A Guide to Sustainable Fabric Certifications

In a world where sustainability is a priority for consumers and businesses, understanding fabric certifications that verify environmentally friendly practices is essential. From natural fibres like organic cotton to innovative recycled materials, sustainable fabrics are a cornerstone of eco-conscious fashion. However, navigating the myriad of certifications can be challenging. This guide will help you understand the most important sustainable fabric certifications, including B Corp and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), and what they mean for you and the planet.

1. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

What is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading worldwide standard for organic fibres. It covers the entire production process, from harvesting to manufacturing and labelling, ensuring ecological and social criteria are met throughout the supply chain.

Why is GOTS Important?
GOTS certification guarantees that the fabric is made from organic materials and adheres to strict environmental and social standards. This includes restrictions on the use of hazardous chemicals and ensuring fair labour practices. Products bearing the GOTS label must contain at least 70% organic fibres, while those labelled "organic" must have at least 95%. If you're curious about what makes a piece of clothing truly organic, read our detailed blog on What is Organic Clothing.

2. OEKO-TEX Standard 100

What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a globally recognised certification that tests textiles for harmful substances. It applies to all stages of production, from raw materials to finished goods, ensuring that the final product is safe for human use.

Why is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Important?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 focuses on consumer safety. A product labelled with this certification has been tested for over 100 harmful substances, including pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. While it doesn't necessarily guarantee the fabric is organic or sustainably sourced, it assures that it is safe and free from harmful chemicals.

3. Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

What are RCS and GRS?
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) are certifications that ensure the authenticity of recycled materials in products. While RCS verifies the presence and amount of recycled material in a product, GRS goes further by evaluating the entire supply chain for social, environmental, and chemical practices.

Why are RCS and GRS Important?
These certifications are essential for ensuring that products marketed as recycled are genuinely made from recycled materials and meet strict sustainability criteria. GRS also includes additional environmental and social requirements, making it a more comprehensive standard than RCS.

4. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification

What is FSC Certification?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that wood-based materials, such as rayon, modal, and lyocell, are sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Why is FSC Certification Important?
FSC-certified fabrics guarantee that the fibres used come from forests that are managed responsibly, preserving biodiversity and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. This certification is crucial for anyone concerned about deforestation and its impact on the planet.

5. Fair Trade Certified™

What is Fair Trade Certified™?
Fair Trade Certification focuses on ensuring that workers in developing countries are paid fairly and work in safe conditions. This certification covers a range of products, including textiles and fabrics.

Why is Fair Trade Certified™ Important?
Fair Trade Certified™ fabrics support better working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers in developing countries. This certification is particularly important for consumers looking to support ethical labour practices and reduce poverty through their purchasing choices.

6. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

What is RWS?
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a certification that ensures the ethical treatment of animals used in textile production. RWS focuses on sheep welfare and sustainable land management.

Why is RWS Important?
This certification is crucial for consumers concerned about animal welfare and environmental impact. It ensures that the wool in certified products is sourced responsibly, with care for both the animals and the environment.

7. B Corp Certification

What is B Corp Certification?
B Corp Certification is a holistic certification for businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It evaluates the overall impact of a company on its workers, customers, community, and environment.

Why is B Corp Certification Important?
While B Corp Certification is not fabric-specific, it is an important indicator of a company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices across all aspects of its business. Companies with B Corp Certification are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, making it a reliable sign of overall corporate responsibility.

8. Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

What is the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)?
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global nonprofit organisation that promotes better standards in cotton farming and practices worldwide. It aims to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, the environment it grows in, and the sector's future.

Why is BCI Important?
BCI-certified cotton is grown in a way that reduces the environmental impact of cotton production and improves the livelihoods and economic development in cotton-producing areas. While not as stringent as GOTS in terms of organic certification, BCI supports a broad movement toward more sustainable cotton production methods and is widely recognised by global brands and retailers.

9. Organic Content Standard (OCS)

What is the Organic Content Standard (OCS)?
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. It tracks the flow of a raw material from its source to the final product but does not cover the entire supply chain.

Why is OCS Important?
OCS certification provides assurance that a product contains organically grown material, but it does not assess the sustainability or environmental practices of the production process. It is best used in combination with other certifications for a more comprehensive sustainability overview.

Understanding sustainable fabric certifications is key to making informed, purchasing decisions. Certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, B Corp, and BCI focus on different aspects of sustainability, from organic materials and chemical safety to responsible manufacturing and corporate practices. By choosing fabrics with these certifications, you can support a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry, promoting environmental conservation and fair labour practices.