CERTIFICATION CHEAT-SHEET: SPOT TRULY SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES
(Save this guide to avoid greenwashing!)
1. TENCEL™ LYOCELL (Bamboo Alternative)
| Must-Have Certs | What It Guarantees | Red Flags 🚩 |
|---|---|---|
| FSC® | Wood pulp from responsibly managed forests | "Bamboo" without FSC® |
| EU Ecolabel | 99.8% solvent recovery in closed-loop process | Generic "closed-loop" claims |
| Oeko-Tex® 100 | 0 toxic residues (tested for 350+ chemicals) | No certification ID number |
Verification Tip:
🔍 Check brand’s website for specific certification IDs (e.g., "FSC®-C123456").
2. ORGANIC HEMP
| Must-Have Certs | What It Guarantees | Red Flags 🚩 |
|---|---|---|
| GOTS | No chlorine bleach/formaldehyde in processing | "Natural hemp" without GOTS |
| Soil Association | Chemical-free farming (pesticide-free) | Vague "eco-processed" claims |
| Oeko-Tex® STeP | Ethical factory conditions | No factory audit reports |
Verification Tip:
♻️ Look for mechanical softening (not chemical) in product descriptions.
3. SUSTAINABLE ALPACA WOOL
| Must-Have Certs | What It Guarantees | Red Flags 🚩 |
|---|---|---|
| RWS (Responsible Wool) | No overgrazing, land regeneration | "Sustainable" without RWS |
| Fair Trade Certified | Living wages for shepherds | No transparent pricing |
| Biodegradable Product | 100% pure wool (no synthetic blends) | "Wool blend" in composition |
Verification Tip:
🌍 Demand grazing rotation maps from brands.
4. NON-TOXIC DYES
| Must-Have Certs | What It Guarantees | Red Flags 🚩 |
|---|---|---|
| Oeko-Tex® ECO PASSPORT | 0 heavy metals, AZO-free, pH-balanced | "Natural dyes" without certs |
| GOTS Dye Compliant | Non-toxic mordants (iron, alum) | "Plant-dyed" with no details |
| Cradle to Cradle Gold | Circular water treatment systems | No wastewater policy |
Verification Tip:
🎨 True plant dyes use madder root, indigo, or weld – ask for botanical sources!
5. RECYCLED SYNTHETICS (If You Must)
| Must-Have Certs | What It Guarantees | Red Flags 🚩 |
|---|---|---|
| Global Recycled Standard | 90%+ recycled content, traceable | "Recycled" without % stated |
| bluesign® | 0 antimony trioxide (carcinogen) | No microplastic filtration |
| Oeko-Tex® 100 | No chemical leaching | Green "recycled" logo alone |
Verification Tip:
🔄 Prefer ECONYL® (regenerated nylon) with microplastic filters.
🛡️ UNIVERSAL RULES FOR ALL TEXTILES:
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Triple-Cert Check: Always require ≥2 certifications
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Beware Blends: 100% natural fibers > "eco-blends"
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Traceability Test: Brands must disclose:
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Raw material origin
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Factory location
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Processing methods
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Microplastic Test: Rub fabric vigorously – if it pills, it sheds!