Certifications: A guide to quality marks like GOTS, Fair Trade and more

At Kyndly, we're committed to transparency and sustainability. We select brands that meet high ethical and environmental standards, so you can be sure you're leaving the smallest possible footprint on the planet with every purchase. One of the best ways to assess a product's sustainability is by looking for sustainability certifications. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most well-known certifications, such as GOTS, Fair Trade, and others, and explain exactly what they mean.

Why are certifications important?

Sustainability certifications offer consumers assurance about the ethical and environmental aspects of a product. They indicate that a product meets specific standards for issues such as fair wages, ecological impact, working conditions, and safety for both people and the planet. By choosing products with these certifications, you can be sure you're making a responsible choice.

Here's an overview of some key sustainable certifications you might encounter on products from brands on Kyndly.

1. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

GOTS is one of the most recognized certifications for organic textile products. This standard guarantees that textile products are made from at least 70% organic fibers. GOTS also imposes strict requirements on chemical use, water consumption, and working conditions.

What does it entail?

Materials must be at least 70% organic; for the "GOTS Organic" label, this requirement is even 95%.

- No harmful chemicals may be used in the production process.

- Production processes must use water and energy responsibly.

- Workers must have fair wages and safe working conditions.

Why choose GOTS?

GOTS certification ensures that clothing is produced in an environmentally friendly and ethical manner. At Kyndly, we are proud to offer GOTS-certified brands that adhere to these strict standards.

2. Fair Trade

Fair Trade is a global movement committed to fair trade and better working conditions for producers in developing countries. The Fair Trade label guarantees that farmers and workers involved in the production of a product receive a fair price and safe working conditions.

What does it entail?

- Producers receive fair and stable incomes.

- There are safe and healthy working conditions.

- Child labor and forced labor are prohibited.

- Fair Trade premiums are used to support community projects.

Why choose Fair Trade?

With Fair Trade certification, you can be sure your product was made with respect for workers and their living conditions. Fair Trade helps communities worldwide invest in healthcare, education, and environmental protection.

3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a certification that guarantees that textile products are free from harmful substances. Every component of the product, such as fabrics, threads, buttons, and zippers, is tested for harmful chemicals. This label is especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

What does it entail?

- Products are tested for more than 100 harmful substances.

- Strict standards for chemical safety, based on scientific research.

- Suitable for products that come into direct contact with the skin.

Why choose OEKO-TEX?

OEKO-TEX guarantees that your clothing contains no harmful substances. This provides an additional assurance that the product is safe for both consumers and workers in the production process.

4. B Corporation

B Corporation certification (or B Corp) is awarded to companies that meet high standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification considers not only products but also the company's overall impact.

What does it entail?

- Companies are assessed on their impact on employees, customers, communities and the environment.

- The certificate encourages companies to continuously improve in the areas of sustainability and social responsibility.

Why choose B Corp?

A B Corp certification signifies a company's commitment to positive change and sustainability, not only in its products but also in its operations. Companies like Patagonia and Tony's Chocolonely are B Corps and are known for their commitment to sustainability.

5. PETA-Approved Vegan

The PETA-Approved Vegan label indicates that a product is completely free of animal ingredients and has not been tested on animals. This certification is important for consumers who want to support an animal-friendly and vegan lifestyle.

What does it entail?

- No animal materials such as leather, wool or silk.

- No animal testing in any part of production.

- Suitable for consumers who want to make an ethical choice.

Why choose PETA-Approved Vegan?

With the PETA-Approved Vegan label, you can be confident that your product is completely vegan and that animal welfare has been taken into account in its production.

6. Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is an innovative certification system that assesses products based on their environmental friendliness and reusability. The goal of C2C is to design products that can be fully recycled or biodegraded after use.

What does it entail?

- Products are assessed for safety for people and the environment, reusability, use of renewable energy, and social policy.

- The C2C certification has five levels, from Basic to Platinum, depending on the product's performance.

Why choose Cradle to Cradle?

Cradle to Cradle-certified products close the loop, meaning waste is minimized and materials are reused. It's an innovative and sustainable approach that's future-proof.

What Kyndly does

At Kyndly, we work exclusively with brands that embrace sustainable practices and are committed to transparency. Our selection criteria include various sustainability certifications such as GOTS, Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX, and B Corp. This ensures that every brand you find at Kyndly meets our strict standards for ethical production and environmental protection.

Conclusion

Sustainable certifications help us make responsible choices and invest in products that respect our planet. By choosing clothing with a sustainable certification, you support brands that are committed to a better world. At Kyndly, we believe that every conscious purchase contributes to positive change.

We invite you to explore Kyndly and discover the brands proudly bearing these certifications. Together, we can make a difference by choosing sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly products.