Short guide to quality labels

Official seals are a topic in themselves, and in the jungle of seals out there it is hard to keep track. Here you can find the most important seals of approval to look for when it comes to the textile industry. But keep in mind that getting an official label requires a lot of money, and not every brand – especially the smaller ones – can afford it. 10

• Social label • One of the most strict social seals • Advocates for more social and fair conditions along the whole production chain • Criteria are based on the human rights declaration and guidelines of the

International Labour Organization

• Social label • Stands for 100% fairly traded cotton • Restricts the use of chemicals

• Social label • Extends the Fairtrade Cotton label to the whole supply chain • Stands for better working and living conditions for the people involved, going beyond the criteria demanded by the

International Labour Organization

• Guarantees monitoring of all materials from “cradle to cradle”, supporting the creation of a closed loop • Ultimate goal: no waste and pollution along the whole circle (so far still an idealistic goal) • No direct social or ecological criteria

• Ecological label with some social elements • One of the most strict textile seals • Strict ecological criteria have to be met along the whole production chain • At least 70% of the material must be organic • Incorporates social criteria according to the minimal standards of the

International Labour Organization