Following on from my mini guide series on buying fabric, this blog will cover the main fabric certifications.
When it comes to fabric certifications, there are many that you may have come across while browsing fabrics. Certifications include GOTS, BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), GRS (Global Recycled Standard), Fairtrade, and many more.
While there are many considerations to take into account when buying new fabrics, including understanding fibres and fabric construction (You can read more information about these topics in my latest blogs). Fabric certifications can be confusing and hard to know what to look for, this blog will break down the certifications for you.
GOTS Organic:
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) established a globally acknowledged criteria for organic textiles, including everything from the extraction of raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and labelling.
Textiles-certified GOTS offer consumers a reliable assurance. The GOTS certification is categorised by four key features: Organic fibres, ecological and social criteria, all stages of processing, and third-party certification.
The benefits of buying fabrics with a GOTS certification are that they have undergone environmentally friendly production and processes, while buyers have assurance in quality by using organic fibres.
BCI – Better Cotton Initiative:
Better Cotton stands at the forefront of the global sustainability initiative for cotton. Its mission is to support the survival and prosperity of cotton communities while protecting and restoring the environment.
The initiative accomplishes this by educating an expanding workforce in more sustainable farming practices. Fostering collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and leaving a lasting impact.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is one of the most globally recognised textile labels that undergo testing for harmful substances. The brand symbolises customer trust and superior product safety.
Garments with this label assure you as the consumer that every component has been tested for potentially harmful substances. The process of testing considers a wide range of regulated and non-regulated substances that could pose risks to human health.
GRS – Global Recycled Standard
The GRS is a global, voluntary comprehensive product standard that outlines requirements for third-party certification of recycled content.
The goals of GRS include establishing requirements to guarantee good working conditions and minimise harmful environmental and chemical impacts.
Fairtrade
The certification by the World Fairtrade Organisation aims to help producers in developing countries to have sustainable relationships. This includes requiring workers to be paid a living wage, and ensuring freedom of association, so workers can unionise. It also requires safe workplaces with special protective equipment, and further working hours are also regulated.
From this blog, you should now understand the key fabric certifications to take note of when buying fabrics. These certifications help you make informed decisions when purchasing fabrics.
For more tips on buying fabrics online, I have created a mini-series exploring different fabric construction, sustainability, and fibres which can be found on my blog page.
