Certifications to Know if Your Fabric is Ethically Produced

The reality is, the process of manufacturing fabrics is quite complicated. Not only are there different types of fabric to consider, from cotton to wool, rayon and more, but there is also the process of creating the fiber strands, weaving the fabrics, and dyeing them. 

Certifications are one way to determine if fabric has been ethically produced and manufactured. Each certification is not necessarily for all parts of the production process. For example, some fabrics may be certified for sustainable growing practices, but still use dyes that cause runoff into waterways, harming the surrounding environment.

Certifications are not the only way to determine if a fabric is sustainably sourced and produced. Especially since some certifications are sub-par and mean very little in terms of the environmental sustainability or working conditions during the manufacturing process. However, there are some certifications that can at least give us a basic idea that the fabric we’re purchasing is ethically made.

Fabric production and sourcing certifications

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The GOTS certification guarantees that the fabric is made from organic materials, ensuring sustainable farming practices and minimizing environmental impact. GOTS also ensures that workers are treated ethically, promoting fair labor practices throughout the production chain.
• Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): The RWS certification guarantees that wool is sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and land management practices. It ensures traceability and transparency throughout the wool production process.
• Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): BCI certification promotes sustainable practices in cotton production, addressing water conservation, reduced chemical usage, and fair labor conditions. It aims to make cotton farming more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC certification applies to fabrics made from sustainably sourced wood and cellulose fibers (rayon). It ensures responsible forest management, protecting biodiversity, and respecting the rights of local communities.
• European Flax: The European Flax certification ensures that linen fabric is sourced from flax plants grown in Europe using sustainable farming practices. It guarantees traceability, quality, and environmental responsibility throughout the linen production process.
• Global Recycled Standard (GRS): GRS certification verifies the use of recycled materials (such as recycled polyester) in textiles and promotes responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices throughout the supply chain. It ensures traceability and transparency in the recycled content of the fabric.
• ECOVERO: The ECOVERO label is an eco-friendly certification that guarantees the sustainability of a textile product (mainly used with rayon). It ensures that the fabric is made from renewable wood sources derived from sustainable forestry. The label signifies reduced water and energy consumption and a lower carbon footprint throughout the production process.

General fabric manufacturing and safety certifications

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Fabric bearing the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label assures consumers that it has been tested for harmful substances. This certification emphasizes the safety of textiles and safeguards against hazardous chemicals, making it an indicator of ethical production, especially for types of fabric known to use harmful chemicals (like viscose rayon).
• OEKO-TEX STeP: STeP (Sustainable Textile Production) certification is a level up from the standard 100. It evaluates and rewards textile manufacturers for sustainable and socially responsible production practices. It assesses a range of criteria, including environmentally friendly technologies, safe and fair working conditions, resource efficiency, and waste management. The OEKO-TEX STeP certification ensures that fabrics are produced in a sustainable and responsible manner throughout the manufacturing process.
• Organic Content Standard (OCS): The OCS certification focuses specifically on verifying the organic content of fabrics, including organic linen, hemp, and other fibers. It ensures that a specific percentage (typically 95% or more) of the fabric is organically produced.
• Bluesign: Bluesign is a recognized certification system that ensures textile manufacturers follow strict environmental and social standards, guaranteeing consumers that products bearing the bluesign label are produced sustainably and responsibly throughout the supply chain.

Workers rights and safety certifications

• Fair Trade: Fair Trade certification ensures workers in the fabric production process receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. Products bearing this certification prioritize social and economic empowerment, promoting ethical practices at all levels of production.
• Fair Wear Foundation (FWF): FWF certification guarantees that garments are produced under fair and safe working conditions, with a particular focus on the garment industry. It addresses issues such as living wages, child labor, and freedom of association.

General certifications that can apply to textile production

• Cradle to Cradle Certified: This certification focuses on the circularity of products, including fabrics. It assesses materials, manufacturing processes, water and energy use, social fairness, and more. Cradle to Cradle Certified aims to ensure that products are designed and produced with the intention of being fully recyclable or compostable, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
• SA8000: SA8000 certification addresses social accountability in the workplace. It establishes standards for fair labor practices, including worker’s rights, health and safety, and fair compensation. While not specific to fabrics, this certification applies to companies involved in the fabric production process and garment industry, indicating their commitment to ethical treatment of workers.
• Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): RCS certification focuses on the verification of recycled materials in products, including textiles. It tracks the flow of recycled input materials and addresses social and environmental practices in the manufacturing process.
• EU Ecolabel: The EU Ecolabel certification is awarded to products, including textiles, that meet stringent environmental criteria throughout their lifecycle, including the use of recycled materials. It guarantees reduced environmental impact and increased resource efficiency.
• B Corp Certification: B Corp certification evaluates a company’s overall social and environmental impact, including but not limited to textile and garment production. It assesses the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI): This is not a certification. ETI sets standards and guidelines to improve conditions for workers, address labor rights issues, and promote fair and ethical supply chains. It is an alliance of companies, trade unions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working together to promote ethical trade practices globally. By adopting and implementing the ETI Base Code, fabric producers can ensure that their operations align with ethical standards and respect the rights of workers involved in the production process.