When shopping for organic clothing, you may notice a variety of certification labels that indicate different standards for organic and sustainable practices. These certifications can be a bit confusing, especially since each one has its own criteria and focus areas. Here’s a breakdown of the most common organic certifications found in clothing, so you can make informed choices that align with your values.
1. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS is one of the most well-known and respected certifications in the organic clothing industry. It covers the entire supply chain, from the harvesting of raw materials to the manufacturing and labeling of finished products. GOTS ensures that the textiles are made from at least 70% organic fibers and restricts the use of toxic chemicals in production. It also addresses environmental and social criteria, such as safe working conditions and fair wages.
Key Features:
- Requires at least 70% organic fibers.
- Prohibits toxic chemicals like heavy metals and formaldehyde.
- Ensures ethical labor practices.
- Certifies the entire supply chain.
2. OEKO-TEX Standard 100
While not exclusively an organic certification, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is widely recognized for testing textiles for harmful substances. Products bearing the OEKO-TEX label have been tested and found to be free from substances that are harmful to human health. Although it doesn’t guarantee organic production, it assures consumers that the final product is safe and non-toxic.
Key Features:
- Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
- Covers every stage of production.
- Focuses on consumer safety rather than organic content.
3. USDA Organic
The USDA Organic certification is more commonly associated with food, but it can also apply to textiles made from organic fibers like cotton or wool. For a textile product to be labeled as USDA Organic, it must be made from natural fibers that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, this certification doesn’t cover the manufacturing process.
Key Features:
- Focuses on organic farming practices.
- Applies primarily to natural fibers like cotton and wool.
- Does not cover processing and manufacturing.
4. Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade certification is more focused on ethical and social standards rather than organic practices. However, it often overlaps with organic certifications because it promotes sustainable farming and fair wages. For clothing, Fair Trade ensures that workers are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and are treated with respect. Some Fair Trade certified products may also be made from organic materials.
Key Features:
- Ensures fair wages and ethical labor practices.
- Often overlaps with organic production.
- Focuses on social and economic sustainability.
5. Bluesign®
Bluesign® certification is centered around environmental health and safety in the textile industry. It ensures that the chemicals and processes used in manufacturing are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment. While not an organic certification, Bluesign® is recognized for its rigorous environmental standards, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious brands.
Key Features:
- Focuses on reducing environmental impact.
- Ensures safe and sustainable manufacturing processes.
- Not specific to organic fibers but promotes overall sustainability.
6. Organic Content Standard (OCS)
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) tracks the use of organic fibers in a product. Unlike GOTS, it doesn’t cover the entire supply chain but focuses on verifying the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. The OCS certification can apply to a wide range of products, not just textiles, and is often used alongside other certifications.
Key Features:
- Verifies the organic content in a product.
- Focuses on the traceability of organic materials.
- Can be combined with other certifications for comprehensive standards.
7. Cradle to Cradle Certified™
Cradle to Cradle Certified™ is a holistic certification that evaluates a product’s safety, circularity, and responsibility across its lifecycle. While not solely focused on organic materials, it assesses products based on material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Clothing that earns this certification is designed for a circular economy, with an emphasis on recyclability and sustainability.
Key Features:
- Evaluates a product’s entire lifecycle.
- Focuses on sustainability and circularity.
- Not specific to organic content but promotes overall eco-friendliness.
The Dangers of Buying Non-Certified Organic Clothing
While buying organic clothing is a step toward sustainability, purchasing items labeled “organic” without proper certification carries several risks:
- False Claims: Without certification, there’s no guarantee that the product is genuinely organic. Companies may label products as organic to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, even if the product doesn’t meet organic standards.
- Use of Harmful Chemicals: Non-certified products may still contain toxic chemicals used in the fabric dying process, undermining the health and environmental benefits of organic clothing.
- Ethical Concerns: Certifications like GOTS and Fair Trade ensure ethical labor practices. Without certification, there’s no assurance that the workers involved in the production were treated fairly or worked in safe conditions.
- Environmental Impact: Organic certifications often include strict environmental standards. Non-certified products may not adhere to these standards, contributing to pollution and other environmental harm.
- Lack of Transparency: Certifications provide transparency in the supply chain. When a product isn’t certified, it’s difficult to verify the practices involved in its production, leaving consumers in the dark about the product’s true impact.
Conclusion
When it comes to organic clothing, understanding these certifications can help you choose products that align with your values. Whether you prioritize organic farming, ethical labor practices, or overall sustainability, there’s likely a certification that matches your needs. GOTS and USDA Organic are the go-to certifications for ensuring the organic origin of fibers, while OEKO-TEX, Bluesign®, and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ provide additional assurances regarding safety and environmental impact. By paying attention to these labels, you can make more informed choices that support both people and the planet.