SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS
There are several independent entities specializing in different areas of the Fashion sector that certify each product to ensure that brands' statements do not differ from their corporate practices.
This information is extremely important for the consumer to be able to make their final decision consciously. As a rule, the consumer does not have access to the production chain and, when they do, it is very difficult to understand whether what is communicated by a brand actually has any impact on our planet and on the lives of those who produce the pieces we buy.
For this reason, for Etikway it is essential that the products we promote have sustainability certifications. When brands can't get it, it's our mission to help them get it.
When purchasing, look for the following certificates:
FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade is classified as a movement where “companies, consumers, activists and organizations put people and the planet first”. A Fair Trade certified product focuses on social sustainability values, such as guaranteeing fair wages and decent working conditions.
COSMEBIO – CHARTE COSMEBIO
The COSMEBIO label allows you to quickly distinguish which cosmetics are truly natural or organic. This label is based on demanding specifications and a charter of ethical values. An inspection by an independent certifier is mandatory each year to verify product compliance.
The CHARTE COSMEBIO seal guarantees: 95% to 100% of the ingredients in the total product must be of natural origin (with water and mineral ingredients or mineral-based ingredients considered natural); 95% to 100% of plant-based ingredients must be organic; A minimum of 10% of the ingredients in the total product must be organic (with water and minerals or mineral-based ingredients considered non-organic because they are not derived from a life form)
ECOCERT COSMOS ORGANIC
ECOCERT Cosmos certification guarantees: environmentally friendly production and processing processes, also respecting human health; development of the concept of green chemicals; responsible use of natural resources; respect for biodiversity; absence of petrochemical ingredients (except authorized preservatives): parabens, phenoxyethanol, perfumes and synthetic dyes; absence of GMOs; recyclable packaging.
All ingredients are of natural origin, except for a restrictive list of approved ingredients (including preservatives) authorized in small quantities.
On average, Ecocert certifies that products contain 99% ingredients of natural origin.
A beauty care product is only COSMOS ORGANIC certified if:
* at least 95% of the plants it contains are organic
* At least 20% of biological ingredients are present in the total formula (10% for rinse-off products)
I ECOLABEL
The EU Ecolabel is the European Union's official voluntary label for environmental excellence. Established in 1992 and recognized throughout Europe and the world, the EU Ecolabel certifies products with a guaranteed and independently verified low environmental impact. To receive the EU Ecolabel, goods and services must meet high environmental standards throughout their entire life cycle: from raw material extraction, through production and distribution to disposal. The seal also encourages companies to develop innovative, durable, easy to repair and recyclable products.
GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARDS (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standards is one of the most relevant certifications in the field of organic materials. Ensures the organic status of fabrics from raw material harvesting through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing to labeling to provide reliable consumer assurance. The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trade and distribution of all fabrics with at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. Fiber end products may include, but are not limited to, yarn, fabrics, clothing and home textiles.
GRS – GLOBAL RECYCLE STANDARD
The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) was originally developed by Control Union Certifications in 2008, and ownership was transferred to the Textile Exchange on January 1, 2011. It is an international, voluntary, entirely product-specific standard that defines the requirements for third-party certification of recycled material, chain of custody, social and environmental practices and chemical restrictions.
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN is a traceable product label for all types of textile products that have been manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities under safe and socially responsible working conditions. The MADE IN GREEN label also assures consumers that the textile product is made from materials that have been tested for harmful substances.
OEKO-TEX® STeP
OEKO-TEX® STeP is an independent certification system for brands, retailers and manufacturers in the textile industry. The certification is suitable for production facilities at all processing stages that want to communicate their environmental measures externally in a reliable and transparent way. All textile companies can be certified, for example, fiber manufacturers, spinning mills, weaving mills, embroiderers, knitters, finishing companies, ready-made clothing manufacturers, foam and mattress manufacturers and logistics technology centers.