Why certification makes the difference

A label on a product page proves nothing. A certificate does: it is written confirmation of an independent check by a third party (for example Control Union, ECOCERT, SGS or IMO). For your ESG reporting and internal compliance, you ideally have a transaction certificate (TC or scope certificate) in your company’s name for every certified product. On our CSRD and ESG reporting page we explain how to include this in your annual report.

GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard

GOTS is the strictest label for organic textiles. It covers the entire chain: from cotton field to finished garment. To be GOTS-certified, at least 70% of the fibres must be organic (label ‘made with organic’) or at least 95% (label ‘organic’). Additional requirements: no toxic chemicals, no child labour, a living wage and water management. Brands such as Stanley Stella, Continental Clothing and Neutral supply GOTS-certified corporate clothing.

GRS: Global Recycled Standard

GRS certifies the recycled content of products. It covers social, environmental and chemical requirements across the entire chain. Products must contain at least 20% recycled material to be GRS-certified. All the RPET products we use (backpacks, sports bags, jackets, water bottles and pens) can be supplied with a GRS certificate on request. Its sister standard RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is slightly less strict: it only covers the recycled content, not the social or environmental requirements.

FSC: Forest Stewardship Council

FSC guarantees that wood, paper or cork comes from responsibly managed forests. For sustainable corporate gifts, FSC is essential for notebooks, packaging, cork products, wooden pens and gift boxes. Always ask for the FSC Chain of Custody certificate with a licence code such as FSC C012345. Without that code the claim cannot be verified.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests textiles for more than 350 harmful substances such as pesticides, plasticisers, formaldehyde and heavy metals. It is a health label, not strictly a sustainability label. For corporate clothing, socks, towels and products worn against the skin, OEKO-TEX is a basic requirement. The additional Made in Green label combines OEKO-TEX with social and environmental criteria.

B Corp

B Corp is not a product label but a company certification. Companies that score at least 80 points on B Lab’s social, environmental and governance criteria may call themselves a B Corp. For clients who want to work with stakeholder-driven brands, B Corp is a strong signal. Examples: Patagonia, Danone, Ecosia. We work with several B Corp suppliers for water bottles (Ocean Bottle), clothing (Stanley Stella) and packaging.

Fair Wear Foundation

The Fair Wear Foundation focuses on fair working conditions in textile production. Member brands (such as Stanley Stella, Continental and Kariban Premium) are assessed every year against 8 labour standards: no forced labour, no child labour, no discrimination, freedom of association, a living wage, a safe working environment, reasonable working hours and a legally binding contract. Fair Wear complements GOTS: where GOTS focuses on materials, Fair Wear focuses on people.

EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union. For textiles it covers criteria on polluting chemicals, water consumption, biodegradability and energy. It is less well known than GOTS but has legal status: it falls under the EU Green Claims Directive, which will strictly monitor green claims from 2026. For companies that want to avoid the risk of greenwashing, the EU Ecolabel is a reliable signal.

Carbon offset and climate neutral certificates

“Carbon neutral” is not a legally protected label. It is often used to communicate offsetting through climate projects (for example Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard). We prefer reduction over offsetting, but for residual emissions we choose Gold Standard projects with social co-benefits. On our carbon footprint page you can read how reduction and offsetting work in the right order.

Other relevant labels

• SEDEX SMETA: ethical audit of factories, widely used in Asia.
• BSCI (amfori): social audit standard for working conditions.
• Cradle to Cradle Certified: circular design covering materials, energy, water, social fairness and reuse.
• PEFC: an alternative to FSC for paper and wood, strong in Europe.
• Bluesign: covers chemical safety and water management in textile production.

Frequently asked questions about certifications

What is the difference between GOTS and GRS?

GOTS certifies organic natural fibres (mainly cotton). GRS certifies recycled materials (mainly polyester and PET). For blends such as RPET with organic cotton, both apply.

Can you provide certificates for our ESG reporting?

Yes. For GOTS, GRS, FSC and OEKO-TEX certified products, we supply the transaction certificate in the name of your order on request. Handy as an appendix to your annual report or CSRD documentation.

What is greenwashing and how do I recognise it?

Greenwashing is a sustainability claim without substantiation. How to recognise it: vague terms (“eco-friendly”), no certificate or licence code, no supply chain transparency. More examples on our avoiding greenwashing page.

Is the EU Ecolabel mandatory?

It is not mandatory, but with the EU Green Claims Directive (in force in 2026) it is becoming increasingly attractive, because EU labels enjoy legal protection. For risk-averse companies, the EU Ecolabel is a safe choice.

Request certification advice

Not sure which certifications are relevant for your sector or ESG goals? We think along with you, put you in touch with the right suppliers and provide the documentation for your audit or annual report. Get in touch for tailored certification advice.