The Manufacturing

Every step of the production process can be made sustainable

For the manufacturing to be truly sustainable, it is not sufficient to look at where the products come from or what are the ingredients of raw material. The complete process is much more advanced. The globally respected certifications can help producers make responsible choices.

The manufacturing practices are inspected by certification firms, that strictly check compliance with organic and ethical production practices. However, there is an enhanced range of evaluation systems in existence. Some businesses monitor only one of the processes, while others inspect the complete supply chain.

Mostly, the certifications are considered whether organically grown material is used, and it was produced by recycling and how environmentally friendly the production processes are. They also look at how the company protects the environment, whether or not its conduct is ethical and fair towards the employees and communities, whether animals are abused, or whether goods contain animal products.

For example, if a product is labelled organic, the material has been grown without harmful chemicals and with respect towards natural resources. But it says nothing about its subsequent processing or the conditions for employees. Similarly, for certifications that focus solely on fair wages for workers, we have no information on how the crops are grown. However, systems do exist that look at the matter holistically. And you will find them throughout our operations too.

If you want organic material, look for GOTS

The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is one of the world’s most stringent certifications that monitors standards for the processing of textiles, particularly organic fibres. To obtain and maintain this label, producers must be regularly inspected by independent bodies and meet the requirements for careful and ethical practices throughout the production process. This way, GOTS covers the life cycle of textiles from crops through processing to printing and finishing.

The primary focus of the GOTS criteria is on the proportion of organic fibres, environmentally friendly production practices and responsible management of natural resources and waste. The use of hazardous chemicals is prohibited throughout the production process, whether in the form of harmful pesticides during cultivation or toxic paints during subsequent processing steps. The GOTS system also sets out requirements for a safe working environment and fair pay for workers.