Sustainability Certifications & Standards

These certifications verify environmental performance, material origins, and production impacts. Each includes real-world applications, verification processes, and direct resources—no jargon, just clarity.

GRS – Global Recycled Standard

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS), managed by Textile Exchange, certifies products with at least 20% recycled content while ensuring social, environmental, and chemical responsibility throughout the supply chain.

In practice, GRS traces post-consumer or pre-consumer waste (like PET bottles into polyester linings) using mass balance or segregation models. It bans hazardous chemicals and mandates fair labor. Over 15,000 facilities are certified globally as of 2025. Ideal for footwear with recycled soles or uppers.

Verification involves annual third-party audits and transaction certificates. Brands like Patagonia use GRS for transparent recycled claims. . Global Recycled Standard.

GRS turns waste into verified value.

C2C – Cradle to Cradle Certified®

Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C), from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, evaluates products across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness—scored from Bronze to Platinum.

For materials, C2C ensures chemicals are safe for biological or technical cycles (e.g., biodegradable leather or recyclable synthetics). Version 4 emphasizes digital product passports. Brands like Ecco apply it to reduce virgin inputs by up to 50%.

Certification requires ingredient disclosure and ongoing optimization. It’s a design philosophy, not just a label. Explore the program. Cradle to Cradle Certified.

C2C designs out waste from the start.

GORE-TEX – Waterproof Breathable Fabric with Sustainability Claims

GORE-TEX combines durable waterproofing with expanding sustainability initiatives, including PFC-free DWR coatings and bluesign®-approved fabrics. While not a full certification, its “GORE-TEX Product Sustainability” framework commits to reduced environmental impact.

Testing exceeds industry norms: 300,000 flex cycles, zero leaks post-centrifuge, and breathability ≥5 mg/cm²/h. Increasingly uses recycled face fabrics and solution-dyed yarns to cut water and energy use.

Brands access GORE-TEX via licensed partnerships with traceability requirements. It’s performance + responsibility. See testing details. GORE-TEX Sustainability.

GORE-TEX proves high performance can be planet-friendly.

bluesign® – Sustainable Chemical Management in Textiles

The bluesign® system is a holistic input stream management standard that eliminates harmful substances from the start. It approves over 10,000 chemicals via the Bluefinder database and audits factories for resource efficiency.

In textiles and leather finishing, bluesign reduces water and energy by up to 30% and bans 600+ restricted substances. Partners like Stahl extend it to leather chemicals. PFAS-free options are prioritized.

It’s B2B—brands source bluesign-approved materials. Annual audits ensure compliance. Join the network. bluesign System.

bluesign detoxes production at the source.ther

OEKO-TEX® – Textile Safety and Sustainability

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (and Leather Standard) tests finished articles for over 1,000 harmful substances, with limits stricter than legal requirements (e.g., no detectable azo dyes). Class I is safest for baby products.

Modular certification covers components—uppers, linings, threads. The STeP by OEKO-TEX adds factory-level sustainability (chemicals, energy, social). Over 35,000 certificates issued worldwide.

Annual testing and unannounced audits maintain trust. It complements REACH but goes further on consumer safety. Get certified. OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

OEKO-TEX means skin-safe, every stitch.

FSC – Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies responsible forest management and chain-of-custody for wood, paper, and plant-based fibers—preventing deforestation and protecting biodiversity.

In fashion, FSC applies to viscose, lyocell, packaging, or wooden heel components. Labels include FSC 100%, FSC Mix, or FSC Recycled. 46% of consumers recognize the logo.

Third-party audits trace from forest to final product. It supports circular packaging strategies. Explore certification. FSC Certification.

FSC keeps forests standing for future collections.

GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard for organic textiles, requiring ≥70% certified organic fibers (≥95% for “organic” label) and strict environmental and social criteria across the supply chain.

It bans toxic dyes, GMOs, and child labor while mandating wastewater treatment. Version 7 (2025) strengthens due diligence and decarbonization. Applies to cotton, wool, or vegan alternatives in footwear linings.

Annual on-site inspections and residue testing ensure integrity. Over 12,000 facilities certified. Access the standard. GOTS Standard.

GOTS grows trust from soil to shelf.

LWG – Leather Working Group

The Leather Working Group (LWG) rates tanneries from Bronze to Gold based on 17 environmental protocols—chemical management, water use, energy, traceability, and social audits.

Gold-rated sites reduce water by 20%+ and trace hides to slaughter. It bans fur and promotes restricted substance lists (MRSL). Over 500 tanneries rated globally.

Brands like Nike and Timberland require LWG suppliers. The P7 protocol integrates social responsibility. . LWG Audit Standards.

LWG transforms tanneries into sustainability leaders.

SBTi – Science Based Targets initiative

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides a framework for companies to set GHG reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C pathways, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including FLAG for leather and agriculture.

In fashion, SBTi validates near-term (2030) and net-zero (2050) goals. Over 1,000 apparel brands committed. It uses lifecycle assessments to pinpoint tanning or transport emissions.

Targets are independently verified annually. It’s climate accountability in action. Set your target. SBTi Apparel Guidance.

SBTi makes climate ambition measurable.