Fibre Move: Sustainability Certifications

What to Look for When Buying Fabrics and Clothing?

Do you want to make conscious choices when buying fabrics and clothing? Sustainability certifications can help you know more about the origin and environmental friendliness of a product. But with so many different certifications, how do you know which ones are reliable or meaningful? We have compiled a list of key labels for you. 

Fairtrade: 

You may recognise this label from fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, but it also applies to textiles: Fairtrade Textile Production and Fairtrade Cotton. Fabrics and clothing with these certifications are produced under strict social and environmental standards. This means fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for the environment. 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): 

GOTS is one of the most rigorous certifications for organic textiles. It guarantees that a product contains at least 70% organic fibres. In addition, production must meet strict environmental and social criteria. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and restrictions on harmful chemicals such as dyes and pesticides. 

Bluesign: 

The Bluesign certification focuses on environmentally friendly and safe textile production. This label ensures that harmful substances are avoided, and the production process is sustainable, with as little impact on people and the environment as possible. 

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): 

The BCI certification aims to make cotton farming more sustainable by promoting more efficient water use, reduced pesticide use, and better working conditions for cotton farmers. This initiative also supports gender equality in the sector and works to help women in cotton production. By the way, BCI is also the largest cotton initiative in the world! 

Oeko-Tex: 

This certification guarantees that the product is free of harmful substances such as toxic dyes or PFAS. There are two main Oeko-Tex standards: 

• Oeko-Tex 100 tests textiles for over a thousand harmful substances, including even the buttons, zips, and threads used in garments. However, this label does not have specific social or ecological requirements. 
• Oeko-Tex Made in Green, on the other hand, does have both social and ecological criteria. It guarantees that a product is not only free of harmful substances but also that it has been produced in a sustainable and socially responsible way. With this label, you can be confident that the fabric is not harmful to you or the planet!

Good to know: All Fibre Mood fabrics from Polytex Stoffen are Oeko-Tex 100 certified. So you can start your next Fibre Mood creation with peace of mind! 

Of course, there are many more certifications and standards, and these are just some of the most important ones to consider. Now that you know what to look for, you can make more informed decisions next time you shop for clothes or fabric. Every conscious choice counts. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable planet!