In today's world, the importance of sustainable development is increasingly evident, and certification is becoming more critical. Textile manufacturers and suppliers conduct various tests and analyses to ensure that the clothing and other textiles we use daily are harmless, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and can retain their vibrant colors for a long time. The most obvious reason and the ultimate goal of certification is to assure companies, consumers, and governments that textiles are safe for our health, the product quality is good, and textile factories support ethical working conditions. The certification process for environmental and social responsibility helps organizations achieve sustainable production goals. Only companies that meet all manufacturing standards can obtain certification.
In this article, I will introduce some common certifications in the denim industry. The best standards for textiles include GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, GRS, and others.
1. GOTS（Global Organic Textile Standard)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a globally recognized certification standard specifically designed to evaluate the production of organic textiles. Its goal is to ensure environmental and social responsibility throughout the entire textile supply chain. The main contents of GOTS certification are as follows:
(1) Organic Fiber Requirements:
l The final product must contain at least 70% organic fibers.
l Organic fibers used in production must be independently certified to meet organic farming standards.
(2) Environmental Standards:
l Prohibits the use of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, and genetically modified organisms.
l Strictly manages the chemicals used in the production process to ensure minimal impact on the environment and workers.
l Requires measures to reduce water and energy usage during production.
(3) Social Standards:
l Ensures workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.
l Prohibits forced labor, child labor, and discrimination.
l Guarantees workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.
(4) Labeling and Certification:
l Certified products can use the GOTS label, indicating compliance with GOTS standards.
l Products must undergo audits by independent certification bodies at each production stage, from fiber to final product.
GOTS certification helps consumers identify genuine organic textiles, ensuring that the products they purchase are not only environmentally friendly but also meet social responsibility standards.
2. OEKO-TEX® Standard
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a globally recognized certification standard for testing harmful substances in textiles, aimed at ensuring that textiles and their production processes are harmless to human health. Below are the main contents and certification process of OEKO-TEX® Standard 100:
(1) Harmful Substance Testing:
l Tests for harmful chemicals in products, including heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
l All testing items and limit values are based on internationally recognized standards and are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific research and regulatory changes.
(2) Product Classification:
l Textiles are classified into four categories based on the degree of skin contact:
Class I: Baby products, such as baby clothing and bedding.
Class II: Textiles with direct skin contact, such as underwear, bed sheets, and T-shirts.
Class III: Textiles without direct skin contact, such as jackets and padding materials.
Class IV: Decorative textiles, such as curtains and carpets.
(3) Full Production Chain Coverage:
l Certification covers not only the final product but also all stages of the production process, from fibers, yarns, and fabrics to finished products.
l Ensures that every stage complies with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 standards.
(4) Benefits of OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
l Consumer Trust:
Products certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 indicate that they are harmless to human health, increasing consumer trust in the product.
l Market Competitiveness:
The certification mark is widely recognized globally, helping brands establish a competitive edge in the market.
l Regulatory Compliance:
Assists manufacturers and brands in ensuring that their products comply with international and regional chemical regulations, reducing compliance risks.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification provides consumers with important safety assurances, allowing them to purchase and use textiles with confidence. At the same time, it promotes environmental and health advancements in the textile industry.
3. Global Recycle Standard (GRS）
The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) is an international certification standard aimed at increasing the use of recycled materials in products, promoting the development of a circular economy, and ensuring traceability, environmental responsibility, and social responsibility throughout the supply chain. Below are the main contents and certification process of GRS:
(1) Recycled Material Content:
l Requires that products contain at least 20% recycled materials.
l Certified products can indicate the specific content of recycled materials.
(2) Traceability:
l The entire supply chain, from the collection and processing of recycled materials to the final product, must be traceable.
l Every stage of the supply chain must undergo independent third-party audits and certification.
(3) Environmental Responsibility:
l Requires environmental management systems in the production process to minimize environmental impact.
l Includes strict requirements for wastewater treatment, chemical management, energy use, and waste management.
(4) Social Responsibility:
l Ensures workers' rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of forced labor and child labor.
l Manufacturers must comply with the basic standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
(5) Labeling and Certification:
l Certified products can use the GRS label, indicating compliance with GRS standards.
l Certification bodies conduct annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance with GRS standards.
(6) Benefits of GRS Certification
l Environmental Protection: By promoting the use of recycled materials, GRS certification helps reduce the consumption of natural resources and lowers environmental impact.
l Consumer Trust: The GRS label provides consumers with transparent information about the environmental friendliness and recycled material content of products, increasing consumer trust in the products.
l Market Competitiveness: Products with GRS certification have a higher environmental profile in the market, helping brands establish a competitive advantage.
l Regulatory Compliance: GRS certification helps manufacturers and brands ensure their products comply with international and regional environmental regulations, reducing compliance risks.
GRS certification provides essential assurance for promoting the development of a circular economy and the adoption of eco-friendly products. It enables manufacturers and brands to make positive contributions to environmental responsibility and social responsibility.
In conclusion, certifications play a crucial role in ensuring sustainability and quality in the denim industry. Standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and GRS not only verify the environmental and social responsibility of textile production but also enhance consumer trust and support regulatory compliance. By promoting the use of organic fibers, testing for harmful substances, and encouraging the adoption of recycled materials, these certifications foster a more sustainable approach across the textile supply chain. Moving forward, continued adherence to these standards will be instrumental in advancing environmental protection, improving product safety, and promoting ethical practices within the denim industry and beyond.
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