It’s Not Easy Being Green

Cotton Plants

One of the biggest challenges I hear from designers today is that they would like to use environment friendly and/or organic fabrics for their collections and just don’t know where to go. Sound familiar?  I’ve heard from many of you wanting to know how you can be certain that the fabrics you are using have actually meet the criteria and are certified. Well after doing a little digging, I’m happy to tell you that I found the answer…

According to the Global Organic Textile Standard, textile products must contain a minimum of 70% organic fiber to be certified. All chemical inputs such as dyestuffs and auxiliaries used must meet certain environmental and toxicological criteria.  A functional waste water treatment plant is mandatory for any wet-processing unit involved, and all processors must comply with social minimum criteria. The standard is valid for fiber products, yarns, fabrics and clothing. It covers the production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, exportation, importation and distribution of all natural fiber products. The standard does not set criteria for leather or leather products.

In case you are wondering, the International group that worked on the Global Organic Textile Standard is made up of four organizations all of which have expertise in organic (fiber) farming as well as environmentally and socially responsible textile processing and manufacturing. The four organizations are The Organic Trade Association (OTA), The International Association of Natural Textile Industry (IVN), Soil Association (SA), and The Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA). They have come together to set some standards and let you know who meets the criteria.

The Global Organic Textile Standard website offers a new on-line database that lists all certified companies. The list also gives information about the types and quality of products that the companies sell. Pretty cool huh?