FSC, GOTS, FAIRTRADE – for sure you have seen these certifications and labels recently when shopping. Of course there are much more of them for sustainable products – be it food, furniture, clothes, cosmetics or cleansing products. Nevertheless, with the number of available certifications it gets tougher to keep an overview.

With today’s article we would like to create a little bit more clarity, so that you know what you can pay attention to with your next purchase. Nevertheless, we cannot describe all available seals here, we have chosen some especially demanding for you.

Organic farming & good food

EU-bio-label

The bio-label of the EU is a good start, but it gets even better! The label regulates the number of animals per hectare, species-appropriate keeping, requirements for the biological animal feed, the application of antibiotics, the number of additives in processed food, the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and, in addition, forbids genetic engineering. All following labels go beyond the requirements of the EU.

Biokreis

The aim of Biokreis is to develop the ecological agriculture in Germany in the sense of a circular flow economy. Besides, the association promotes the cooperation between farmers and processing companies meeting ecological and social standards.

Bioland

The requirements for the production of Bioland certified products go far beyond legal demands. Bioland aims to promote organic-biological agriculture, with main focus on the preservation of fertile grounds. The label is to be found in Germany.

Demeter

Demeter is the oldest bio-association of Germany already active since 1924. Partner companies are governed by the strict regulations of the biodynamic agriculture characterized by the living circular flow economy and one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture. In the USA the label is represented under the name Demeter Biodynamic^®.

Naturland

The association Naturland is active worldwide and stands for high ecological standards for the production and processing of food. In addition, there are also social requirements that are abided such as for example the esteem of human rights and the prevention of child employment. You can find this label on products like milk, coffee and cocoa.

Clothes & textiles

Fair Wear Foundation

This label is about fair terms of employment in the textile industry. Provided that the participant companies pass the audits, they are allowed to use the label FWF. The label only conforms fair working conditions and does not statement about the environmental compatibility of the textiles or production processes.

GOTS

The seal belongs to the Group on Worldwide Organic Textile standards and certifies an environment-friendly and socially acceptable production within the textile industry. The main aim is the renunciation of chemical pesticides, the cultivation of natural fibers and a worldwide standard as well as controllable social and ecological norms of the complete production chain. Therefore, you find GOTS also worldwide on textiles 😉

Cradle to Cradle^®

The label certifies products not producing waste, because they are either biodegradable or can be fully recycled. There are five steps to be incorporated in the Cradle to Cradle® label, platinum describes the highest standard. You find the label in many European countries as well as the USA.

If you want to get to know more about fair fashion, have a look here:

Sustainable Fashion, part 1: What our attire has to do with the environment

Learn more about sustainable seals in part two. You find an extensive listing and explanation of worldwide used seals in the Ecolabel index.

Do you like this article? Share it!