Six key labels – quality seals for sustainable products
Raphael Zeller, Ruedi Thomi
Labels ensure transparency and help with purchasing decisions. Here, we present six key quality seals that are awarded to the more sustainable products in our range.
There are many different labels; below we present six of them in more detail. They highlight things like fair working conditions, animal welfare and manufacturing that takes a responsible approach to resources and the environment.
Fair Labor Association
This initiative aims to improve working conditions worldwide (and not just in the textile industry). The requirements are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Member companies commit to implementing the FLA Code of Conduct and introducing an internal monitoring system throughout the supply chain. The FLA checks compliance with the standards once a year. FLA member companies source from farms and factories in over 84 countries, representing over 4.5 million workers. You won’t find the label itself on the product labels, but accredited companies may display the FLA logo on their websites.
Responsible Wool, Responsible Down
These two labels focus on animal welfare. The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) guarantees the ethical origin of the down and feathers used and excludes, for example, live plucking or forced fattening of animals. There are annual third-party audits and RDS certification is applied across the entire supply chain. The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) addresses the welfare of sheep and the land on which they graze. The focus is on the five freedoms of animal welfare. The RWS requires all sites to be certified, from the sheep farmer to the manufacturer that uses the wool in their products.
ZQ Merino
ZQ Merino is a wool standard that takes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, fibre quality, traceability and social responsibility into account. It includes Merino wool and other wools sourced in Australia, South Africa, South America and New Zealand. It guarantees that the wool is free from mulesing, that requirements for the use of medication are adhered to and that precise shearing specifications are followed. ZQ is fully traceable to the farm where the fibre was obtained. ZQ bales are sent to a central wool warehouse where they are logged, tested and sampled to ensure quality standards are met.
Fair Wear Foundation
The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is an NGO that works with member companies in the textile industry to improve working conditions. It examines how well brands perform in relation to the FWF Code of Conduct (free choice of workplace, no discrimination in employment, no exploitative child labour, freedom of assembly and the right to collective bargaining, payment of a living wage, limitation of working hours, safe and healthy working conditions, legally-binding employment contracts). The brands’ efforts are reviewed annually. Members include around 147 textile companies representing around 140 brands. The Fair Wear Foundation operates in 10 manufacturing nations.
bluesign
Focussing on consumer safety and the environment, the bluesign system tests natural resources and chemicals used in textile production. bluesign takes a holistic approach to occupational health, safety and environmental issues in the textile and clothing supply chain. System partners are required to ensure a high level of safety for people and the environment, to use resources responsibly and to comply with binding emissions limits. They must also continuously improve their environmental performance based on the principle of the best available technology. The companies are regularly checked through on-site assessments to ensure the implementation of bluesign and to provide guidance for system partners. Products that have been processed at least 90 percent in certified factories may bear the bluesign seal.
There are of course more than these six labels at Transa. You can find a brief overview in our glossary.
Transa is a committed signatory to STS2030
Outdoors. The right way. In the future as well! Based on our understanding of our role, we aim to assume responsibility and contribute to achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030 is a voluntary initiative set up by a range of companies and organisations which helps us join forces with allies on the path towards a more sustainable economy.
Share the articleSix key labels – quality seals for sustainable products
- Free shipping from CHF 99
(With the TransaCard always free of charge)
- Secure and easy payment
- 14 days cancellation right