Do you know that a lot of brands in the Fashion and self-care niche claim themselves to be sustainable and ethical while, on the other hand, they are not even close to it.
You may have noticed a lot of clean and ethical products in any store. They call themselves sustainable and ethical but they didn’t tell you what makes them sustainable and ethical. And what’s the proof of this statement? If these types of questions irritate you many times then this blog post is surely for you!
That’s where the certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands come to play their role. In order to earn these certificates or labels, any fashion brand has to prove itself. They have to prove the thing that makes them eligible for this label.
Now you may have a question what’s the main difference between sustainable and ethical certificates. Don’t worry about it. I have got your back. Let me explain it to you in some simple words.
Sustainable certificates are usually awarded if the fabric or dyes of the fashion brand comes from high quality natural resources. On the other hand, when we talk about ethical certificates then it is more related to the moral principles in the production process.
Want to know about the most relevant certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands? Keep on reading till the end. I’m just going to uncover it for you.
What Are The Most Relevant Certificates For Sustainable Fashion Brands?
There are a lot of certificates for sustainable fashion brands. However, not all of them are trustworthy. Yes, you read it right. Some of the certification organizations sell their certificates to brands even if they don’t meet the required criteria. That’s why you need a reliable list of certificates that you can trust.
Here are some of the trustworthy and relevant certificates for Sustainable fashion brands:
- GOTS Certified
- Oeko tex
- Made in Green
- Nordic Swan
- Textile Exchange
- Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
- EU Eco-Label
- Global Recycle Standard
- Cradle to Cradle®
- Conflict-Free Diamonds
Now let’s have a deep look at each of these certificates.
1. GOTS certified
The full form of GOTS is Global Organic Textile Standard. It was basically designed by leading standard organizations to equalize the standards for making textile products all over the world. It helps to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting the raw material to providing the stuff to the end-user.
It is one of the hardest earned certificates for fashion brands. It includes a lot of rules for sustainable and ethical fashion brands. So, if someone is purchasing the goods from a brand that has this label then it definitely means that he or she is purchasing goods from a sustainable brand.
2. Oeko tex
Oeko Tex Association is one of the oldest associations out there. They are testing harmful ingredients in clothing brands for almost two decades. That’s why a lot of people trust their certificates and labels.
It has basically two certificates first one is the Oeko Tex Standard 100 and the second is Oeko Tex Standard 1000. The Oeko Tex Standard 100 is basically a certification system for textile raw materials, and intermediate and end products at all stages of production. The Oeko Tex Standard 1000 is a testing and auditing system for environmentally friendly production sites throughout the textile processing chain. Both of these certificates ensure that the clothing brand that you are using is a sustainable fashion brand.
3. Made in Green
As its name represents this certification checks whether or not, a brand is making all of its products while respecting the environment and the universal rights of workers. This certificate ensures both sustainability and ethical factor.
So, if you are purchasing goods from a brand which have this label it means that you are dealing with a sustainable and ethical brand.
4. Nordic Swan
Nordic Swan checks whether a brand is producing products with good environmental choices or not. Currently, the “Swan” label is just available for 65 product groups. Nordic Swan checks the samples of each and every product at the laboratory and awards the certificate only to those brands that fulfil the required criteria. All of the fashion brands with this certificate or label are sustainable brands.
5. Textile Exchange
The previous name of Textile Exchange was Organic Exchange. It is a non-profit organization that works for the improvement of the organic cotton market. It has certain certificate criteria. The important areas of Textile Exchange certification include organic farming engagement and public education, Textile Exchange provides exclusive benefits to awarded brands that encompass the entire global textile supply chain.
They award their certificate only to the organizations that fulfil the required criteria. Any brand with a label from Textile Exchange is a sustainable brand.
6. Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
Just like Textile Exchange, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is also a non-profit organization. They encourage a sustainable way to source cotton through a defined set of standards. If you are seeing a Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) label on a product that means the brand is a member of this organization that is sourcing their 5% of cotton as better cotton to start.
7. EU Eco-Label
EU Eco-Label is a voluntary scheme. It was started back in 1992. The main aim of this organization is to promote businesses that are environmentally friendly. Unlike other certificates that just do some laboratory tests, EU Eco-Label checks the effect of a product on the environment throughout its lifecycle
8. Global Recycle Standard
As its name represents, the main aim of this certificate is to check and verify the number of recycled parts in a given product. The Global Recycle Standard was mainly developed to meet demands, in the textile industry and beyond. Most fashion brands claim that they are recycling some of the material while on the other hand, they are not doing it properly. If a brand has a Global Recycle Standard certificate or label then that means they are properly recycling some of the parts or ingredients in a given product.
9. Cradle to Cradle®
The certificate of Cradle to Cradle is a multi-attribute eco-label. It is usually awarded to the companies who put an effort into designing an eco-friendly product. Cradle to Cradle usually awards either Basic, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level certification to the companies that put effort across multiple focus areas like eco materials, recycling, renewable energy, water efficiency, and social responsibility, The Cradle to Cradle certificate applies to materials, sub-assemblies, and finished products.
10. CMiA
CMiA was created by Trade Foundation. It is awarded to the companies that use cotton made in Africa. In fact, the full form of CMiA is ‘‘Cotton Made in Africa’’. This certificate basically has two main aspects. First of all, it promotes environmental protection, and secondly, it helps to combat poverty in Africa. It also provides on-site training to small farmers in order to improve crop yield.
So if you are noticing this certificate or label on any product then it means that the particular brand is associated with CMiA and doing something great to combat poverty in Africa and promote environmental protection.
What Are The Most Relevant Certificates For Ethical Fashion Brands?
As I have mentioned earlier that certificates for ethical fashion brands are different from the certificates for sustainable fashion brands. Ethical fashion brands are those who also take care of the interest of their employees and buyers along with providing environment-friendly products.
However, that’s not a hard and fast rule. Some of the organizations provide the same certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands because they have fulfilled the complete criteria.
For your proper understanding, I have divided the ethical certificates into two groups. These two groups are as follows:
- LABOR
- ENVIRONMENT AND BUYERS
Now let’s discuss each of these groups and the certificates that are available within this group for different fashion brands.
LABOR:
All of the certificates that ensure the proper brand relationship with workers, employing entities, trade unions, and the government while making environmentally friendly products lie in this category.
Here are some of the trustworthy and relevant certificates for Ethical fashion brands that protect the interest of their labours and workers too:
- Fair Trade Certified
- Fair Wear Foundation
- The Social Accountability Accreditation Services
- Ethical Trading Initiative
- WRAP
Now let’s have a deep look at each of these certificates.
1. Fair Trade Certified
The main focus of Fair Trade Certified is economic empowerment and sustainable living. They have a long checklist like safe working conditions, protecting the environment, building sustainable livelihoods, and earning additional money so that the brand can empower their communities.
Buying a product from a brand that uses a Fair Trade certified factory means no slave labour, no child labour, safe and fair working conditions, and fair pay. Fair Trade certified factories also have to do work on the environmental side like reduced chemical usage, reduced waste material, and a lot of other activities to protect the environment.
A Fair Trade certificate is best for recognizing fashion brands that put focus on garment labourers in their supply chains.
2. Fair Wear Foundation
Fair Wear Foundation is specially designed for clothing brands. They put an emphasis on the sewing and trimming processes of garment production. They ensure that the labourers, business associations, and trade unions are working toward fairer conditions in the garment industry.
So, if you are purchasing something from a brand that has the Fair Wear Foundation certificate then that means their workers are getting fair pay along with some other advantages too.
3. The Social Accountability Accreditation Services
The Social Accountability Accreditation Services also known as SAAS mainly focuses on the labour and quality assurance systems. They ensure that everyone who is involved with a particular brand is having a fair deal. The Social Accountability Accreditation Services support brands in improving the workplace environment. They only provide certificates to the fashion brands that meet their requirements.
Purchasing a product from a fashion brand who have The Social Accountability Accreditation Services certificates means that everyone who is involved with a particular brand is having a fair deal and they are focusing on the protection of their labor’s interest too.
4. Ethical Trading Initiative
The Ethical Trading Initiative is also known as the ETI. Ethical Trading Initiative is a group of different organizations that promote the rights of workers. So, if you are seeing the label or certificate of Ethical Trading Initiative then it is surely an ethical brand that takes care of its workers.
So, if you are purchasing any product from a brand who have an Ethical Trading Initiative certificate then that means you are also doing something to promote the rights of workers. If these types of organizations grow then they will surely do more great things to make this world a great place to live.
5. WRAP
The full form of WRAP is “World Responsible Accredited Production”. As its name represents this organization provides certificates to brands anywhere in the world. WRAP examines forced labour, lack of benefits for employees, and discrimination in the workplace.
In short, WRAP certification ensures safe working conditions, no slave labour, no kids labour, and freedom of collective bargaining.
Their certificate is awarded to the brands that meet their requirements. If a fashion brand doesn’t take care of its employees then it will never be able to earn this certificate.
ENVIRONMENT:
All the certificates that ensure the effects of the organization on the environment lie within this category. It includes all the aspects of any brand or organization like the collection of raw material, production, supply chain, and the other after effects of their product on the environment.
Here are some of the trustworthy and relevant certificates for Ethical fashion brands that ensure environmental friendly activities and products:
Here are some of the trustworthy and relevant certificates for Ethical fashion brands that ensure environmental friendly activities and products:
- 1% for the Planet
- Eco-Cert
- Canopy
- Forest Stewardship Council
- Leather Working Group
- The Standard 100 By Oeko Tex
Now let’s have a deep look at each of these certificates.
1. 1% for the Planet
The certificate of 1% for the Planet is awarded to the companies who pay back at least one percent of their profit to the environment. That means if a fashion brand has this certificate or label and you are using their products then you are also contributing to this good deed.
If a brand is a 1% for the Planet member, it is a good indication that they are committed more to the environment than just the profit.
2. Eco Cert
Eco Cert awards voluntary certification to the brands that have organic products and sustainable development. If a fashion brand only uses organic material without adding any chemicals or other harmful ingredients then it can apply for this certificate.
If you are noticing this certificate or label on any product then it means that the respective brand is making their product only with the help of organic materials.
3. Canopy
Canopy is an organization that usually works with companies to develop business solutions that help protect forests. It is a non profit organization that works to protect trees in the world. Any brand that is doing something that can help in saving trees can get their certificate or label.
In short, A brand featuring Canopy certification will have sustainable raw materials and will do some things to protect forests. Purchasing something from a brand that has a Canopy certification means that you are also contributing to protecting the forests.
4. Forest Stewardship Council
Forest Stewardship Council is also known as FSC. it is a nonprofit organization that works to keep forests safe. The brand that is associated with this organization usually avoids the use of wood or any other material that can have an impact on the forests.
So, if you are seeing this certificate or label of any fashion product then that means the respective fashion brand is ethical and doing some great things to save the forests.
5. Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group is also known as LWG. They mainly award their certificates to those brands who work to protect the environment. They approve and rate leather tanneries. Since leather tanneries are mostly used by fashion brands so this certificate is mostly common in fashion brands.
Leather Working Group rates the leather tanneries as gold, silver, or bronze based on the steps that a brand takes to protect the environment. Leather Working Group also takes audits on a regular basis using a consistent set of standards.
So, if you are purchasing something from a brand who have this certificate then that means you are using products of a brand that is doing something great to protect the environment.
What are the best Certificates For Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands?
“Global Organic Textile Standard” (GOTS) is one of the best Certificates For Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands. This certificate is mainly awarded to textile industries and small organizations that meet their criteria.
Since it is one of the best certificates for Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands that’s why I have decided to add some more details about this certificate.
Are you thinking of getting this certificate? If yes then you are at the right place. Let me guide you throughout the process.
Who Can Apply For Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certificate?
According to Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) basically, three types of entities can apply for the certification. These three types of entities are as follows:
- Textile processing,
- Textile manufacturing
- Trading of textile products
In each entity, there are four different types of GOTS certification scopes. These scopes are as follows:
Scope 1: Certification of mechanical textile processing and manufacturing operations
Scope 2: Certification of wet processing and finishing operations
Scope 3: Certification of trading operations
Scope 4: Approval of textile auxiliary agents (chemical inputs) on the positive list
Keep in mind that only the traders with a B2B trade activity (e.g. for importers, exporters, and wholesalers) can apply for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certificate. Moreover, the traders who do not pack or label their products are not allowed to apply for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certificate.
How Can I Apply For Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certificate?
You can easily apply online from their website. Click here to visit the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) website.
Comparison Table Of Different Certificates For Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands:
Certificates For Sustainable Brands
| No. | Certificate Name | Speciality |
| 1 | GOTS Certified | Ensure organic status of textile |
| 2 | Oeko tex | Testing for harmful substances |
| 3 | Made in Green | Works for the environment and the universal rights of workers |
| 4 | Nordic Swan | Demonstrates that a product is a good environmental choice |
| 5 | Textile Exchange | Expanding the organic cotton market |
| 6 | Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) | Encourage a sustainable way to source |
| 7 | EU Eco-Label | Encourage products and services that are kinder to the environment |
| 8 | Global Recycle Standard | Verification of the recycled parts or ingredients |
| 9 | Cradle to Cradle® | Demonstrate efforts in eco intelligent product design |
| 10 | CMiA | Promotes environmental protection and helps to combat poverty |
Certificates For Ethical Brands
| No. | Certificate Name | Speciality |
| 1 | Fair Trade Certified | Focuses on economic empowerment and sustainable living |
| 2 | Fair Wear Foundation | Check fair business practices at different levels |
| 3 | The Social Accountability Accreditation Services | Maintain social accountability standards and codes |
| 4 | Ethical Trading Initiative | Work to promote the rights of workers |
| 5 | WRAP | Scrutinizes forced labour and lack of benefits for employees |
| 6 | 1% for the Planet | Brings dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving |
| 7 | Eco-Cert | Monitors organic products and sustainable development |
| 8 | Canopy | Develop business solutions that help protect forests |
| 9 | Forest Stewardship Council | Works to keep forests safe |
| 10 | Leather Working Group | Work to protect the environment |
Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates For Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands:
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about ‘’Relevant Certificates For Sustainable And Ethical Fashion Brands’’ that I have found many times over the internet:
What is sustainability certification?
Sustainability certification includes some guidelines used by producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers, and service providers. If any brand has a sustainability certification then it will be easy for it to demonstrate its commitment and activities to good environmental, social, ethical, and safety practices.
However, for any fashion brand sustainability certification is not necessary. It is good for any fashion brand to have a sustainability certificate. It will help the brand to showcase and prove its good activities.
What is ethical certification?
There are basically three main aspects of ethical certification. These aspects are as follows:
- Activities to preserve life
- Activities toward the health of human beings
- Activities toward the safety of human beings
Furthermore, the products and activities of companies or brands should not cause any death directly or indirectly.
To win any ethical certification the fashion brand should deploy products that will not harm any human being, animal, or even tree. So, if any brand is doing something great in any of these aspects then it will be able to have an ethical certification.
What does it mean if a brand has sustainability certification?
If a brand has the sustainability certification then that means the particular brand is doing some efforts for sustainability in the environment.
These sustainability efforts could be in different aspects of their complete procedure like production, supply chain, raw materials, end products, and the business processes.
Is it necessary for a fashion brand to have an ethical certification?
As of right now, there is no mandate for any fashion brand to certify its products. Everything is completely voluntary and fashion brands can choose which labels to get based on things like their industry, budget, and how much they want to show off how ethical their operations are.
Why Is Sustainability Important For Fashion Brands?
When it comes to fashion brands then sustainability is very important. There are a couple of reasons behind its importance.
First of all, the production process of fashion products, from manufacturing to finishing, is a great risk to the environment. The production and processing of sustained fashion products not only help to reduce the amount of negative impact on the environment but also ensure proper working conditions for all the workers and support them to earn fair wages.
Secondly, in the deployment process, it is easier for brands to sell more who have Sustainability certificates. Nowadays, people are becoming more aware of the chemicals and harmful ingredients that’s why they prefer to purchase organic products. In this way, if any fashion brand is sustainable and has a Sustainability certificate then it will be able to sell more products than its competitors.
Unable to find the question that you are looking for in the Frequently Asked Questions section? Don’t worry about it and ask them in the comment section. I would love to assist you.
Final Thoughts:
I hope this article might help you a lot in getting information about certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands. I have listed some of the most trustworthy certificates in this niche. Moreover, I have also provided the comparison table that highlights the main difference between twenty different certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands.
If you find this resource helpful then share it with your loved ones so that they can also get some benefits from it. Got some more questions about certificates for sustainable and ethical fashion brands? Don’t hesitate and ask them in the comment section. I would love to assist you!
The Sustainable Talk 
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