In the same way that we have newspaper headlines not always supported by the articles underneath, we live in a world where clothes are described as eco-friendly when they are not. There has to be a better way but for now we rely more on the small print or logos on labels rather than product names or descriptions.
Why sustainable fashion certifications matter
To help customers sort the wheat from the chaff, we have sustainable fashion certifications. As brands and their products get certified, they typically get a mark on their care label to provide customers with assurance that certain standards have been met. This boost to customer confidence can be the difference for brands when making a sale.
The definition of sustainable is sufficiently broad and with the global system not having been built from the ground up with sustainability in mind, it is perfectly possible to spend a lifetime perfecting one aspect of sustainability without making much headway on others. That in mind, there are a range of sustainability certifications that exist and it can be tricky to remember what they all focus on.
The Periodic Table of Sustainable Fashion Certifications
Inspired by the periodic table, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to the most important sustainable fashion certifications. Whether you're a brand looking to align with eco-conscious practices or someone aiming to make better purchasing decisions, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of sustainable fashion labels.
Just like the periodic table organises elements, our guide organises certifications into categories based on their focus. Here’s a breakdown of the key certifications you need to know.
[Note that references to brands usually refer to specific products or ranges (or perhaps even certain companies within that brand’s group) rather than certification of the brand as a whole.]
Can I trust sustainable fashion certifications?
“Who watches the watchmen?” is a quote that might ring a bell from the graphic novel “Watchmen” by Alan Moore.
The idea behind this is that there are people (the watchmen) tasked with making sure that bad things do not happen. However, being human and therefore existing with faults, these watchmen may inadvertently let bad things happen or be corrupted (even this can be inadvertent) into letting them happen. Thus prompting the question. Part of the answer is that it depends on the governance structure of an economy/ industry etc. but there may well be a regulator overseeing (i.e. watching) the work of the watchmen but we could equally ask the question of who watches the regulator? Is it possible to be completely satisfied that whoever is doing the watching is perfect?
We mention this because by covering the certifications below we are not endorsing them or claiming they are fault-free. We are after all a humble circular fashion brand and not a watcher of watchmen. Hanlon’s razor tells us that people’s actions are often explained by incompetence or carelessness rather than malice and so we should note that any criticism or judgments expressed below aren’t pointing at malice, especially if the organisations responsible course correct to address any reasonable constructive criticism e.g. around greenwashing.
In essence, we’ve sought to cover many (not all) of the more well-known certifications that are relevant to sustainable fashion. Some of these will seem under-utilised for reasons such as:
- the certifier has not sufficiently promoted the accreditation in fashion circles, or
- they’ve not presented relevant examples on their websites, or
- the accreditation is relevant early on in the product supply chain and so finished products do not bear the certification etc.
On the other hand, other accreditations will have deep penetration in the market despite some glaring issues. Sometimes, this is just about trying to address one aspect of sustainability and other aspects fall by the wayside as the general complexity of the world increases. Or in some cases, a different set of values are at play. For example, those who seek to reduce harm to animals, for example, may still result in the animals being killed, which doesn’t sound all that great to us. But to the extent that there is some reduction in harm qualified such an accreditation for this roundup.
So it goes. No single certification is perfect.
With that in mind, please consider this periodic table a starting point for your journey into learning about the various certifications in use today. Just like the elements in the actual periodic table have their properties, perhaps you’ll discover which of these certifications are truly valuable (perhaps like gold or platinum), which are bland (like noble gases), and which smell a bit (like sulphur or livermorium apparently)!
ANIMAL WELFARE
Vegan
1. Certified Vegan
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- Accredited by: Vegan Action
- Used for: Food, beverages, home and personal care, fashion, and accessories
- Examples of brands with certified products: Nagaba
- Why it matters: This label ensures no animal products or by-products are used (leather, fur, silk, feathers, down, bone, horn, shell, wool, cashmere, shearling, angora, animal skin, suede, or mohair), appealing to ethically conscious shoppers. Launched in the 1990s, Certified Vegan was one of the first certifications to cater specifically to vegan consumers. It has also become a hallmark for brands committed to cruelty-free practices, as the stamp guarantees products have not been tested on animals. The certification process involves thorough audits of supply chains to ensure compliance with vegan standards, making it a reliable choice for consumers. Note that the accreditation only accepts applications from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and U.S. territories.
2. The Vegan Trademark
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- Accredited by: The Vegan Society
- Used for: Cosmetics, clothing, food, drink, household items, etc.
- Examples of brands with certified products: Asda George, MoEa, Mountain Warehouse
- Why it matters: A globally recognised symbol for vegan products that ensures no animal exploitation. The Vegan Trademark was introduced in 1990 by The Vegan Society, the organisation that coined the term "vegan" in 1944. It has since become a gold standard for vegan certification, covering a wide range of industries. The trademark’s strict criteria ensure that no animal-derived ingredients or testing are involved, making it a trusted choice for ethical consumers.
3. V-Label
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- Accredited by: European Vegetarian Union (EVU) along with partner organisations
- Used for: Vegan and vegetarian fashion products
- Examples of companies with certified products: Desserto, Grune Erde, Grup Moron
- Why it matters: The V-Label certifies that products are free from animal-derived materials, making it a trusted choice for vegan and vegetarian consumers. Established in 1996, the V-Label has become one of the most recognised vegan certifications globally. It was created to standardise vegan labeling and provide transparency for consumers. Over the years, it has expanded to include not only food but also fashion, cosmetics, and other consumer goods. Its rigorous standards ensure that no animal testing or exploitation occurs at any stage of production.
4. PETA-Approved Vegan
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- Accredited by: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
- Used for: Vegan fashion and accessories
- Examples of brands with certified products: The Kooples, Hugo Boss, Ecoalf
- Why it matters: PETA’s certification guarantees that a product does not contain animals or animal-related materials. Introduced in the early 2000s, PETA-Approved Vegan has become a popular certification for brands looking to appeal to animal rights advocates. PETA’s global reach and reputation make any certification featuring its name a powerful tool (notwithstanding PETA’s own controversial reputation); other certifications include PETA’s Cruelty-Free and PETA Approved Vegan Global Animal Test Policy.
Animal Standards
5. Fur Free Retailer
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- Accredited by: Fur Free Alliance
- Used for: Brands committing to fur-free policies
- Examples of brands with certified products: Gucci, Armani, H&M
- Why it matters: This certification ensures that brands do not use fur in their products, promoting animal welfare. Launched in 2006, the Fur Free Retailer program has grown to cover over 1,500 brands worldwide. It was created in response to growing concerns about the ethical and environmental impacts of fur production. The certification requires brands to sign a legally binding agreement, ensuring long-term commitment to fur-free policies.
6. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
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- Accredited by: Textile Exchange
- Used for: Wool products
- Examples of brands with certified products: Ralph Lauren, Everlane, Patagonia
- Why it matters: RWS ensures that wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on. Introduced in 2016, RWS was developed to address concerns about animal treatment and environmental degradation in the wool industry. The certification recognises better farm practices, including the prohibition of mulesing and sustainable grazing methods. But RWS does allow painful practices such as castration and tail docking and doesn’t address off-farm slaughter.
7. Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
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- Accredited by: Textile Exchange
- Used for: Down and feather products
- Examples of brands with certified products: Belstaff, Berghaus, TOG24
- Why it matters: RDS guarantees that down and feathers are sourced from animals that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm (principally no force-feeding and no live-plucking). Launched in 2014, RDS was developed in collaboration with industry leaders to address concerns about live-plucking and force-feeding in the down industry but RDS has been challenged on some of its claims.
8. ZQ Certified
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- Accredited by: New Zealand Merino Company (NZM)
- Used for: Ethical wool production
- Examples of brands with certified products: Allbirds
- Why it matters: The ZQ certification comprises five values: animal welfare, environmental sustainability, quality fibre, traceable to source and social responsibility. Established in New Zealand in 2007, ZQ Certified has since expanded globally, promoting sustainable wool production. Due to NZM’s collaboration with Textile Exchange on the development of RWS, farms audited and compliant to ZQ after April 2021 will also simultaneously be audited to and be in conformity with the RWS.
FAIR & ETHICAL
9. Fairtrade Certified
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- Accredited by: Fairtrade International
- Used for: Fairtrade cotton and textiles, food commodities, and flowers
- Examples of brands with certified products: Nudie Jeans, Terra Thread, Conscious Step
- Why it matters: This certification promotes fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers with audits performed by FLOCERT. Established in 1997, Fairtrade Certified has become one of the most recognised fair trade labels globally. It focuses on empowering farmers and workers in developing countries, ensuring they receive fair prices and premiums for community development. Over time, Fairtrade has somewhat lost its lustre with critics complaining that the costs of getting certified are high leaving the poorest producers uncertified and those that are certified are not necessarily benefitting with significantly higher incomes among other issues.
10. WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization)
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- Accredited by: World Fair Trade Organization
- Used for: Fashion, home decor, food and beverages, and beauty and wellness
- Examples of brands with certified products: People Tree, Pachacuti, Global Mamas
- Why it matters: WFTO guarantees that brands adhere to ten fair trade principles and International Labour Organisation conventions. Founded in 1989, WFTO is a global network of organisations committed to fair trade. Compliance is monitored through a self-assessment report, monitoring audit, improvement plan, and desk audit.
11. SA8000
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- Accredited by: Social Accountability International (SAI)
- Used for: Ethical workplace conditions
- Examples of brands with certified products: Eileen Fisher, Gucci
- Why it matters: SA8000 sets standards for decent working conditions, including child labour, forced labour, and health and safety. Introduced in 1997, SA8000 was one of the first certifications to focus on social accountability in the workplace. It is based on international labour standards and human rights principles, ensuring fair treatment of workers. SA8000’s auditing process makes it the most well-known choice for brands committed to ethical labour practices but it still suffers from the tragedy of the Ali Enterprises fire.
12. Fair for Life
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- Accredited by: Ecocert
- Used for: Fairtrade and ethical supply chains
- Examples of brands with certified products: N/A - typically the accreditation is sought at the manufacturer level
- Why it matters: This certification ensures fair wages and ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Established in 2006 by the Swiss Bio-Foundation in cooperation with the IMO Group, Fair for Life was taken over by the Ecocert Group in 2014 to meet a specific demand from organic farming stakeholders. The certification focuses on social responsibility and fair trade principles. It was one of the first certifications to extend beyond food and agriculture to include textiles and fashion.
13. Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)
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- Accredited by: WRAP
- Used for: Ethical manufacturing practices
- Examples of brands with certified products: Gildan but note that brands and retailers themselves cannot be WRAP-certified (only individual production units can be).
- Why it matters: WRAP was founded in 2000 to promote ethical, safe, and lawful production in the global apparel industry. The standard has 3 different certification levels and focuses on 12 principles, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental compliance. They declare a zero-tolerance policy, which means that if any factory is proven to violate the 12 principles, it will lose its certification for good. However, WRAP has been called out for being involved in some scandals where certified companies violated these principles, such as harassment cases and unpaid wages, and WRAP hasn’t taken responsibility either through revoking certifications or in another manner.
PRODUCTION
Regenerative
14. Regenerative Organic
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- Accredited by: Regenerative Organic Alliance
- Used for: Regenerative agriculture in fashion
- Examples of brands with certified products: Eileen Fisher, Outerknown, Patagonia
- Why it matters: This certification focuses on the global food system shift into one that respects land and animals, empowers people, and restores communities and ecosystems. Launched in 2017, Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) builds on the USDA organic certification standard, but adds the 3 pillars of regenerative farming: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. ROC is led by trusted organisations and brands in the industry like the Rodale Institute and Dr. Bronner’s and is a leading certification for brands committed to regenerative agriculture.
15. Certified Regenerative
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- Accredited by: A Greener World
- Used for: Regenerative farming practices
- Examples of brands with certified products: Typically farms rather than brands
- Why it matters: Certified Regenerative promotes regenerative farming practices, which restore ecosystems and improve soil health. Introduced in 2020, Certified Regenerative also focuses on better treatment of workers and animals. The certification is gaining traction among brands looking to adopt regenerative practices in their supply chains. While organic isn’t required, Certified Regenerative incorporates their Certified Animal Welfare Approved standards.
Organic
16. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
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- Accredited by: Global Standard gGmbH
- Used for: Organic fibers, textiles, and clothing
- Examples of brands with certified products: Everlane, Stanley Stella, Hobbs
- Why it matters: GOTS ensures that textiles are made from at least 70% organic fibres and meet strict environmental and social standards. Established in 2006, GOTS is one of the most comprehensive certifications for organic textiles. It covers the entire supply chain, from harvesting raw materials to labeling finished products. GOTS’s rigorous standards make it a trusted choice for brands and consumers.
17. Organic Content Standard (OCS)
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- Accredited by: Textile Exchange
- Used for: Organic material tracking
- Examples of brands with certified products: Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Patagonia
- Why it matters: OCS verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a product – it doesn’t certify the raw material itself. Depending on the proportion of organic material in the product’s final composition, there are two levels of OCS certification: OCS 100 which certifies that a product contains more than 95% of organic fibres and OCS blended which certifies that a product contains between 5% and 95% of organic fibres. Launched in 2013, OCS provides transparency for brands and consumers by tracking organic content through the supply chain with a credible system.
18. Soil Association
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- Accredited by: Soil Association (UK)
- Used for: Food, farming, forestry, fashion, beauty and wellbeing
- Examples of brands with certified products: Rapanui, Greenfibres
- Why it matters: Ensures organic farming practices and sustainable production methods. Founded in 1946, the Soil Association is one of the oldest organic certifiers. Its textile standards focus on environmental sustainability, fair labour practices, and animal welfare. The certification is most commonly recognised in the UK and Europe.
19. USDA Organic
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- Accredited by: United States Department of Agriculture
- Used for: Fibres, food, cosmetics and skincare
- Examples of brands with certified products: Patagonia
- Why it matters: USDA Organic certification guarantees that products meet strict organic farming standards. Introduced in 2002, USDA Organic is one of the most recognised certifications in the U.S. It ensures that cotton and textiles are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or GMOs. However, USDA certifies only the raw, agricultural fibre and not the finished, processed textile. The label has lost a bit of trust throughout the years for reasons such as required standards not being upheld, but it seems to still hold a well-known reputation overall.
Safety Assurance
20. Blue Angel
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- Accredited by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment
- Used for: Textiles, household, construction, heating/energy etc
- Examples of brands with certified products: Klaamotte GmbH
- Why it matters: Blue Angel certifies low environmental impact and high safety standards. Established in 1978, Blue Angel is one of the oldest eco-labels. It focuses on reducing harmful chemicals, conserving resources, and promoting sustainable production.
21. Bluesign
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- Accredited by: Bluesign Technologies AG
- Used for: Sustainable textile production
- Examples of brands with certified products: prAna, Vaude, Helly Hansen
- Why it matters: Bluesign ensures textiles are produced with minimal environmental impact by evaluating the entire production chain from raw materials to finished products. To be approved, garments must use 90% Bluesign-approved fabric, and 30% approved accessories (if applicable). Founded in 2000, Bluesign focuses on 5 principles: resource productivity, consumer safety, air emissions, water emissions, and occupational health and safety. It’s one of the most recognised labels in the apparel industry.
22. OEKO-TEX
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- Accredited by: International OEKO-TEX® Association
- Used for: Textiles, fabrics, and clothing
- Examples of brands with certified products: Pomp, Patagonia, Tentree
- Why it matters: OEKO-TEX is not to be confused with an organic certification; it guarantees that an end product is free from harmful substances. They offer 6 different certifications but the most popular is Standard 100, where certified end-products are free from over 100 substances that are harmful to people and the environment. Established in 1992, OEKO-TEX is one of the most recognised certifications for textile safety. Its standards are updated annually to reflect the latest scientific research, ensuring consumer safety.
23. EU Ecolabel
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- Accredited by: European Union
- Used for: A wide range of goods and services
- Examples of brands with certified products: Lenzing
- Why it matters: The EU Ecolabel evaluates a product’s lifecycle and certifies those with a reduced environmental impact and high standards. Introduced in 1992 by the European Commission, the EU Ecolabel promotes Europe’s transition to a circular economy. It focuses on reducing water and energy consumption, minimising waste, and avoiding harmful chemicals.
CLIMATE ACTION
24. The Climate Label
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- Accredited by: The Change Climate Project
- Used for: Carbon footprint reduction
- Examples of brands with certified products: Allbirds, MATE the Label, Will’s Vegan Store
- Why it matters: The Change Climate Project is a nonprofit working to eliminate carbon emissions. . Launched in 2007 as the Climate Neutral Certified label, the original approach was focused on carbon neutrality but since 2025 they changed their name to The Climate Label and shifted their approach beyond neutrality. The Climate Label now involves an internal carbon fee and the certification is based on an examination of active corporate funding of carbon-reducing projects. It even has restricted sectors that cannot get certified such as fossil fuel producers, extractive industries, and cryptocurrency.
25. Climate Partner
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- Accredited by: Climate Partner
- Used for: Carbon-neutral products
- Examples of brands with certified products: Lenzing, Sanvt, Courir
- Why it matters: Climate Partner enables brands to offset their carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Founded in 2006, ClimatePartner has become a leading provider of carbon offset solutions.
PACKAGING
26. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
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- Accredited by: Forest Stewardship Council
- Used for: Wood, paper and wood-based materials
- Examples of brands with certified products: Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, H&M
- Why it matters: FSC aims to set forest management standards for any wood-based material, from protecting endangered species and promoting biodiversity to prohibiting deforestation and restricting the use of hazardous pesticides. Established in 1993, FSC is one of the most recognised certifications for sustainable forestry. However, it has come under criticism for reasons such as failing to protect forests and not having an effect on deforestation.
27. Compostability Label
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- Accredited by: European Bioplastics
- Used for: Compostable packaging
- Examples of brands with certified products: applied to packaging brands rather than fashion brands
- Why it matters: This label certifies that packaging is industrially compostable according to the European standard EN13432. This means that as long as the packaging of the certified item was disposed of correctly to be composted industrially, it will break down back into the environment.
28. OK Compost
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- Accredited by: TÜV Austria
- Used for: Compostable materials
- Examples of brands with certified products: applied to packaging brands rather than fashion brands
- Why it matters: OK Compost ensures that materials break down safely in either industrial composting facilities or in a home compost. Their two labels reflect this: OK Compost Industrial and OK Compost Home. Established in 1998, OK Compost is one of the most recognised certifications for compostable materials. Its standards are widely respected in Europe.
CIRCULARITY
Circular
29. Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™
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- Accredited by: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
- Used for: Circular fashion and sustainable design
- Examples of brands with certified products: specific products from G-Star RAW, Ralph Lauren, Tentree
- Why it matters: This certification evaluates the safety, circularity, and responsibility of products and how a company conducts business. Products are assessed across 5 categories: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Launched in 2005, Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™ is one of the most comprehensive certifications for circularity and seems to be globally recognised as credible.
Recycled
30. Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
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- Accredited by: Textile Exchange
- Used for: Recycled materials in fashion
- Examples of brands with certified products: Patagonia, Levi’s, TOMS
- Why it matters: GRS verifies the use of recycled materials and responsible production practices. For consumer-facing labels, GRS-certified products must contain a minimum of 50% recycled content. For B2B products, GRS-certified products must contain at least 20% recycled materials. The certification also addresses supply chains, climate-friendliness, and chemical contents. Launched in 2008, GRS has become a leading certification for recycled textiles.
31. Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
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- Accredited by: Textile Exchange
- Used for: Tracking recycled content
- Examples of brands with certified products: Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Patagonia
- Why it matters: RCS is intended for use with any product that contains at least 5% recycled materials, which is represented by a logo that states “Recycled Blended Claim Standard”. RCS has another logo that states “Recycled 100 Claim Standard” which certifies products that contain 95-100% recycled content. Introduced in 2013, RCS is used in the fashion industry to verify recycled content. Its standards are in the process of being unified with GRS, but both standards are the same except GRS is a more rigorous standard with additional social and environmental requirements.
32. Recycled Content Certification
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- Accredited by: SCS Global Services
- Used for: Recycled materials in products
- Examples of brands with certified products: applied to textile inputs e.g. yarn rather than fashion brands
- Why it matters: This certification verifies the percentage of recycled content (pre-consumer or post-consumer) in a product. A numbered certificate with specified recycled material levels is obtained. Established in the early 2000s, Recycled Content Certification is widely used globally.
How to use this guide
- For People: Use this guide to identify certifications that resonate with your values. Look for these labels when shopping to make sure your purchases are backed by sustainable practices.
- For Brands: Consider which certifications best connect with your mission. Obtaining these labels can boost your credibility to sustainably-minded people that could be interested in buying your garments.
The future of sustainable fashion certifications
The comic above is a meme that has persisted throughout the ages. The best ones have at least a kernel of wisdom about them. It’s entirely possible that the periodic table expands as new certifications (elements) are created (discovered). How close we are to the peak of the total number of certifications is unclear but at least in 2025 we should perhaps not be surprised if we “discover” more. On the other hand, seeing news that GRS and RCS are being unified is encouraging for those of us that wish to see more consolidation and therefore fewer certifications. With others on the list effectively running parallel schemes (RWS and ZQ certified), there exist other avenues to downsize.
The current political context where the US has formally withdrawn from the Paris Agreement may not appear to augur well for progress in sustainability but perhaps progress can be made without the US. Another meme that persists is that the EU excels when it comes to regulation. Perhaps the size of the market may allow the EU to be a centralising force that requires the fashion industry implement a single standard certification that is as pervasive as the CE mark. It is not entirely unreasonable to think that trading zones may end up determining the number of certifications, particularly if Trumpian tariffs lead to trade wars being an ongoing theme.
Final thoughts
Fashion is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global GHG emissions and let’s not forget about the bleak working conditions in fast-fashion sweatshops. With such a problematic backdrop, sustainable fashion certifications are more than just trendy insignias—they’re engendering a better industry. By understanding and supporting these labels, we can positively impact the planet and the people who make our clothes.
Ready to take the next step? Peruse our Periodic Table of Sustainable Fashion Certifications and start making more informed choices today. And why not share it so others can do the same? The more the better.
