GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard:
This is the most used certification when talking about organic textiles. The certification is a guarantee that your clothes are produced in an environmentally correct and socially responsible manner. GOTS requires that at least 70 percent of the product consists of certified organic fibers, and that all chemicals such as dyes meet the specific environmental requirements. When clothing meets GOTS standards, you can be sure that it is made from organic materials. The natural fiber is not treated with pesticides or insecticides, and the finished product is guaranteed to be free of fluorinated chemicals. In addition, it is environmentally friendly processed at the factory. You can see the GOTS certificate as a global standard for organic textiles. The GOTS certificate defines high-level environmental criteria that must be present throughout the value chain for organic textiles, from the sowing and cultivation of the cotton, to picking, transport, processing, and storage. In addition to requirements for the textiles, there are also requirements for workers' rights. The social criteria must also be met. This includes minimum wage, working environment, working hours, minimum age, and breaks. GOTS thus ensures the welfare of the people involved in the production of the product. All of this must be met for a product to be GOTS certified. You should look for the GOTS certificate if you want to be 100% sure that the textiles you buy are both organic, chemical-free, and socially responsibly produced.
For a product to be GOTS certified and bear the GOTS certificate on the hangtag, it requires that the entire chain is GOTS certified – including the brand. A product can be made from GOTS certified textiles, with GOTS certified colors at GOTS certified factories – but if the brand is not GOTS certified, the product must not bear the label. Are you unsure if a product you bought is GOTS certified? – Then check the text under the symbol.
IVN-BEST:
The highest certification that requires the textile to be 100% organic. In addition, IVN-BEST also places demands on the entire production process, from the natural fibers to the finished piece of clothing. It also places high demands on social welfare for everyone involved in the production – from the field to the sewing room. IVN-BEST sets the highest standards available in textile production.
Engel Natur uses either GOTS or IVN-BEST
When Engel Natur's jumpsuits or wool fleece products are not GOTS certified, it is because they meet the stricter requirements of IVN-BEST.
Oeko-tex:
This certificate has nothing to do with ecology and/or the environment. It is a health mark for textiles. The label ensures that your clothes are free of harmful substances. The organization behind Oeko-tex has several labels under the same umbrella:
Standard100 by Oekto-tex: If an article bears the Standard100 certificate, you can be sure that all components have been tested for harmful substances - i.e., the entire textile, every thread, button, and other accessories. The product is therefore harmless to human health.
Made in green by Oeko-tex: The Made in Green label verifies that a product has been tested for harmful substances. This is done through certification in accordance with Standard100 by Oeko-tex. It also guarantees that textile or leather products are manufactured using sustainable processes under socially responsible working conditions. The condition for issuing the Made in Green label is that the product is tested in accordance with Standard100 or Leather Standard and manufactured in STeP-certified facilities.
The Swan Label and the EU Flower:
The Swan Label and the EU Flower are Denmark's official environmental labels. The Swan is Nordic and the EU Flower is European. The goal is to reduce the overall environmental impact of consumption. The labels therefore ensure that the product is among the least environmentally harmful in its category, that your health is considered, and that the quality is good. The Swan Label and the EU Flower set limits for the product's water and energy consumption, hazardous chemicals must be replaced as much as possible. Requirements are set for the amount and type of packaging. Additionally, waste must be recycled and minimized. However, it is important to emphasize that it is not a guarantee of environmental friendliness. The EU Flower cannot boast of organic raw materials, but it is still an environmentally friendly choice, among other things because the worst pesticides are banned.
Ecocert:
French Ecocert is one of the best-known organic labels. It came on the scene in 1991 and has since been internationally recognized both within food, cosmetics, and textiles. To obtain an Ecocert certificate, at least 95% of the ingredients must be natural, 10% must be organic, and the product must not contain parabens or synthetically produced perfume substances.
Soil Association:
Soil Association is England's largest organization, responsible for certifying 80% of all organic products sold in the country. To get the label, products must contain at least 95% organic raw materials, and everything must be GMO-free. Additionally, the label ensures the highest possible standards for animal welfare and environmental protection. It is therefore organically certified and environmentally friendly produced clothing. Just as good as GOTS.
Fairtrade:
Fairtrade is an international labeling scheme that works for fairer income, better working conditions, and a better production environment in the world's poorest countries. Today, there are 22 consumer countries and 74 producer countries in the scheme, and over 1.6 million farmers and workers are affiliated with the system (2021). Clothing can be labeled with Fairtrade. This means that the welfare of workers is taken into account. Fairtrade therefore does not need to be organic, but often there will also be environmental considerations.
KbA and KbT:
A German certification that meets the same requirements as GOTS, but since Germany was one of the first countries to focus on organic textiles, they had their own certification before GOTS was established. Cotton and wool labeled with KbA and KbT are some of the most thoroughly organic textiles you can get your hands on. Throughout the production process from cotton field to fashion store, the greatest possible consideration is given to the environment, health, quality, and the people who work with the products.
GOTS is global, KbT and KbA are German – and meet at least the same requirements as GOTS.
KbA = cotton
KbT = wool
Certified B-Corporation (B-CORP):
B-Corp is your guarantee for the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B-Corp aims to accelerate a global culture shift that redefines success in business and simultaneously builds an inclusive and sustainable economy. B-Corp works towards reducing inequality, lowering poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more jobs with high quality, dignity, and purpose.
TENCEL®:
Is a cellulose fiber that is extracted from bark and residues from logging. The process takes place in a closed loop, and the fiber is biodegradable. It has a soft, smooth finish, drapes beautifully, and absorbs moisture. Tencel is produced by the Lenzing Group, which is an environmentally responsible company - This includes that the bark and residues exclusively come from suppliers that participate in credible forest certification programs.
Organic Content Standard (OCS): This certificate can be used for all non-food products that contain 95-100% organic materials. OCS verifies the presence and amount of organic content in a given final product – OCS tracks the product's creation from start to finish.
WOOLMARK:
Woolmark is an Australian wool standard based on innovation – The foundation of Woolmark was laid by Australian wool growers who believed there was a need for a collective body to ensure their fibers were best represented globally. Woolmark is your assurance of the authenticity and high quality you purchase. Woolmark works with the 60,000 wool growers currently (2021) engaged in wool production in Australia. Woolmark encourages the use of natural ingredients in production for a more sustainable future.
ALLERGY CERTIFIED
AllergyCertified is an international allergy certification. AllergyCertified was founded because there was a need for exactly that; an international label that consumers worldwide could look for to avoid skin allergies. Because AllergyCertified works with health, they have decided not only to test products for allergens but also for all impurities, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors that can be found.
Skin allergy (or contact allergy, as your doctor will call it) is one of the most common chronic conditions, and no matter if you live in Denmark, Belgium, England, Singapore, or New York, there will be ingredients in cosmetic products, skincare products, shampoos, detergents, glasses, toys, clothes, the possibilities are many, that you can have an allergic reaction to. AllergyCertified is your assurance that the product is free from endocrine disruptors and carcinogenic substances.
BIONIC FINISH ECO
Bionic Finish® ECO is a type of water-repellent treatment used on textiles. It is an environmentally friendly version of the traditional water-repellent treatment normally used on clothes and other textiles.
This type of water-repellent treatment is based on a technology called "Lotus Effect," which mimics the properties of the lotus flower. The lotus flower has a surface covered with small, microscopic tiny cavities that prevent water droplets from remaining on the surface. Instead, the water beads up and rolls off, keeping the surface dry.
Bionic Finish® ECO is an environmentally friendly version of this technology as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxic substances. It is therefore a more sustainable and responsible way to protect clothes and textiles from water and moisture.
This type of water-repellent treatment is often used on outdoor clothing such as rainwear, ski jackets, and other clothing exposed to wet or humid conditions. It can also be used on textiles for furniture, carpets, and other indoor items to protect them from spills and stains.
Overview
Here you can see the requirements that the different certifications meet.
