the world of ethical fashion is often clouded by greenwashing and complex terminology which can make it difficult to know if a purchase truly aligns with your values. This glossary is intended to help explain the certifications, materials and practices used by the retailers we support.
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It’s important to recognise that many of the certifications listed here represent different parts of the manufacturing process. Also, although a fabric might be organic for example, it doesn’t necessarily mean the dye isn’t toxic or that where the item was made treats its workers fairly.
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It’s equally important to remember that certification is a voluntary process and brands can choose which certifications to apply for. And finally, one certification is likely to be structured differently to another. We have provided links to each one listed here so you can check them out if you like to know more about them.
​​B CORP
This isn't just for fashion; it certifies that a whole company meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance and public transparency.
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
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BLUESIGN
Bluesign partners with the textile industry to minimize adverse impact across the value chain. Our mission is to empower textile brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers to create safer, more responsible products for society.
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CLOSED-LOOP PRODUCTION
A manufacturing process where all waste, including water and chemicals, is captured and re-used rather than being discharged into the environment.
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CRADLE TO CRADLE (C2C)
A globally recognised measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy. It looks at material health, product circularity, and social fairness.
https://www.c2cplatform.eu/c2c-certified/
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DEADSTOCK FABRIC
Surplus fabric from other fashion houses that would otherwise go to a landfill. Curating brands that use ‘deadstock’ helps reduce waste by giving existing materials a new life.
FAIRTRADE CERTIFIED
Fairtrade International focuses on the beginning of the chain (farmers and primary producers). It ensures cotton growers receive a ‘Fairtrade Minimum Price’ and a ‘Premium’ to invest in their communities.I This includes the people behind the clothing are paid living wages, work in safe conditions and have a voice in their workplace. It is a commitment to the human side of the supply chain.
https://www.fairtrade.net/en.html
FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION
An international NGO which works specifically with garment brands to improve working conditions in the factories where clothing is sewn.
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GOTS CERTIFIED (GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD)
This is the gold standard for organic fibres. It ensures that from harvesting to manufacturing, the fabric meets strict environmental and social criteria, including no toxic pesticides and fair labour practices.
​OEKO-TEX® STEP CERTIFICATION
This certification sets the highest standards for both social and environmental aspects of textile and leather production, as well as for industrial laundries. It’s a sign of responsibility towards employees and the environment and supports a company’s journey towards more sustainable production.
ttps://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-step/
1% FOR THE PLANET
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While not a ‘certification’ of a garment’s construction, it verifies that a brand donates 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes.
https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org
SA8000 (SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY INTERNATIONAL)
A leading social certification standard for factories and organisations which measures social performance in eight areas important to social accountability.
https://sa-intl.org/programs/sa8000/
SEDEX
A global technology company that specialises in data, insights and professional services to empower supply chain sustainability.
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TEXTILE EXCHANGE (GRS & RCS)
Most of the materials used for fashion, textile and apparel today come from farms, forests, or fossil fuels. Textile Exchange exists to ensure the industry treats these resources with respect. At the heart of their strategy is the goal of helping the fashion, textile and apparel industry to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that come from fibre and raw materials production by 45% by 2030. The Textile Exchange manages the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO)
The ILO is committed to promoting social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. The only tripartite UN agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programs promoting decent work for all women and men.
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WORLD FAIR TRADE ORGANISATION (WFTO)
Unlike Fairtrade (which certifies products), the WFTO certifies entire businesses that put people and the planet first in everything they do.