It might be really hard to understand which businesses are truly creating in the most sustainable way and which are the ones who are just greenwashing their audience. However, companies are slowly investing their time and effort in order to prove their steps towards sustainability by acquiring well know certificates which prove company’s sustainable actions whether they are sincere or just making a smart marketing step.
Let’s take a look at some of the most recognized and valued sustainable fashion certificates below:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
It is an international and probably the most recognized certification that stands for ecological and social criteria. It covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles such as cotton, wool & silk. This kind of transparency empowers consumers to choose organic products sourced from certified green supply chains.
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX
If the textile or product carries this certificate - you can be sure that each and every component of the product such as thread, button, zip or yarn was tested for harmful substances and therefore is not harmful for human health. The standard ensured that no toxic or dangerous chemicals were used in the creation process of textile or product.
- Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
The Better Cotton Standard is a set of best practices covering social and environmental issues like pesticides, water, soil health and wellbeing. It’s the world’s largest cotton sustainability program with a mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.
Initiative does not make sure that grown cotton is organic, however, it makes sure that it is taken care of planet earth & people by taking small but important steps.
- Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)
Fair Wear Foundation is a non-profit, independent organization that works with garment factories to improve working conditions for garment workers in 11 production countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Since the garment industry is very large, complex, nasty and rarely transparent, Fair Wear Foundation is showing that there is a fairer way to make clothes. (FWF) is not perfect, but it is an excellent alternative to start changes.
- B Corp by B lab
B Corp certificate is one of the most worldwide trusted certificates because it does not only assess the level of sustainability of the company's products or services. It is a certificate that holistically assesses all the environmental and social impacts a company creates: assesses how a company’s operations and business model affect employees, the community, the environment and customers. B Corp-certified companies prove that they meet the highest labor standards, from the supply chain and raw materials to charity and employee benefits.
Unfortunately, minority of small ethical & sustainable fashion brands can afford themselves to get certified. So, even if the certification is a perfect proof of company’s aims to be sustainable, not all businesses can be judged by the certificates they have or have not.