What are the different textile certificates?

There are a multitude of statuses and certifications in the textile sector, each with its own criteria and objectives. It's not always easy to navigate them all… That's why we've created a guide to help you! We'll focus on the main labels and certifications that guarantee the quality, sustainability, and ethical production of textiles: Organic, Fairtrade, BCI, EcoVero™, Living Heritage Company, GOTS, Step by Oeko-Tex, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100. These labels play a crucial role in ensuring that products meet rigorous environmental, social, and quality standards.

Organic

The term "organic" exists in many sectors, including food, textiles, and hygiene and cleaning products. Governed by European regulations in place since 1991, it applies to all raw and processed products from organic farming. For a product to be considered organic, it must have been manufactured without synthetic chemicals, without GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and with respect for animal welfare.

For processed products, only those made with more than 95% (95% inclusive) organic ingredients are considered organic. European organic products generally bear the Euroleaf (European organic logo) and the AB (organic farming) mark.

In addition, all organic farms are inspected at least once a year by one of the 12 certification bodies approved by the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality).

Oeko-tex®

The independent Oeko-Tex label currently has 17 testing and research institutes across Europe and Japan. Its certifications focus primarily on the safety and durability of textiles, ensuring respectful and responsible production practices. At Ikatee, the two most common are Step by Oeko-Tex and Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

- Oeko-tex® standard 100

The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification guarantees the absence of toxic and hazardous substances. The label tests all components of a product (threads, buttons, fabrics, etc.) against more than 1,000 harmful substances. Their testing criteria are reviewed and updated annually and comply with international requirements and regulations.

- STeP by Oeko-tex®

STeP by Oeko-Tex® (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production) assesses the entire production chain to guarantee sound environmental and social practices for a textile product. It covers six key themes: chemical management, environmental performance, environmental management, social responsibility, quality management, and safety. This certification aims to continuously improve production conditions in the textile and leather industry. The presence of this certification truly demonstrates manufacturers' responsibility towards their employees and the environment.

At Ikatee, all our exclusive poplins and viscose fabrics have received STeP by Oeko-tex certification!

Living Heritage Company

The EPV label, or Living Heritage Company, is a state-awarded label created in 2005. It is a national label, granted to a range of manufacturers for a period of five years. It is awarded to companies that possess outstanding artisanal and industrial expertise, based on criteria that demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and promoting French cultural heritage.

The EPV certification is awarded by a national commission after a rigorous evaluation of applicant companies. This evaluation includes an in-depth analysis of the company's history, its expertise, its capacity for innovation and adaptation, as well as its contribution to the local and national economy. Companies awarded the EPV label are thus recognized as key players in the preservation and promotion of France's cultural and economic heritage.

Fairtrade

The Fairtrade label is an international certification that aims to promote fair and equitable trading practices for producers and workers in developing countries. Fairtrade guarantees a minimum price for products, covering the costs of sustainable production and allowing producers to earn a decent living. In addition to this minimum price, a Fairtrade Premium is paid to invest in community projects, such as education, health, and infrastructure.

To ensure sustainable and fair conditions, the Fairtrade label is awarded if workers benefit from safe and healthy working conditions and a living wage. Fairtrade also requires full traceability of products throughout the entire supply and production chain. In addition, it encourages environmentally friendly production methods.

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve global cotton production for producers, the environment, and the future of the sector. It provides training to farmers on sustainable farming practices and works to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of the cotton industry. The organization works closely with all stakeholders in the production chain to improve soil health, reduce pesticide use by more than 50%, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% (per ton of Better Cotton fiber), improve working conditions and producer incomes, and more.

BCI certification is awarded by third-party organizations that conduct regular audits to ensure producers meet BCI criteria. They carry out annual checks and on-site audits to guarantee that sustainable practices are effectively implemented.

Better Cotton is the world's largest cotton sustainability program and represents 12% of global cotton production. Today, 2.2 million farmers across 22 countries are licensed to sell their cotton under the Better Cotton label.

EcoVero TM

EcoVero is an alternative to viscose created by Lenzing. Made from wood pulp and solvent, it is a plant-based synthetic fiber similar to viscose. The wood used comes entirely from sustainably managed forests, certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification), and Lenzing holds the EU Ecolabel. Strong and breathable, it is also comparable to silk. Compared to traditional viscose, EcoVero uses 50% less water and generates 50% fewer carbon emissions. Furthermore, EcoVero is certified biodegradable and compostable, decomposing naturally without leaving harmful residues.

GOTS

The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label applies to all textile products, with the exception of leather, and is awarded by a certification body. Currently, there are 19 independent accredited bodies authorized to grant this certification.

To receive certification, products must comply with the GOTS specifications from their creation to their sale. Inspections are carried out annually, and the textile must contain at least 95% certified organic fibers.

It guarantees compliance with strict environmental and social standards, ensuring environmental protection and decent working conditions throughout the supply chain. Environmental criteria include restricting toxic chemicals, sustainable wastewater management, and waste reduction. Social criteria cover aspects such as safe and hygienic working conditions, the absence of forced or child labor, and the payment of living wages.

At Ikatee, all our exclusive knitwear is GOTS certified.

We hope that this will give you a clearer understanding, and that you better understand the differences between textiles, their quality and their price!