliance with the certification standards.

The Responsible Wool Standard


The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a certification that guarantees animal welfare and responsible land management in wool production. This standard, administered by Textile Exchange, ensures that wool comes from farms that respect strict animal welfare and environmental sustainability criteria.

Key features of RWS:

1. Animal welfare: farmers must provide proper treatment of sheep, ensuring that they do not suffer pain, fear or unnecessary distress. Certification prohibits harmful practices such as mulesing, thus guaranteeing humane treatment of the animals.

2. Land management: Farmers must manage their land sustainably, preserving biodiversity and soil health. This includes grazing practices that prevent erosion and promote ecosystem regeneration.

3. Traceability and transparency: RWS requires full traceability from farm to final product. Independent audits and verifications ensure that certified wool is kept separate and correctly identified at each stage of the supply chain.

4. Independent audits: Farms and companies seeking RWS certification must undergo audits by accredited third parties who verify compliance with established standards. These audits are conducted periodically to ensure continued compliance.

RWS certification provides consumers with the confidence that the wool they buy comes from responsible sources, thus contributing to a more ethical and sustainable textile industry. It also allows brands and manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Importance of certifications for consumers

Textile certifications influence purchasing decisions by providing:

  • Quality assurance: They ensure that products meet high standards.
  • Sustainability: They promote responsible and environmentally friendly practices.
  • Transparency: They provide clear information on the provenance and manufacture of products.

Consumers are increasingly looking for certified products to ensure that their purchases are responsible and sustainable.

Conclusion

Textile certifications are essential to ensure quality and sustainability in the industry. From GOTS to Cradle to Cradle, each certification brings specific benefits that promote responsible practices.

We encourage manufacturers and consumers to support and seek out certified products to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future in the textile industry.

 


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