Editor’s Note
This article explores the growing trend of conscious consumerism, where purchasing decisions are increasingly driven by environmental and ethical values. As shoppers become more aware of their impact, they are actively supporting—and paying a premium for—brands that align with their principles.
Today’s consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of their purchases on the environment. As a result, the market is likely to back companies that align with their values and are willing to pay more.
But in times of greenwashing, how do we even know if what we are buying is a better choice for the planet? Education is the key. There are numerous sustainable labels and certifications out there and when it comes to fashion, it can be a minefield. Purchasing sustainable materials is the first step to eco-fashion but if you want to support a holistic, sustainable business, then reading the labels on your potential purchases is key. These eco-labels help consumers identify if the products are harmful to animals, the planet, and humans.
Here are some of the most important sustainable clothing labels to know before making your next purchase.
You might’ve come across the Fairtrade symbol on some of your food and clothing items. It is simply a trade system that puts people first. It offers farmers and workers economic and welfare standards. Brands that carry the label follow Fairtrade standards that include social, environmental, and economic criteria, as well progress requirements and terms of trade.
B Corp is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Certified organisations are the ones that are seen to have demonstrated their work in reducing inequality, promoting a healthier environment, and creating high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
To attain the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, the fabric has to be tested and certified to be free from more than 100 substances known to harm human health. These include substances such as banned azo dyes, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, lead, and numerous other harmful chemicals.
This is the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. Its criteria encompass ecological and social aspects of fashion production and stretches the entire textile supply chain, from harvesting of raw materials through manufacturing.
This label certifies that textile products are safe for the environment, workers, and customers. It traces the textile’s path along the manufacturing process and ensures accountability towards social and environmental sustainability at every stage from the factory floor to the finished product.
The Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard assesses the safety, circularity, and eco-responsibility of materials and products. These are ascertained across five categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has 2 approved logos. One that signifies that the products bearing its insignia are vegan and contain no animal ingredients or by-products. There’s also a cruelty-free logo that states that brands verify that they and their suppliers do not conduct, commission, pay for, or allow any tests on animals for their ingredients, formulations, or finished products anywhere in the world.
The standard is intended for companies making and/or selling products with recycled content. It addresses traceability, environmental principles, and social responsibility.
BioFluff and JNBY Group bring sustainable innovation to menswear with Croquis, debuting Savian — a plant-based, plastic-free fur alternative — in a commercial collaboration that rethinks ethical materials through design and wearability.
