In the apparel industry, certifications play a significant role. It ensures that products meet specific standards related to quality, sustainability, ethical production, and safety.
But the question is – what are the top certifications recognized internationally?
Well, the most popular certifications and standards include ISO, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, WRAP, BSCI, and AZO-FREE. These certifications are essential for stakeholders throughout the supply chain, maintaining industry standards
Let’s learn about each of these certificates in detail, their significance, and why they are required in textile industries.
Top International Textile Certifications in 2024
After working in the garment industry for over a decade, we’ve done a lot of research on various certifications and standards. With that experience, Garment Diary is excited to share all the details about these important certificates with you.
Let’s get started!
ISO Certification
ISO Certification is a globally recognized endorsement. Since 1947, it ensures a company’s products, services, or systems meet international standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.
Given by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this certification means that a garment maker’s whole process—from getting materials to making clothes—meets strict global rules. For garment businesses, having ISO certification means better product quality, less environmental harm, and smoother operations. It also builds customer trust, showing that the company is dedicated to making top-notch clothes consistently.
GOTS Certification
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) focuses on textiles made from organic fibers, covering both environmental and social criteria. It guarantees that textiles are produced using organic materials, like organic cotton or wool, and meet environmental and social standards throughout the entire production process.
This includes everything from processing and manufacturing to packaging, labeling, trade, and distribution. This Certification is important for brands and manufacturers dedicated to sustainability and transparency in their textile products. It shows their commitment to high standards and responsible practices.
OEKO-TEX Certification
Oeko-Tex is a trademark owned by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. It is a system that tests and certifies textiles (like clothes, bedding, and other fabric items) to make sure they are safe for humans to use.
Products that pass these thorough tests earn an OEKO-TEX label, signaling their compliance with high safety standards. In summary, this global certification checks if the fabric has any harmful chemicals that could be bad for your health.
WRAP Certification
Another important certification in the garment industry is WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production). This certification focuses on social compliance in manufacturing facilities. It verifies that a facility complies with labor laws, workplace conditions, and ethical practices.
WRAP certification ensures fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment of workers. It is essential for companies aiming to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and ethical sourcing practices in their supply chains.
BSCI Certification
BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) focuses on labor rights such as fair remuneration, occupational health and safety, non-discrimination, and the right to collective bargaining. It is an initiative that aims to improve social performance in the global supply chain by monitoring and auditing ethical standards.
BSCI Companies that join BSCI commit to improving working conditions throughout their supply chains and undergo audits to ensure compliance with BSCI standards. This certification is crucial for brands seeking to ensure ethical practices and improve social sustainability in their supply chains.
AZO-FREE Certification
AZO-FREE certification verifies that textiles and dyes used in them do not contain AZO dyes. AZO dyes are synthetic colorants that may break down into aromatic amines, some of which are known to be carcinogenic or have other health risks.
AZO-FREE certification ensures that textiles are free from these harmful substances. It promotes consumer safety and compliance with health regulations. Azo-free certificates are typically issued by regulatory bodies, testing laboratories, or certification agencies that specialize in chemical safety and compliance.
7 Reasons Why Are Textile Certifications Required
Textile certifications play a vital role in various industries for several reasons. I have shared some of them below:
- Quality Assurance: Textile certifications ensure products meet durability, safety, and performance standards set by industry experts. They verify materials and construction methods to guarantee long-lasting and reliable textiles.
- Safety Standards: Certifications confirm textiles are free from harmful substances like chemicals or dyes that could pose health risks to consumers. They ensure safe usage and handling throughout the product’s lifecycle.
- Environmental Sustainability: Certifications promote eco-friendly production methods, such as using organic materials or reducing water and energy consumption. They aim to minimize the environmental footprint of textile manufacturing processes.
- Consumer Protection: Certifications provide consumers with confidence that textiles meet advertised claims regarding quality, safety, and origin. They help prevent misleading marketing and ensure transparency in product information.
- Compliance with Regulations: Certifications ensure textiles comply with local and international regulations concerning materials, manufacturing processes, and labeling requirements. They help manufacturers avoid legal issues and penalties in different markets.
- Market Access: Certifications are often required for textiles to enter international markets, demonstrating adherence to global standards and regulations. They facilitate trade and expansion into new geographical regions.
- Ethical Production: Certifications include criteria for fair labor practices, ensuring textile workers are treated ethically with fair wages and safe working conditions. They promote social responsibility in the supply chain.
Conclusion
ISO, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, WRAP, BSCI, and AZO-FREE certifications ensure textiles meet global standards. Businesses use these certifications to validate their commitment to excellence. Certifications provide a competitive advantage in a global market focused on sustainability.
They build consumer trust and reduce risks related to harmful substances in textiles. Certifications are essential for accessing international markets. Interested to know more about things related to garments and textiles? Stay tuned with the Garment Diary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is ISO in textiles?
ISO sets global standards for textile quality, safety, and efficiency. It ensures consistent manufacturing practices worldwide.
Which course is best for textile industry?
Textile engineering or fashion design courses are ideal for careers in the textile industry.
What is ASTM in textiles?
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). It develops textile standards. It ensures product quality, performance, and safety in various applications.
What is sustainable textile certification?
It verifies textiles meet eco-friendly criteria like organic materials, reduced environmental impact, and ethical production practices.
What is Higg certification?
The Higg Index is a tool. It measures sustainability performance across the textile industry supply chain, promoting environmental and social responsibility.
