Sustainability Certifications
Have you ever spotted a little ‘eco’ label on a clothing tag and thought, "Cool... but what does this actually mean?" you're not alone. As sustainability becomes more central in fashion, the number of certifications have increased, each with its own set of criteria, focus areas, and credibility.
Let’s break it all down. Here are the key sustainability certifications in fashion and what they actually mean for your brand.
Why Certifications Matter
Sustainability certifications aren’t just pretty badges. They're external validation that a brand is meeting certain environmental and ethical standards. For fashion brands, they can:
Help boost consumer trust
Attract eco-conscious shoppers
Support transparency and accountability
Help brands track and improve practices
But not all certifications are created equal. Some focus on materials, others on labour conditions and others are just marketing fluff.
Your Cheat Sheet to Major Certifications
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Focus: Organic fibres + social criteria
Why it matters: GOTS ensures that textiles are truly organic from farm to finish, and that workers are treated fairly. It covers everything from pesticides to wastewater treatment.
Fair Trade Certified
Focus: Ethical labour conditions
Why it matters: This certification guarantees that workers receive fair wages, safe conditions, and community support, especially in developing countries.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Focus: Chemical safety
Why it matters: If your garment has this, it’s been tested for harmful substances. It is consumer-facing and focuses on the end product.
B Corp Certification
Focus: Holistic sustainability & business ethics
Why it matters: Not specific to fashion, but powerful. It evaluates an entire company’s social and environmental impact.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
Focus: Circular design and materials
Why it matters: Measures product safety, recyclability, water use, and more. Ideal for brands embracing circular fashion.
Other labels you might come across: Bluesign (chemical management), FSC (certified paper or packaging), and WRAP (ethical manufacturing).
Which One Should You Go For?
It depends on your brand values. If you're focused on organic fibres, GOTS is your go-to. If you're prioritising ethical production, Fair Trade or WRAP might be best. Want to show you’re doing it all? Consider B Corp.
Certifications can be costly and time-consuming, so it helps to choose strategically. The goal isn't to collect labels like Pokémon, but to communicate your sustainability values clearly.
Certifications Aren't Magic Wands
They don’t guarantee perfection. Some certifications have loopholes or weaker enforcement. And without a genuine sustainability strategy behind them, they can become tools for greenwashing.
Where Aya Comes In
At Aya Sustainability, we help fashion brands cut through the noise and choose certifications that align with their sustainability goals and values. We offer tailored consulting to help you prepare for audits, gather the right data, and integrate certified practices meaningfully across your business.
Because a label is only as strong as the story behind it.
