Sustainability certifications to look for in Ethical Garments

6 Certificates and Standards to Look for in Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Brands

In today's world, making ethical and sustainable fashion choices is no longer just a trend; it's a necessity. The fashion industry, infamous for its environmental impact and labor issues, is gradually transforming, with some brands taking significant steps towards sustainability and ethics. However, deciphering the genuinely responsible brands from the pretenders can be an arduous task, given the prevalence of greenwashing and vague marketing claims. This is where clothing sustainability certifications and standards come into play. They serve as beacons of transparency, accountability, and sustainability, providing consumers with valuable insights into a brand's commitment to ethical and eco-friendly practices. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into six essential clothing certifications and standards that you should look for when seeking sustainable and ethical fashion.

Understanding the Importance of Clothing Certifications

Transparency: Clothing certifications offer credibility and authenticity to a brand's sustainability claims. They provide assurance that a brand is genuinely committed to using sustainable fashion materials and processes, thus promoting transparent communication.
Impact Awareness & Reduction: These certifications compel brands to assess and understand the environmental and social impacts of their practices. By setting stringent standards, they drive continuous improvement within the fashion industry.
Accountability: Many clothing sustainability certifications involve third-party audits, ensuring that brands follow through on their commitments. This creates a sense of accountability, as brands are held responsible for their actions.
Accessibility: For consumers, clothing certifications simplify the shopping process. They offer peace of mind, allowing shoppers to make informed decisions without needing extensive industry knowledge or conducting exhaustive research.

Now, let's explore six clothing certifications and standards that can help you identify ethical fashion and sustainable clothing brands.

Australian Certified Organic (ACO)

Australian Certified Organic (ACO) is a renowned certification that focuses on organic farming and the use of organic materials. Brands that obtain this sustainability certification in Australia must adhere to strict standards related to organic production, which includes the use of organic fibers and sustainable agricultural practices. While ACO primarily emphasizes the use of organic materials, it plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming, and reducing the environmental impact of clothing production.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the leading certifications for organic fibers. It stands out for its comprehensive coverage of the entire textile supply chain. GOTS evaluates every step in the processing, manufacturing, and trading of organic textiles. While it doesn't oversee farming and cultivation directly, it requires all textiles to be made from at least 70% certified organic fibers. This standard promotes transparency and assures consumers that the brand is genuinely committed to organic and sustainable fashion practices.

Fairtrade Certified Cotton

Fairtrade certification is a cornerstone of the global Fair Trade movement, and it focuses on empowering farmers and workers in developing countries. Brands that bear this certification guarantee fair compensation to their laborers and ensure that resources are used responsibly. Fairtrade International, a non-profit organization, oversees this certification and sets the Fairtrade Standards. It also issues the International Fairtrade Certification Mark, recognized globally. By choosing fair trade certified clothing, you're not only supporting fair wages but also promoting decent working conditions and social development opportunities.

The Global Recycled Standard

As the name suggests, The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) emphasizes the use of recycled materials in clothing production. It verifies both the recycled content of products and responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices. GRS ensures that harmful impacts on people and the environment are minimized, while also encouraging responsible production. A key requirement for GRS certification is a minimum of 50% recycled content in products, demonstrating a brand's commitment to sustainability and circular slow fashion.

Bluesign

Bluesign is a certification that evaluates the sustainability of textile production practices from start to finish. It covers everything from raw materials to finished products, ensuring that suppliers meet stringent environmental and social standards. One of its primary goals is to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in textile production, promoting eco-friendliness. Brands with Bluesign certification guarantee that their textile processing and manufacturing practices are sustainable, with a focus on responsible chemical use.

Leather Working Group (LWG)

Leather, a prominent material in the fashion industry, often comes under scrutiny for its environmental impact. The Leather Working Group (LWG) addresses this issue by conducting assessments and audits of leather manufacturing. This certification assesses 17 critical sections, including traceability, water and energy consumption, and chemical management. By choosing products from brands with LWG certification, you're encouraging responsible leather production and mitigating the environmental footprint of the slow fashion industry.

Conclusion

In the quest for ethical and sustainable fashion, clothing certifications and standards serve as invaluable tools. While clothing certifications are not the sole determinants of a brand's sustainability, they are powerful indicators of a brand's commitment to ethical fashion and eco-friendly practices. By supporting brands that have attained these certifications, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry, one purchase at a time. So, the next time you're on the hunt for new clothing, remember to look for these certifications, because your choices can shape the future of slow fashion.