Bluesign

Bluesign is a set of textile-industry regulations that take into account the entire manufacturing process of a textile, from the search for raw materials to the final product. More specifically, the bluesign standard ensures that no chemicals harmful to workers and consumers are used. It sets strict requirements for the consumption of water and energy resources, and even regulates the release of harmful emissions.

A company must commit to the bluesign system in order to gain certification. A bluesign-certified product must contain at least 90% certified fibres and 30% certified other materials. These products will always be labelled, authenticating certification.

Organic

Organic textiles include cotton, hemp, wool, and any other fibres that have been grown according to the strict standards of organic farming (without using synthetic pesticides, toxic fertilisers or GMOs, for example). Organic farming limits the impact of agriculture on the environment thanks to natural methods (compost, plant cover, crop rotation) that improve soil quality, use less water, and reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

For a garment to be considered “organic”, it must be accredited by an independent certification body which will take into account the entire manufacturing process, from the initial cultivation to the weaving of the fibre to the final garment.

Recycled

A recycled garment has been made in whole or in part from fibres that already exist. Examples include textile waste from a factory, clothing that has been repurposed, or salvaged waste materials like fishing nets and plastic bottles. The most common recycled fibres used in the clothing industry include nylon, polyester, cotton, and wool.

There are several certification bodies with varying standards. The independent certification body Ecocert, which has a strong presence in Canada, allows the RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) label on any product containing more than 5% recycled content.

Responsible Down Standard

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS for short) is an ethical standard that certifies that down feathers – used as insulation in coats, sleeping bags and other accessories – come from animals that have not been subject to abuse, such as live plucking or force feeding. Directly linked to the notion of traceability, the RDS standard oversees the entire sourcing process of companies, and ensures that the origin of down can be validated. Today, more than 60 companies have signed up to the Standard in an effort to adopt better practices.