TEXTILE CERTIFICATES & SUSTAINABILITY PROOFS

Textile Certificates.

Textile certificates help to better classify statements on material origin, processing, social standards and environmental requirements. However, which standards are relevant for a project always depends on the product, material, intended use and supply chain.

  • Icon: Gs Checkmark Black White 1a Overview of Important Textile Standards
  • Icon: Gs Checkmark Black White 1a Classification by material, product, and supply chain
  • Icon: Gs Checkmark Black White 1a Difference between certificate, seal, and material system
  • Icon: Gs Checkmark Black White 1a Product-related evidence instead of blanket statements
Two people examining fabric samples with material cards detailing origin, supply chain, recycling, and pollutant testing, an example of how to classify textile certificates and seals

Appropriately chosen.
Clearly explained.

The GOTS certificate (Global Organic Textile Standard) is like a seal of approval for our clothing, helping us to identify environmentally friendly and fairly produced textiles. Imagine buying a T-shirt that is not only made from organically grown cotton fibers but also produced under good working conditions. GOTS ensures that everything, from the cultivation of cotton to its processing, is environmentally friendly and socially responsible. It also means that workers are paid fairly and work in safe environments. With a GOTS-certified garment, you are consciously choosing sustainability and fairness.

COMBINE MATERIALS & CERTIFICATES

Why Certifications Are Not Generally Comparable

Not every certificate evaluates the same criteria. Some standards relate to organic fibers, others to recycled content, pollutant testing, production processes, or social requirements in the supply chain. Therefore, it is crucial to classify the respective proof appropriately for the product and communication goal. On product pages, we only show certifications and seals related to the product — i.e., where they can be substantiated by concrete information, supplier proofs, or certificates.

IMPORTANT:
The mentioned brands, standards, and seals belong to their respective rights holders. A mention does not mean that every product we offer is certified accordingly or that a partnership with the respective organizations exists. The concrete product specifications are always decisive.

In the following, we briefly classify the most important certificates and seals.

Two people are examining a light-colored fabric, with spools of yarn and folded textiles in earth tones in the foreground, serving as an example of how certifications are product-specific and cannot be compared on a blanket basis.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

The GOTS certificate (Global Organic Textile Standard) is like a seal of quality for your clothing that helps you identify environmentally friendly and fairly produced textiles. Imagine you are buying a T-shirt that is not only made from organically grown cotton fibers but was also produced under good working conditions. GOTS ensures that everything from cotton cultivation to processing is environmentally friendly and socially responsible. It also means that workers are paid fairly and operate in safe working environments. By choosing a GOTS-certified garment, you are consciously opting for sustainability and fairness.

Global Organic Textile Standard – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) guarantees that textiles are made from recycled materials and are verifiably produced in an environmentally friendly manner. It covers the entire production process – from raw material extraction and processing to packaging. The standard not only checks the origin of the materials but also social criteria such as fair working conditions. For you, this means: With GRS-certified clothing, you actively contribute to a sustainable circular economy and support responsible textile production that conserves resources and protects the environment.

Global Recycled Standard – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

LENZING – ECOVERO & TENCEL

LENZING stands for sustainable fibers made from wood and cellulose, which are produced gently. ECOVERO is produced from sustainable forestry and uses up to 50% less water and energy than conventional viscose. TENCEL convinces with its silky-soft feel, high breathability, and a biodegradable fiber. Both fibers are particularly environmentally friendly and contribute to a lower carbon footprint. With LENZING-certified clothing, you wear comfort, quality, and sustainability on your skin at the same time – modern, conscious, and responsible.

Logos der Fasermarken TENCEL™ und LENZING™ ECOVERO™

Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)

The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) certificate is a seal of approval that advocates for fair working conditions in the textile industry. It ensures that clothing production takes place under fair and safe conditions. The FWF works with brands, factories, and other partners to protect workers' rights, guarantee fair wages, and rectify abuses. An FWF certificate means that the company is actively committed to social responsibility and ethical standards in its supply chain.

Fair Wear – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1

The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 guarantees the safety of textiles and dyes for human health. Continental Clothing thus further commits itself to environmentally friendly production methods in the manufacture of Earth Positive® Apparel T-shirts.

Oeko Tex Standard 100 – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

Carbon Reduction Label

Earth Positive is 100% organic with 90% reduced CO2 emissions. The CO2 reduction is achieved through gentle organic cultivation, efficient production and transport, and the use of renewable energies. Thus, an Earth Positive T-shirt saves approximately 7kg of CO2.

Carbon Trust – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

Soil Association Organic Standard

Earth Positive is 100% ecological with 90% reduced CO2 emissions. CO2 reduction is achieved through gentle organic cultivation, efficient production and transport, and the use of renewable energies. Thus, an Earth Positive T-shirt saves approximately 7kg of CO2.

Soil Association Organic – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

International Labour Organization

Earth Positive is 100% ecological with a 90% reduced CO2 footprint. The CO2 reduction is achieved through gentle organic cultivation, efficient production and transport, and the use of renewable energies. An Earth Positive T-shirt thus saves approximately 7kg of CO2.

International Labour Organization – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

Fairtrade Cotton

Fairtrade Cotton identifies cotton from Fairtrade-certified production and trade. A Fairtrade Minimum Price or the higher market price, as well as an additional Fairtrade Premium, apply to the cotton. The seal refers to the cotton – not automatically to all subsequent processing steps.

Fairtrade – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union. For textiles, it establishes criteria for, among other things, fibers, chemicals, and fitness for use. It is awarded only to tested products.

Eu Eco Label – GREEN SHIRTS B2B

SA8000

SA8000 is a social standard for companies and production facilities that is based on the core ILO labor standards. It is businesses that are certified, not individual products.

SA 8000 Zertifizierungssiegel für soziale Verantwortung und Nachhaltigkeit.

REFERENCES

How Material Choices Make Products More Credible

RTL logo
Pullover
Screen printing
For the RTL Group, we developed a modern corporate fashion solution that perfectly combines team spirit and individuality. Employees can personalize their own T-shirts and sweatshirts via a customized online configurator and order them easily.
Tedx Logo
Event T-shirts
Screen printing
For the renowned TEDx conferences, we produced custom event shirts using the durable screen printing method. Crisp details and a robust print ensure that speakers and crew make a lasting impression both on and off stage.
Sweaters & T-Shirts
Screen printing
For the long-standing company Tchibo, we created an exclusive textile collection as a custom order for resale, which meets the highest quality and sustainability standards for retail.

Frequently asked questions about materials, standards and sustainability.

FAQ

General

Certification & Standards

Which materials are particularly sustainable?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to that. The decisive factors are the type of material, origin, processing, durability, and area of application. The best choice is always project-dependent.

Is organic cotton always the best solution?

Organic cotton is an excellent choice for many projects, but it's not automatically the most sensible option for every product. Usage, finishing, weight, and care requirements also play an important role.

How do you choose the right material for a project?

We consider usage, refinement, feel, durability, budget, and desired sustainability criteria together. This results in a material selection that not only sounds good but also works in practice.

Can sustainable materials also be high-quality and durable?

Yes. Sustainability and quality are not mutually exclusive – what's important is the right selection and proper classification of the material within the respective product context.

Do you also support communication on sustainability?

Yes. We help classify material decisions and standards so that statements are communicated comprehensibly, credibly, and without exaggeration.

What do certifications actually signify?

Certifications make certain standards transparent, for example, regarding materials or manufacturing conditions. However, it's always important to understand what a certification specifically covers – and what it does not.

Does every project require certified materials?

Not necessarily. What matters is which requirements a project meets, which target group is addressed, and which standards are important internally or externally.

How do you avoid greenwashing?

By not working with blanket promises, but by specifically classifying and transparently communicating materials, evidence, and project goals.

PROCESS & IMPLEMENTATION

From initial idea to delivery.

Clearly managed.

You don't need to know all the details before contacting us. We will help you to bring your needs, product selection, finishing, timing and implementation into a clear process.

Unser Workflow für Nachhaltige Merch Produkte – GREEN SHIRTS B2B
Icon: Step 1

Inquiry & Initial Consultation.

We clarify requirements, target audience, budget, timing, and product idea.

Icon: Step 2

Design, Pattern & Release.

You will receive suitable suggestions, mock-ups, and samples if required.

Icon: Step 3

Production &

Quality Assurance.

We coordinate finishing, production, and quality assurance.

Icon: Step 4

Delivery & Reordering.

Shipping, fulfillment, and reorders are processed centrally or decentrally.

Sustainable Corporate Fashion -

more than just a logo

True identification isn't created by a printed logo, but by a garment you never want to take off. We create textiles for you that rival high-end fashion brands in terms of cut, feel, and design. Whether it's precise embroidery, innovative digital printing, or a complete special production that perfectly reflects your brand DNA: We transform your corporate identity into a textile statement.

GOTS-zertifizierte Textilveredelung bei GREEN SHIRTS