In recent decades, sustainability has become an increasingly important topic. Consumers want to know where their products come from, how they are produced and what impact they have on the earth. Sustainability labels play an important role in this. Labels offer consumers transparency and assurance that the products they buy meet certain environmentally friendly and ethical standards. But what exactly are sustainability labels, and why are they so important?

What are (sustainability) quality marks?

Sustainability labels are certifications awarded to products that meet specific criteria in the areas of environment, ethics and social responsibility. These labels are administered by independent organizations that apply strict standards.

There are several sustainability certifications for wool products and sheepskins that guarantee that these products have been produced in an environmentally friendly and ethical way. Here are some important certifications:

 

 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS):

GOTS is one of the most recognized certifications for organic textile products, including wool. It focuses on organic production methods and fair working conditions. Products with a GOTS certificate contain at least 70% organic fibers. GOTS certification offers a guarantee for organic livestock farming and animal welfare, because GOTS is affiliated with IFOAM-Organics International , which has developed general organic standards, including agricultural certifications. Animal welfare and, for example, a ban on mulesling are part of this.

Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

RWS certifies that the wool comes from farms that respect animal welfare and treat their land responsibly. The organisations check animal welfare using various criteria, such as the animals being free from hunger and thirst, the health of the animals being guaranteed, there being a good relationship between humans and animals, and the animals being able to display natural behaviour. The responsible Wool standard also checks whether mulesing procedures are being used. In addition to animal welfare, the organisations also check whether farms apply progressive land management methods, protecting the health of the soil, biodiversity and native species. In addition, the quality marks also look at various social factors. The employees of the farms must be treated with respect and receive a fair wage for their work. An RWS certificate may only be used on products that contain 100% RWS certified wool and is therefore the only recognised international sustainable quality standard that monitors animal welfare in the production chain of woollen clothing.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

OEKO-TEX is a health label for textiles. The label tests textiles for harmful substances that can have an effect on the health of the consumer. Various product classifications are used for this, based on the intended use. For example, the requirements for baby clothes are stricter than for bedding. The label focuses mainly on health aspects, but also guarantees a certain degree of sustainability.

 

Bluesign ®

Consumers can trust that textile products with the bluesign label meet the highest standards throughout the entire supply chain, from chemical input to final production. Bluesign Technologies AG was founded in Switzerland in 2000. From the outset, environmentally harmful substances are excluded from the production process and can thus guarantee sustainable production. In this way, the end product also meets the highest consumer protection requirements worldwide. Bluesign takes into account all effects on people, the environment and the consumption of resources. The aim is to reduce the ecological footprint along the entire value chain.

At least 90 percent of a textile product must be Bluesign certified to be allowed to carry the Bluesign Product label. This includes in particular the inner and outer layers of a garment, including all prints. In addition, at least 30 percent of all ingredients such as zippers, buttons and embroidery must be Bluesign certified. The remaining maximum ten percent of the textiles and 70 percent of the ingredients that are not Bluesign certified must meet the strict limits of the Bluesign criteria for consumer protection.

The Global Recycled Standard

An international quality mark for recycled products. To obtain the quality mark, products must consist of at least 20% recycled material. In addition, companies must also meet various social and environmental requirements. Employees must be treated with respect and receive fair compensation for their work. With regard to the environment, the quality mark tests whether no chemicals are used that can harm people and the environment.

 

Woolmark Certification

Woolmark certification is a globally recognized seal of approval that indicates that a product meets the highest standards for wool quality and purity. Here are the key aspects of Woolmark certification:

• Quality and Purity : Products with the Woolmark quality mark are made from 100% pure new wool, which is of high quality and meets strict specifications.
• Testing and Inspections : To obtain the Woolmark seal of approval, products must undergo a series of stringent tests and inspections. These tests are carried out by the Woolmark Company and include checks on fibre strength, durability, shrinkage, colour fastness and composition.
• Environmental friendliness : The Woolmark certification also emphasises environmentally friendly and sustainable production practices. This includes attention to animal welfare in sheep farming, environmentally friendly processing methods and the avoidance of harmful chemicals.
• Consumer confidence : The seal of approval gives consumers the assurance that they are buying a high-quality product that has been sustainably and ethically produced. It also helps to identify and avoid counterfeit products.
• Wide Application : The Woolmark certification is used for a wide range of products, including clothing, carpets, blankets and other textile products made from wool.

The Woolmark certification gives consumers confidence that the products they buy are of the highest quality and have been produced ethically.

No mulesing

This certification guarantees that animals A "mulesing-free certificate" indicates that the wool comes from sheep that have not been subjected to the practice of mulesing. Mulesing is a controversial procedure performed on Merino sheep to prevent them from contracting myiasis (fly larvae disease). It involves removing a piece of skin around the tail without anesthesia, which is very painful for the animals.

The certificate guarantees that the sheep have been treated humanely and that alternative methods have been used to prevent myiasis. For example; selective breeding with sheep that are less susceptible to myiasis. Regular shearing and cleaning of the sheep. Or using insecticides and other treatments to combat parasites.

Choosing products with one or more of these certifications can help consumers make sustainable and ethical choices when purchasing wool products.

 

European regulations

In addition to the various quality marks and certifications, there are also agreements within Europe. The European Union (EU) establishes requirements and regulations that contribute to the functioning and stability of the Union. Here are the most important reasons:

• Consumer protection : EU regulations help protect consumers by setting common standards for product safety, labelling and consumer rights
• Environmental protection : The EU is committed to sustainability and environmental protection by implementing common environmental standards. This includes rules on emissions, waste management, nature conservation and climate change, in order to promote a healthy living environment.
• Social Protection and Labour Rights : EU legislation provides minimum standards for labour rights, such as equal pay, working time and working conditions.
• Economic Stability : The EU has rules for economic and fiscal coordination, especially within the Eurozone, to promote economic stability and growth. This includes budgetary rules, banking supervision and crisis management mechanisms.

By establishing common rules and standards, the EU can function more efficiently as a unit, boosting economic growth, protecting citizens' rights and contributing to sustainable development.

Brand overview

Finally, we would like to give you an overview of our best-known brands:

Texelana

"Wool has a fine and sustainable character. It is a residual product of the sheep and can be used for many purposes. From woolen clothing to warm slippers, but also the lanolin from the fleece is used for our care line. The versatility of this beautiful product fits perfectly with the mission of Texelana."

• Slippers and gloves: Are manufactured according to EU guidelines, requirements and agreements. Think of EU labour law, animal welfare and protection. But also the correct labelling of the products. Vegetable tanning is among others used, the products used are harmless to the environment, allowing the materials to be reintroduced into the environment.
    
• The Texelana sheepskins are tanned according to the REACH regulation as drawn up by the EU. This regulation was drawn up with the aim of protecting human health and the environment from risks that can be caused by chemicals.
• Made in Europe

2117 of sweden

“With 2117 you are doing something good for yourself without harming our planet.”

• Mulesing free
• Used polyester is made from 100% recycled PET bottles and textile scraps.

Aran Woollen Mills

“passionate about appreciating, respecting and protecting the world around us.”

• Mulesing free
• Made in Ireland

Dale of Norway

“Made to last”

• Mulesing free
• Factory energy source is from hydropower
• Bluesign certifies
• Made in Norway and Poland

Devold

“Because nature has the answer”

• Mulesing free
• Made in an Oeko-tex certified factory in Europe
• Recycling of product waste (clothing leftovers)
• co-owner of environmentally certified dye (C2C, European Eco Label, Nordic Eco Label, Oeko-Tex), which guarantees that Devold wool is free of hazardous dyes. All chemicals used in our products and packaging comply with the requirements of REACH, the EU Chemicals Regulation

Giesswein

“the merino wool innovators”

• Mulesing free
• Made in Europe
• 0% waste zero waste
• up to 90% recycled water in production
• 100% use of renewable resources (no more oil in the machines, this means that no fossil fuels are used for production)

Glerups

“ with respect for humans, animals and nature”

• Mulesing free
• Use zero waste “left overs” for slipper labels / or Christmas decorations / kitchen accessories.
• Made in Romania
• non-toxic chemicals used to dye our colors.

Ivanhoe of Sweden

“ sustainable down to the last detail”

• Mulesing free
• made in europe
• Bluesign certified yarn
• Windbreaker material Oeko-Tex® certified as Blue Sign®.
• paper labels are FSC certified.

Klippan

“ beautiful and sustainable”

• Mulesing free
• Klippan Spint dyes and weaves everything in its own OEKO-TEX® certified weaving mill.
• Almost all blankets/plaids have the eco-label

Woolpower

“sunstainability in our DNA”

• Mulesing free
• Made in Sweden
• OEKO-TEX Certificate
• Certificate ISO ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004
• Certificate 100% renewable electricity

Haflinger

• Haflinger stands for the highest quality standards in material, function and design. In addition, there is the connection with nature, loving attention to detail and the daily question of what can be improved. Where possible, natural materials are used, such as 100% pure new wool, cork-latex footbeds and vegetable tanned leather.