30 different certifications and systems. This can lead to lots of confusion, and also leaves a lot of room for greenwashing, a term that refers to businesses who make people believe that their company is doing more for the environment and people than it really is.

Sustainable certifications are also not mandated, and so brands who want to do the right thing in regards to sustainability must opt in to various organisations and audit processes.

Pictured: the Elevation Hoodie.   Our label P.E Nation is a member of the ETI Ethical Trading Initiative & Sedex | SMETA certification. 

We have broken down 5 ethical and eco-friendly certifications and what they mean so that you can be more informed when you shop, and can get a bit of an understanding what goes on behind the scenes to obtain different certifications. 

 Flora Merino Lite Cropped Singlet in Pink.  McIntyre Merino are certified with OEKO tex 

 

1. Ethical Clothing Australia Accreditation (ECA)

The Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation ensures that their members Australian supply chains are fully transparent and legally compliant. They Map Australian businesses supply chains all the way from from the design, pattern making, cut, make trim stage to dispatch. These audits are conducted by the Textile, clothing & footwear (TFC) Union. 

 

2. Oeko - Tex

The Oeko-Tex standard lets you know that the textiles you are buying don't contain any toxic chemicals. The Oeko- Tex system has four tiers and includes illegal chemicals, chemicals that are legal but which are considered harmful to health and chemicals considered generally safe, and chemicals that are safe. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 can be used over various production phases and the testing is done by independent inspectors. 

Pictured: Outland Denim Cream Ecru Jeans & P.E Nation Rematch Jacket | Outland Denim are certified with Oeke-Tex standard

 

3. Ethical Trading Initiative 

 The Ethical Trading Initiative launched to better oversee manufacturing centres to protect workers rights in global supply chains. All members agree to adopt the ETI base code of labour practice which is based on  standards of the International Labour Organisation which stipulate the following :

1. Employment is freely chosen

2. Freedom of association

3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic

4. Child labour shall not be used

5. Living wages are paid

6. Working hours are not excessive

7. No discrimination is practiced

8. Regular employment is provided

9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

 

4. Sedex-  SMETA Audit 

Sedex is one of the worlds leading ethical membership organisations that help organisations to improve global working conditions and supply chains.

The SMETA Audit is one of the most widely used ethical audit formats in the world. It audits all aspects of business practice including Labour, health, safety, environment and business ethics. 

5. GOTS - The Global Organic Textile Standard

GOTS is a worldwide textile processing standard for organic fibres, it includes social and ecological criterial which is supported by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from organic natural fibres.

Pictured: Maison La Biche Vivre Aimer Tee in White & LMND Chiara Pink Tie Dye Shorts. Our label Maison La Biche has the GOTS certification.