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... That's why we've created a guide to help you! We'll look at the main labels and certifications that guarantee the quality, sustainability, and ethics of textile products: Organic, Fairtrade, BCI, EcoVero TM, Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, 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 organic label exists in many sectors, including food, textiles, hygiene, and cleaning products. Governed by European regulations in place since 1991, it describes 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 products made up of more than 95% (95 inclusive) of ingredients from organic farming are considered organic. European organic products generally carry 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 now has 17 testing and research institutes across Europe and Japan. The certifications it offers focus primarily on the safety and sustainability of the textiles it offers, ensuring respectful and responsible production practices. At Ikatee, the two you'll encounter most 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 health-threatening 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 ensure good ecological 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 continually improve production conditions in the textile and leather industry. The presence of this certification truly attests to the manufacturers' responsibility towards their employees and the environment.

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

Living Heritage Company

The EPV (Living Heritage Company) label, or Entreprise du patrimoine vivant (EPV), is a state label created in 2005. It is a national label, awarded to a wide range of manufacturers for a period of five years. It is awarded to companies that possess excellent craftsmanship and industrial know-how based on criteria that demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and advancing France's cultural heritage.

EPV certification is awarded by a national commission after a rigorous evaluation of candidate companies. This assessment includes an in-depth analysis of the company's history, expertise, ability to innovate and adapt, and contribution to the local and national economy. Companies with the EPV label are thus recognized as major 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 trade 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 from their work. In addition to this minimum price, a Fairtrade Premium is paid to invest in community projects, such as education, health, or infrastructure.

To ensure sustainable and fair conditions, the Fairtrade label is awarded if workers enjoy safe and healthy working conditions and a living wage. Fairtrade also requires complete traceability of products throughout the supply and production chain. At the same time, it also 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 farmers, the environment, and the future of the industry. It provides training to farmers on sustainable growing practices and works to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of the industry. The organization works hand in hand 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 remuneration for farmers, and more.

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

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

EcoVero TM

EcoVero is a viscose alternative created by Lenzing. Made from wood pulp and solvent, it's a man-made, plant-based chemical fiber similar to viscose. The wood used is sourced entirely from sustainable forests and is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Pan European Forest Certification) certified, and Lenzing holds the EU Ecolabel. Strong and breathable, it's 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 harmful residue.

GOTS

The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label applies to all textile products, except leather, and is awarded through a certification body. There are currently 19 independent organizations authorized to award this status.

To receive certification, products must comply with GOTS specifications from their creation to their sale. Inspections are carried out once a year, 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 the restriction of 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 decent wages.

At Ikatee, all our exclusive knitwear is GOTS certified.

We hope this will help you see things more clearly and that you better understand the differences between textiles, their quality and their price!