Understanding Ethical Fashion Certifications
In today's world, many consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the social and environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. The fashion industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its often unsustainable and unethical practices. As a result, ethical fashion certifications have emerged as a way to help consumers identify brands that are committed to fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and overall responsible production. But with so many different certifications available, it can be difficult to understand what each one represents and how to interpret their labels. This guide will break down some of the most common ethical fashion certifications, helping you make informed choices and support brands that align with your values.
Fair Trade Certification
Fair Trade certification is a globally recognised system that focuses on ensuring fair prices, safe working conditions, and community development for farmers and workers in developing countries. While it's most commonly associated with food products like coffee and chocolate, Fair Trade certification also applies to textiles and apparel. The core principle is to create a more equitable trading system that empowers producers and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
Key Aspects of Fair Trade in Fashion:
Fair Prices: Producers receive a fair price for their goods, ensuring they can earn a living wage and invest in their communities.
Safe Working Conditions: Fair Trade standards prohibit forced labour, child labour, and discrimination, and promote safe and healthy working environments.
Community Development: A portion of the Fair Trade premium (an additional sum paid on top of the price of the goods) is invested in community development projects, such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Environmental Sustainability: Fair Trade standards encourage environmentally friendly farming and production practices, such as organic farming and water conservation.
When you see the Fair Trade label on a garment, it signifies that the producers involved in its creation have been treated fairly and that their communities have benefited from the trading relationship. It's a powerful way to support ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS, or the Global Organic Textile Standard, is widely considered the gold standard for organic textiles. It addresses both environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain, from the processing of raw organic fibres to the manufacturing of the finished product. GOTS certification ensures that textiles are truly organic and produced in a socially responsible manner.
Key Aspects of GOTS Certification:
Organic Fibre Content: GOTS requires that textiles contain a minimum of 70% certified organic natural fibres. Products labelled "organic" must contain at least 95% certified organic fibres.
Environmental Criteria: GOTS sets strict environmental requirements for all stages of processing, including the use of dyes, chemicals, and water. It prohibits the use of harmful substances like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Social Criteria: GOTS requires that all processors and manufacturers meet social criteria based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. This includes ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions, fair wages, and the right to freedom of association.
Traceability: GOTS certification requires traceability throughout the entire supply chain, from the farm to the finished product. This ensures that the organic fibres are not contaminated or mixed with conventional fibres.
When you purchase a GOTS-certified garment, you can be confident that it is made from organic fibres and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. It's a great way to support sustainable agriculture and ethical manufacturing practices. You can learn more about Stylecoach and our commitment to sourcing sustainable materials.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a globally recognised testing and certification system for textile products. Unlike GOTS, which focuses on organic fibres and overall production practices, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 primarily focuses on ensuring that textiles are free from harmful substances. It tests for a wide range of chemicals and substances that are known to be harmful to human health.
Key Aspects of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification:
Testing for Harmful Substances: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests for over 100 harmful substances, including heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticides, and allergenic dyes.
Product Classes: The standard has four product classes, based on the intended use of the textile. Class I is the most stringent and applies to products for babies and young children. Class IV is the least stringent and applies to decorative materials.
Independent Testing: OEKO-TEX testing is conducted by independent testing institutes, ensuring impartiality and credibility.
Annual Updates: The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is updated annually to reflect the latest scientific knowledge and regulatory requirements.
While OEKO-TEX Standard 100 does not guarantee that a garment is made from organic fibres or produced in a socially responsible manner, it does provide assurance that the textile is safe for human use and free from harmful chemicals. It's a valuable certification to look for, especially for products that come into direct contact with the skin.
B Corp Certification
B Corp certification is a different type of certification than the ones discussed above. It doesn't focus specifically on textiles or fashion, but rather on the overall social and environmental performance of a company. B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Key Aspects of B Corp Certification:
Comprehensive Assessment: B Corp certification involves a comprehensive assessment of a company's impact on its workers, customers, community, and the environment.
Legal Accountability: B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Transparency: B Corps are required to make their B Impact Assessment publicly available, allowing consumers to see how they perform against the B Corp standards.
Continuous Improvement: B Corp certification is not a one-time achievement. Companies must recertify every three years and demonstrate continuous improvement in their social and environmental performance.
When you support a B Corp-certified fashion brand, you can be confident that the company is committed to using business as a force for good. They are not only focused on profit but also on creating a positive impact on society and the environment. Consider exploring our services to learn more about sustainable fashion choices.
SA8000
SA8000 is a social accountability standard developed by Social Accountability International (SAI). It is a globally recognised standard that focuses on ensuring fair and ethical working conditions in factories and workplaces. SA8000 is based on international human rights norms and conventions, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Key Aspects of SA8000 Certification:
Child Labour: SA8000 strictly prohibits the use of child labour in any form.
Forced Labour: SA8000 prohibits forced labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking.
Health and Safety: SA8000 requires employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: SA8000 protects workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Discrimination: SA8000 prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
Disciplinary Practices: SA8000 prohibits harsh or inhumane disciplinary practices.
Working Hours: SA8000 sets limits on working hours and requires employers to provide adequate rest periods.
Compensation: SA8000 requires employers to pay a living wage that is sufficient to meet workers' basic needs.
Management Systems: SA8000 requires companies to implement management systems to ensure compliance with the standard.
SA8000 certification provides assurance that a company is committed to providing fair and ethical working conditions for its employees. It is a valuable certification to look for when purchasing clothing and other products.
How to Interpret Certification Labels
Now that you have a better understanding of some of the most common ethical fashion certifications, it's important to know how to interpret their labels. Here are some tips:
Look for the Logo: Each certification has its own unique logo. Familiarise yourself with the logos of the certifications you are interested in.
Read the Fine Print: Some certifications have different levels or variations. Read the fine print on the label to understand exactly what the certification covers. You can also check the frequently asked questions for clarification.
Do Your Research: Don't just rely on the certification label alone. Do your own research to learn more about the brand and its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Consider Multiple Certifications: A brand that has multiple certifications is often a good sign that they are truly committed to responsible production.
Be Aware of Greenwashing: Some brands may use misleading or vague language to suggest that they are sustainable or ethical when they are not. Be wary of claims that are not backed up by credible certifications.
By understanding ethical fashion certifications and how to interpret their labels, you can make informed choices and support brands that are truly committed to sustainability and fair labour practices. Your purchasing power can help drive positive change in the fashion industry and create a more equitable and sustainable future. Remember to always check the source and verify the information to avoid being misled by false claims. Choosing ethical fashion is a journey, and every conscious decision makes a difference. You can also visit the Stylecoach homepage for more information on sustainable style.