Certifications
Every manufacturer on The Sustainable Link lists the certifications behind their sustainability claims. Here is a plain-English guide to each one — what it covers, who verifies it, and why it matters.
Global Organic Textile Standard
The leading standard for organic fibres. It covers the entire supply chain — from harvesting the raw material to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing — and requires at least 70% certified organic fibres.
Global Recycled Standard
Verifies recycled content in a product (minimum 20%) and tracks it through the supply chain. It also sets requirements for social and environmental practices and chemical restrictions in production.
Organic Content Standard
Verifies the presence and amount of organically grown material in a final product and tracks the flow of the raw material from source to finished item. Unlike GOTS, it does not cover processing chemicals or social criteria.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
One of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. If a fabric carries it, every component — thread, buttons, prints — has been tested and found harmless to human health.
bluesign® system
Focuses on the production process itself: it works to eliminate harmful substances from the very beginning of manufacturing, setting standards for resource use, worker safety and consumer safety.
Fairtrade International
Guarantees better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. For cotton, it means growers receive a minimum price plus a Fairtrade Premium for community investment.
Certified B Corporation
A company-wide certification measuring a business's entire social and environmental impact — from worker benefits and supply chain practices to governance and transparency. Companies must meet a verified score and re-certify regularly.
Cradle to Cradle Certified®
Assesses products across five categories: material health, material re-use, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. The goal is products designed for a circular economy, where materials stay in use.
EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
The European Union's premium environmental management instrument. Organisations commit to continuously improving their environmental performance and publish independently verified environmental statements.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management
An international standard for environmental management systems. It doesn't set performance targets itself, but certifies that a company has a structured, audited system for managing and reducing its environmental impact.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
The highest level of the world's most widely used green building rating system. A LEED Platinum factory meets top standards for energy efficiency, water use, materials and indoor environmental quality.
Leather Working Group
The leading environmental certification for leather manufacturers. It audits tanneries on water and energy use, waste management, chemical control and traceability, awarding gold, silver or bronze ratings.
Responsible Wool Standard
Ensures wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to land management and from sheep treated according to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. The certified wool is tracked through the supply chain.
SA8000 Social Accountability
The leading social certification for decent workplaces. It covers child labour, forced labour, health and safety, freedom of association, discrimination, working hours and fair remuneration.
Supplier Ethical Data Exchange
A membership platform where suppliers share ethical audit data (SMETA audits) with buyers. It covers labour standards, health and safety, environment and business ethics, improving transparency in supply chains.
Browse our directory to see which certifications each manufacturer holds.
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