Finding or sourcing sustainable fabrics is relatively easy, as compared to making sure that the fabric or textile has been ethically sourced and is safe for human skin. This is why manufacturers’ or suppliers’ certifications are one of the most important factors. As a consumer or designer, you may want to be fully educated about the fabric’s sustainability and personal safety and about any textile that was obtained by animal abuse. This introduces standards and certificates. They help customers in knowing their source, fabric traceability, and supply chain transparency.
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
Responsible Wool Standard is a certification owned by Textile Exchange. RWS is an international, but voluntary standard, with an aim to address animal welfare, specifically in sheep farms. To attain this certification, each stage of the supply chain is verified by a professional third-party body. Along with animals, the standard also makes sure progressive methods of land management are practised on the farms. The soil health, biodiversity and native species are protected.
The certification also ensures that the identity of the RMS mohair is maintained at all times
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Global Recycled Standard, owned by Textile Exchange, is a voluntary certification for the purpose of tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product. This standard stands valid for the supply chainand addresses traceability, chemical content, as well as social and environmental practices. It covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all products made with a minimum of 20% recycled material.
This certification allows textile manufacturers to verify the recycled content of their products, and be responsible towards the environment, society and chemical practices. The goal of this standard is to encourage innovation in the use of recycled materials, to establish more transparency in the supply chain, and to provide better information to consumers.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a certification for textiles to verify that they have been tested for harmful substances and chemicals. It has a globally standardised test criterion, and complies with international requirements and regulations. OEKO-TEX categorises products into 4 classes. These classes start from Class I, which includes products for infants and toddlers, to Class IV, which includes products that have zero to minimal contact with the skin, such as upholstery materials
How These Certifications Work Together
Why Certifications Matter More Than Ever
The regulations and concerns around the concept of sustainability are way more than they ever were. There is also a shift in consumer perspective, and everyone wants to be consuming materials that are not fast fashion and are environmentally responsible. In such a case, to help brands and manufacturers establish their validity and relevance, these certifications help brands and manufacturers:
Also Read: Sustainable Fabric Sourcing in India.
Final Thoughts
A lot of textile certifications are optional, but in today’s international textile industry, they are essential to build trust and reliability. Certifications help to address the growing concerns of consumers regarding product safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing. Manufacturers such as Kochartex understand how important it is to fulfill all of these
expectations by making sure their fabrics comply with current industry standards. Kochartex shows its commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction by integrating its practices with globally accepted certifications. Brands and consumers can promote a more responsible and future-ready textile sector by being informed of what each certification stands for.
No, RWS is a voluntary standard, but it is widely adopted by brands committed to ethical wool sourcing.
A product must contain at least 20% recycled material to qualify for GRS certification.
OEKO-TEX® focuses on chemical safety and human health, not sustainability claims such as recycled or organic content.
Yes. A single fabric or product can be certified under RWS, GRS, and OEKO-TEX®, provided it meets the criteria for each standard.
They ensure transparency, credibility, and independent verification of claims across the supply chain.
