Top 28 Organic, Ethical and Sustainable Labels, Certificates and Marks
There are many organic, ethical, and sustainable labels, certificates and marks out these days. With that, there are so many different certifications businesses, products, and services can obtain to demonstrate their level of commitment to sustainable and ethical production and products-in fact, it’s sort of overwhelming.
What do they all mean? How do you sift through all the chatter and know which to trust and which connects with your values?
Here are our top 28 to look for:
Certified B Corporation
Certified B Corporations are businesses that balance purpose and profit. They must legally consider the impact of their decisions on their customers, workers, community, suppliers and the environment. They are a community of leaders by driving a global movement of people using business to do good.
Certified B Corp. businesses meet strict standards of verified environmental and social marks, public transparency and legal accountability. They work to accelerate a global culture shift to redefine business success and build a more inclusive, sustainable economy.
Some of the things they work towards are lessening poverty, a healthier environment, strengthening communities, creating more quality jobs with dignity and purpose and reducing inequality. B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater good- a positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment. Gallant International is a proud Certified B Corp.
The B Corp community values and goals are embedded in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence:
“ We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good. This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation - the B Corporation - Which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we believe:
That we must be the change we seek in the world.
That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.”
Click HERE to learn more.
2. Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade Certified focuses on building a model of conscious consumerism, with responsible business, to globally eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities.
Founded in 1983 by Paul Rice, 24 coffee farmers were recruited and agreed to sell their coffee on fair trade terms. Farmers received a higher income, freeing them to invest in things they could not previously afford, such as homes, electricity, and running water. The following year, even more farmers joined. And so on, and Fair Trade USA was launched in 1998.
Since then, The Fair Trade Certified™ has appeared on thousands of products and improved millions of lives, protecting land and waterways in over 45 countries. Purchases have sent $740 million to farmers and workers, and the amount grows daily.
Fair Trade empowers nearly 1 million farmers and workers. For example, currently, they encompass more than 1,250 responsible businesses. Because of this, 63% of consumers recognize the Fair Trade Certified seal-which is nearly twice as much as did in 2008.
Fair Trade has grown into a leading market-based model of sustainable consumption, trade and production. The success of core products like coffee attracted brands and retailers in other industries like home goods, apparel, etc. The Fair Trade model focuses on innovation and creating fairness and opportunities for producers worldwide.
Gallant International proudly supplies Fair Trade Certified bulk corporate gifts such as custom printed organic tote bags.
Products with the Fair Trade Certified seal means the product was made according to strict standards that promote healthy, sustainable lives, environmental protection, safe and equal working conditions, and provide community development funds:
Fair USA Trade Standards
Transparency-Fair Trade is the leading 3rd party certifier of fair Trade products in the US. The mark is trusted. Therefore, it is important that everything sold as Fair Trade. Certified™ is purchased according to their standards. To be able to verify that, the utmost transparency from their partner brands and traders. By verifying supply chains, and required reporting of fair Trade transactions, they are able to measure and support their impact.
Fair Trade Premium-The Fair Trade Premium allows direct investment into supply chains. The extra amount paid on Fair Trade Certified products goes toward helping the producers build strong, thriving, sustainable businesses and communities, which ultimately leads to higher quality products and goods.
Minimum Price Requirements- Minimum Prices are set for some Fair Trade Certified ingredients, which act as a safety net for producers when market prices go too low. To arrive at Minimum Prices, extensive, rigorous reviews of the market are done alongside and stakeholder consultations.
By buying Fair Trade Certified, consumers support products that come from farms that have been certified to provide fair wages and safe working conditions.
Learn more about Fair Trade Certified HERE.
3. Fairtrade America / Fairtrade International
Fairtrade America is the US branch of Fairtrade International. Fairtrade unites people such as farmers, traders, brands, retailers and shoppers to create a more equitable world through trade.
It is based on the Fairtrade Standards/Three Pillars of Sustainability:
Economic - Fairtrade sets economic standards for manufacturers to more equally distribute trade benefits. This includes paying the Fairtrade Minimum and Premium Price, requiring traceability of products by record-keeping, and trade relations transparency and providing pre-finance if requested by producers.
Social - Social Standards are typically at the Producer Organization or co-op level. Discriminatory, exploitative or child labor or nefarious employment practices are not allowed. The Standards cover things like the ability for workers to organize and democratic voting as part of their membership and working conditions (such as having work contracts)
Environmental - The environmental Standards aim to meet producers where they are both in terms of their geographical realities and their business growth while minimizing their impact on the environment. The Standards ban the use of GMO seeds and dangerous pesticides and encourage eco-friendly cultivation and protect natural resources. Organic farming incentivized through an increased Premium and Minimum Price.
The range of things Fairtrade does as a system is called The Theory of Change.
A Theory of Change describes the change that an initiative like Fairtrade wants to see in the world and how it will contribute to that change.
Fairtrade’s goal is a world where workers and small producers can have secure and sustainable livelihoods decide on their future and fulfil their potential. To achieve this, Fairtrade has identified three long-term goals
Make trade fair
Empower small producers and workers
Foster sustainable livelihoods
To achieve this, Fairtrade looks to bring about simultaneous change in four areas:
Small producer and worker organizations
Supply chain business practices
Consumer behavior
Civil society action
This is done by challenging US businesses to prioritize places and people instead of the products. They look to put money back in the hands of workers and farmers.
Unfair trade creates inequity; equitable and fair trade is a powerful way to level the playing field. Fairtrade America works with businesses to source products from Fairtrade certified producers that follow rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards.
Fairtrade is an independent, third-party certification organization that works with nearly 2 million farmers and workers, more than 2,400 businesses and countless consumers. They work to secure decent working conditions, fair prices and better terms of trade so that farmers workers at the beginning of the supply chain can fairly benefit from their efforts.
We at Gallant International specialize in Fairtrade Certified bulk cotton bags.
To know more about Fairtrade America, click HERE.
4. The Global Organic Textile Standard - known as GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed to define a global standard of requirements for organic textiles by leading standard setters.
Textiles certified to GOTS must have the credible organic content assurance to the consumer from raw materials to harvesting and environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and labelling.
GOTS was founded by international organizations with deep experience in promoting 'organic' and all had developed individual processing standards for organic textiles. GOTS came into being to harmonize the standards to one global set.
There are two GOTS label-grades you can obtain:
Label-grade 1: ‚ organic’: ≥ 95% certified organic fibers, ≤ 5 % non-organic natural or synthetic fibers. At Gallant, we use Label-grade 1
Label-grade 2: ‚made with X% organic’: ≥ 70% certified organic fibers, ≤ 30 % non organic fibers, but a maximum of 10% synthetic fibers (respective 25% for socks, leggings and sportswear), as long as the raw materials used are not from certified organic origin, a sustainable forestry management program or recycled.
GOTS certification builds upon four distinctive and key features:
Organic fibers
Ecological and social criteria
All processing stages
Third-party certifications
Below are few details on these four features.
Organic Fibers:
A textile product carrying the GOTS label must contain at least of 70% certified organic fibers, a product with the label grade 'organic' must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers. Fibers classified as Organic are natural fibers grown with no use of synthetic herbicides pesticides, or insecticides and GMOs (Genetic Modified Organisms) according to organic agriculture principles.
More on Organic Fibers Feature HERE.
Ecological and Social Criteria:
Environmental
Separation from conventional fibre products and identification of organic fibre products
Use of GOTS approved colourants and auxiliaries in wet-processing only
Processing units must demonstrate environment management, including wastewater treatment
Technical quality parameters for colour fastness and shrinkage for finished goods required
Restrictions on accessories
Restrictions on additional fibre materials
Environmentally hazardous substances prohibited in chemical inputs
Evaluation of toxicity and biodegradability for chemical inputs
Social (For detailed information on below 10 social criteria please CLICK HERE)
Employment is freely chosen
Freedom of association and collective bargaining
Child labour shall not be used
No discrimination is practised
Occupational health and safety (OHS)
No harassment and violence
Remuneration and assessment of living wage gap
Working time
No precarious employment is provided
Migrant workers
More on Ecological and Social Criteria HERE.
All Processing stages:
The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic fibers.
The GOTS certification system starts with the very first processing step in the textile supply chain. Textile processing is based on the conversion of fiber into yarn and yarn into fabric. For example, for cotton, ginning is the first processing stage, at which seeds are removed from cotton bolls.
The processing stages are:
First processing stage
Spinning
Weaving or knitting
Wet-processing (for example, when the textile substrate is dyed or colored)
Manufacturing
Trading
All steps in the processing, manufacturing and trading of organic textiles are covered by GOTS. All must be certified with the strict criteria based on the key features in order for the product to carry the GOTS label.
More information on GOTS processing stages can be found HERE.
Third-Party Certification
On-site inspection and certification of processors, manufacturers and traders is performed by independent Third-Party GOTS accredited Certification Bodies and forms the basis of the GOTS monitoring system.
It serves to provide a credible assurance for the integrity of GOTS certified textiles and is the last of the key features of GOTS certification.
Learn more about GOTS certification HERE
Gallant International makes GOTS Certified Bulk Makeup Bags and totes for brands and corporations of all sizes.
5. Fair Trade Federation
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is a trade association of fair trade enterprises committed to equal and sustainable trading partnerships. Support is given to members to grow the global movement of trade that values the well-being, dignity and equality of people and planet.
The Fair Trade Federations vision of the world is justice, equity, and sustainable development. The ideal is for all to be able to maintain a decent and dignified livelihood through their work.
FTF is committed to trade that includes sustainable practices, fair compensation, safe and healthy working conditions, direct and long-term relationships, transparent business practices, and workplaces free from discrimination and forced child labor.
They place value on open and transparent interactions and that a responsibility to maintain the highest standards and expectations of ourselves, and value organizations that aspire to fully embrace fair trade principles, including the application of economic, social, cultural, and environmentally sustainable practices.
Celebrating the contribution and value of all people in the supply chain, the Fair Trade Federation sees dignity in each person and organization and believe that people have a right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives based on open sharing of information.
They believe that both individuals and the whole are strengthened by communities grounded in trust, moral support, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.
The Fair Trade Federation Principles are:
Create Opportunities for economically and socially marginalized farmers and artisans. Fair trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development achieved through long-term trading partnerships.
Develop Transparent and Accountable Relationships with artisans and farmers to ensure that relationships are open, fair, consistent, and respectful.
Build Capacity of farmers, artisans, and their communities. FTF members invest time and resources to help producers build their businesses and create sustainable supply chains.
Promote Fair Trade by raising awareness about fair trade, educating customers and producers, and inspiring other businesses to adopt fair trade practices.
Pay Promptly and Fairly by discussing costs and pricing openly and honestly so that producers are able to earn a fair wage.
Support Safe and Empowering Working Conditions that are free of discrimination and forced labor. Healthy workplaces empower producers to participate in decision-making.
Cultivate Environmental Stewardship by encouraging responsible use of resources and eco-friendly production. FTF members reduce, reuse, reclaim, and recycle materials whenever possible.
Ensure the Rights of Children by never using exploitative child labor. FTF members support children’s right to security, education, and play and respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Respect the Cultural Identity of the farmers and artisans and celebrate diversity. Fair trade products and production methods respect the traditions of the local communities. Learn more about the FTF principles HERE.
By buying products with the Fair Trade Federation mark on it, you are supporting enterprises and the products that come from them that have been certified as valuing the well-being, dignity and equality of people, and the planet.
Gallant International Inc. is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation. Our products include Custom organic cotton masks, totes, aprons and more.
6. Action/Vegan Awareness Foundation
Vegan Action is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (FIN# 94-3224024) that works to eliminate animal suffering, reduce environmental impacts, and improve human health through a vegan diet.
They seek “ a happier, healthier, and greener world for all.”
Created in 1995, Vegan.org is one of the oldest and most visited vegan websites in the world. Their efforts over the past 25 years include certifying thousands of vegan products through their Vegan Certification Campaign.
According to Vegan Action, being vegan can save:
200 animals per year.
1.3 million gallons of water.
1.5 tons carbon emissions.
The Certified Vegan Logo is recognized and distributed globally. It is a registered trademark for products that:
Have not been tested on animals
Do not contain animal products
Do not contain animal by-products
To be approved for Vegan Certification, a product must not contain:
Meat, fish, fowl, animal by-products.
Eggs or egg products.
Milk or milk products.
Honey or honeybee products.
Insects or products from insects such as silk or dyes.
Sugar filtered with bone char.
Be processed with any animal products or by-products.
Products may not contain or be sourced from:
Leather, fur, silk, feathers, down.
Bone, horn, shell.
Wool, cashmere, shearling, angora.
Animal skin, suede, or mohair.
Sweeteners can’t be processed or filtered with bone char. Liquids like wine, beer, fruit juices and maple syrup, may not be defoamed, filtered, or clarified with animal products.
Products can’t involve animal testing of finished product or ingredients or by the producer, manufacturer or supplier, or independent party for any type of research including nutrition or feed trials or environmental safety, toxicity testing, or animal tests or trials to include third-party testing and may not be tested in the future.
Products can’t contain any animal-derived genes or animal-derived GMO’s to manufacture ingredients or finished product.
Companies must submit and be approved by the Vegan Awareness Foundation that steps were taken to thoroughly clean and sanitize all vessels, utensils, machinery and surfaces, used between non-vegan and vegan production cycles to minimize cross-contamination if shared machinery is used.
The certified logo helps consumers shop vegan without having to constantly read ingredient lists. It also helps to bring the word Vegan, and the lifestyle it represents into the mainstream and help companies recognize a growing market.
The Certified Vegan Logo can be found currently on thousands of products made by over 1000 companies.
By ingredients, Certified Vegan products are dairy-free/non-dairy, egg-free, and vegan. Many companies that make vegan products use shared machinery.
For those with food allergies, it is best to check with the specific company on their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is a concern. By seeing their logo, a consumer knows all contents of the product have passed certification.
Find out about the certification process HERE.
Gallant International specializes in Organic Cotton Aprons Wholesale. Our products are never tested on animals, do not contain animal products and do not contain animal by-products.
7. Forest for all Forever
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-profit organization that protects forests for future generations. They are a membership-led organization that sets standards under which forests and companies are certified. Their members are comprised of three equally represented areas, environmental, social, and economical.
The Forest Stewardship Council sets standards for responsible forest management. Using the power of the marketplace, the FSC uses the power of the marketplace to protect forests for generations to come.
People use forest products every day, as an example, the average American uses nearly six trees worth of paper each year. The FSC makes sure forests are responsibly managed. The FSC is the gold standard in forest certification and is the only system supported by groups such as WWF, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council and National Wildlife Federation.
Today, more than 550 million acres of forest are certified under FSC’s system, including nearly 155 million acres in the US and Canada.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has a set of 10 principles and 57 Criteria that apply to FSC-certified forests globally:
Compliance with Laws and FSC Principles - Forest management will respect all applicable laws of the country in which they occur, and international treaties and agreements to which the country is a member and comply with all FSC Principles and Criteria.
Tenure and Use Rights and Responsibilities - Long-term use rights and tenure to the land and forest resources will be clearly defined, legally established and documented.
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights - The legal and customary rights of indigenous peoples to own, use and manage their lands, territories, and resources shall be recognized and respected.
Community Relations and Worker’s Rights - Forest management operations shall maintain or enhance the long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities.
Benefits from The Forest - Forest management operations will foster the efficient use of the forest’s many services and products to ensure a range of environmental and social benefits and economic viability.
Environmental Impact - Forest management shall conserve water resources, soils, biological diversity and its associated values, and fragile and unique ecosystems and landscapes, and, by so doing, maintain the ecological integrity and functions of the forest.
Management Plan - A management plan — appropriate to the scale of the needs — shall be written, implemented, and kept up to date. The long-term objectives of management, and the means of achieving them, will be clearly defined, and stated.
Monitoring and Assessment- Monitoring will be conducted to the scale and intensity of forest management to assess the condition of the forest, management activities, yields of forest products, custody chain, and their social and environmental impacts.
Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests - Management activities in high conservation value forests will enhance or maintain the attributes which define such forests. Decisions regarding high conservation value forests will always be considered in a precautionary approach.
Plantations - Plantations will be planned and managed in accordance with Principles and Criteria 1-9, and Principle 10 and its Criteria. Plantations can provide a variety of economic and social benefits and can contribute to satisfying the populaces’ need of forest products, they should reduce pressures on, complement the management of, and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.
The use of the FSC logo means that the product comes from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable sources, supporting responsible forestry. The FSC label is used on products from timber and non-timber products, paper, furniture to medicine and jewellery.
Learn more about FSC HERE.
8. The Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization building an alliance to protect forests, improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities, promote their human rights, and help mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
The Rainforest Alliance works to create a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities.
They are an alliance of companies, farmers, forest communities, and consumers committed to creating a world where people and nature thrive in harmony. They bring diverse allies together, to make a deep-rooted change on pressing environmental and social issues. They implement scalable and proven solutions on the ground while testing innovative ways to drive change.
The Rainforest Alliance certification seal means that the certified product or ingredient was produced using methods that support the three pillars of sustainability: environment, social, economic.
Farmers are evaluated against requirements in all three areas before awarding or renewing certification by independent third-party auditors.
The Rainforest Alliance standards focus on four main areas:
Forests: Their certification and training programs promote best practices for preventing the expansion of cropland into forests, protecting standing forests, keeping trees, soils, and waterways healthy and protecting native forests.
Climate: Programs promote increased carbon storage through responsible land management while avoiding deforestation. Their agricultural training and certification programs have climate smart practices embedded in them that help farmers build resilience to erosion, droughts and flooding.
Human Rights: The Rainforest Alliance assurance systems provide robust strategies for addressing or assessing child labor, forced labor, low wages, poor working conditions, gender inequality, and the violation of Indigenous land rights. Independent studies show that workers on certified farms are more likely to have personal protective gear, better working conditions and labor protections.
Livelihoods: The economic stability of rural communities and ecosystem health are mutually dependent. Improving sustainable livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers and forest communities a powerful way to lift rural people out of poverty.
Certification has proven to bring measurable monetary benefits to forest communities and farmers globally. The Alliance chose the frog as their symbol for two main reasons. Frogs are bioindicators, which means a healthy population of frogs equates to a healthy environment (and vice-versa).
The Rainforest Alliance chose the red-eyed tree frog as its mascot because it is commonly found in the neotropics, where our founders first started working to protect tropical rainforests.
Their certificate seal tells consumers that business practices have met the standards set by the organization. Find out more about the Rainforest Alliance HERE.
9. Cruelty Free International
Cruelty Free International focuses on ending animal experiments worldwide. They investigate and expose the life of animals in a laboratory.
Cruelty International define animal experiments as:
“Injecting or force feeding animals with potentially harmful substances.
Exposing animals to radiation.
Surgically removing animals’ organs or tissues to deliberately cause damage.
Forcing animals to inhale toxic gases.
Subjecting animals to frightening situations to create anxiety and depression.”
Cruelty Free International works on changing policy to end animal testing globally. Their experts lobby and work with politicians and decision-makers across the globe.
They work to build strong popular backing for moving away from cruel and antiquated animal experiments in countries worldwide and developing constructive proposals for alternatives.
Cruelty Free International encourages the election of politicians open to change to finding solutions to end cruelty while protecting the needs of progressive, humane science.
Cruelty Free International approves cruelty free household, cosmetics, and personal care products under their Leaping Bunny program. To achieve the Leaping Bunny logo, brands must meet rigorous criteria which apply globally and exceed laws governing animal testing, including ongoing independent audits.
The Leaping Bunny program is regarded as the gold standard globally for cruelty free household, cosmetics, and personal care products. It is the singular internationally recognized program that:
Checks for brands being party-to animal testing, commissioning or conducting animal testing
Requires a system for supplier monitoring to be implemented by the brand;
Requires animal testing right down to ingredient manufacturer level along the supply chain
Requires acceptance of ongoing independent audits to ensure compliance and a fixed cut-off date policy.
Cruelty Free International works with a variety of corporate partners to create mutually beneficial partnerships that increase awareness and raise funds for their work.
Products or activities with this mark mean that no animals were tested, harmed or killed in the process or activity leading to the final product.
To learn more about Cruelty Free International HERE.
Gallant International custom makeup bags are made using 100% organic cotton. No animals are tested, harmed to make makeup bags.
10. Cradle to Cradle
Cradle to Cradle design also known as regenerative design is an approach to the design of products and systems that models human industry on nature's processes, where materials are viewed as circulating nutrients.
It focuses on keeping all materials in a continuous cycle, using renewable energy only and celebrates diversity.
Cradle to Cradles' design approach optimizes a product for function, quality, and aesthetic/beauty to fulfill the need of the customer.
Throughout the design of the product, the products' end is thought through as to how it can be disassembled and its materials broken down to be valuable to nature or to be sued as resources or for new products.
In the Cradle to Cradle process, every part of the product is designed to be brought back into either in a technical cycle or a biological cycle.
Besides material use and reuse, Cradle to Cradle also focuses using renewable energy only and celebrating diversity using nature as a role model of how to make use of diverse and local resources.
Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a globally recognized measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy.
To be certified, products are assessed for social and environmental performance across five sustainability categories: material reuse and health, carbon management and renewable energy, social fairness and water stewardship:
Material Health: This category helps to ensure products are made using chemicals that are as safe as possible for the environment and humans by leading designers and product developers through a process of assessing, inventorying and optimizing material chemistries. Manufacturers may also earn a separate Material Health Certificate for products that meet Cradle to Cradle Certified™ material health requirements.Material Reutilization: The material reutilization category looks to eliminate the idea of waste by helping to make sure products remain in perpetual use and reuse cycles from one product use cycle to the next.
Renewable Energy & Carbon Management: This category helps to ensure products are made using renewable energy so that the impact of climate-changing greenhouse gases due to the manufacturing of the product is eliminated to lowered.
Water Stewardship: The water stewardship category helps make sure water is recognized as a valuable resource, protect watersheds, and clean water is available to all people and other organisms.
Social Fairness: This category is to design business operations that honor all people and natural systems affected by the making of a product.
Products are given an achievement level (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for each category. A product's lowest category achievement equals its overall certification level. The standard encourages continuous improvement by awarding certification on the basis of ascending levels of achievement and requiring renewal every two years.
Products or systems bearing the mark mean they have adhered to all steps and can be completely broken down and brought back into another use.
11. Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is an international, voluntary standard that sets criteria for third-party certification of certified organic input and chain of custody.
The goal of the OCS is to increase organic agriculture production. The Organic Content Standard aims to provide the industry with a tool to verify the organically grown content of the products and to be used as a trusted tool with which to communicate organically grown content claims.
It seeks to provide organic fiber farmers access to the global organic market for their products.
Their key points are:
Verifying organic content- Only material from certified organic farms (under one of IFOAM’s Family of Standards) is accepted to the OCS.
Chain of custody maintenance-Certification makes sure that the organic content identity is maintained: from the farm to the final product.
Certification credibility, each stage in the supply chain is audited by professional, third party certification body.
Confident Communication-Once all requirements are met products may be labelled with the OCS logo
Stakeholder engagement. The OCS is managed with the input of suppliers, brands, producers and retailers from all parts of the world
The Organic Content Standard mark applies to any non-food product containing 95-100 percent organic material. It verifies the existence and quantity of organic material in a final product and tracks the flow of the raw material from its source to the final item of purchase.
Learn more about the Organic Cotton Standard HERE.
12. Global Recycled Standard
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is intended for use with products that contain at least 20% Recycled Material.
The GRS is an international, full product, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled Content, social and environmental practices, chain of custody, and chemical restrictions.
The goal of the GRS is to increase use of Recycled materials in products and eliminate or reduce the harm caused by its production.
The objectives of the GRS are:
Definition alignment across multiple applications.
Track and trace Recycled material inputs
Provide customers (both brands and consumers) with a way to make informed decisions.Reduce harmful impact of production to the environment and people.
Provide proof that materials in the final product are truly Recycled and processed more sustainably.
Drive innovation in addressing quality issues in Recycled material use.
Each stage of production is required to be certified, starting at the recycling stage and ending at the final seller in the last business-to-business transaction. Material Collection and Material Concentration sites are subject to document collection, self-declaration, and on-site visits.
The GRS does not address legal or quality compliance.
To find out more, click HERE
13. The Recycled Claim Standard
The Recycled Claim Standard is for use with any product that contains at least 5% Recycled Material. It is a voluntary international standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled input.
Production is required to be certified at each stage starting at the recycling stage and ending at the final seller in the last business-to-business transaction.
Material Concentration and Material Collection areas are subject to on-site visits, self-declaration and document collection.
The RCS does not address environmental or social aspects of manufacturing, processing and legal or quality compliance.
The objectives of the RCS are:
Alignment of Recycled definitions across multiple applications.
Trace and track Recycled input materials.
Provide consumers (both end consumers and brands) with a way to make informed decisions.
Assure with proof that materials are actually Recycled and in a final product.
To learn more, click HERE.
14. Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for product safety and harmful substances.
To earn this label, every component of the item, i.e., every button, thread, and any other trim, print, finish or coating has been tested for harmful substances. Passing means the article is deemed is safe to human health.
Independent OEKO-TEX® partner institutes conduct testing on the basis of an extensive OEKO-TEX® criteria catalog. The criteria is updated at least once a year and expanded with new requirements or scientific knowledge.
All textile articles in any and every stage of production are eligible for a STANDARD 100 certification. This ranges from thread to finished fabrics and finished garments.
There are several product classes. Classes are grouped by their end use and their requirements differ accordingly (for example baby products have different testing criteria than a rain jacket).
Product class 1: This product class includes products for babies and has the strictest requirements.
Product class 2: This product class is products which come into direct contact with skin, such as swimwear, underwear, mattresses, etc.
Product class 3: This product class includes products without or minimal skin contact, such as jackets, vests, belts, etc.
Product class 4: This product class includes decoration materials and covers things like products and accessories used for furnishing purposes, such as curtains, tablecloths, upholstery fabrics, etc.
To earn the seal, every component of any article has to comply with the strict OEKO-TEX® test criteria. The test criteria are globally standardized and are updated at least once a year on the basis of new statutory requirements or scientific information.
The tests are conducted, and the certificates issued exclusively by neutral and independent OEKO-TEX® test institutes. There is a number on the label so the consumer can check the validity of the certification.
15. USDA Organic
The USDA was formed in 1862 by President Lincoln. With a focus on providing leadership on agriculture, food, science, economic development, natural resource conservation and science, the USDA was dubbed by Lincoln as the "The People's Department”.
The USDAs’ goal is to provide economic opportunity, help rural America to thrive, promote agriculture production that better serves the US and helps to feed others globally and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, forests restoration, watershed improvement and healthy private working lands.
The USDA Organic portal connects people and businesses with organic programs, services, and educational materials that can help them. From the main portal, one can gain access to information about organic certification, training and financial resources and data and research. Each are is broken down into several subtopics.
USDA Organic standards
The labeling term Organic” means that the agricultural product or food has been produced through approved methods. Before products can be labeled USDA organic, specific requirements must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. They are:
Organic Crop Standards
For at least 3 years, before organic crop harvest, land must have had no prohibited substances applied to it
Soil fertility and crop nutrients will be managed through cultivation and tillage practices, cover crops, and crop rotations and may be supplemented with allowed synthetic materials and crop and animal waste material.
Crop diseases weeds, and pests, will be controlled mainly through practices involving physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these methods are not sufficient, a botanical, biological, or synthetic substance approved for use on the National List can be used.
Use organic seeds and other planting stock is a must when available.
Ionizing radiation, genetic engineering, and sewage sludge is prohibited.
Livestock and Poultry Standards
These apply to animals used for milk, eggs, meat, and other animal products represented, labeled, or sold as organic. Some requirements include:
Slaughter animals must be raised under organic management from the last third of gestation, or no later than the second day of life for poultry.
Livestock must be fed agricultural feed products that are 100 percent organic, but they may also provide permitted mineral and vitamin supplements.
Dairy animals must be managed organically for at least 12 months in order for milk or dairy products to be represented, labeled, or sold as organic.
Preventive practices must be used to keep animals healthy. Treatment for sick or injured animals cannot be withheld. However, animals treated with a prohibited substance may not be sold as organic.
Ruminants must be out on pasture for the entire grazing season, but for no less than 120 days. These animals must also get at least 30 percent of their dry matter or feed intake, from pasture.
All organic poultry and livestock are required to have year-round access to the outdoors. Animals may be temporarily confined due to documented health or environmental considerations.
Handling Standards
All non-agricultural ingredients, whether non-synthetic or synthetic, must be allowed according to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
In multi-ingredient products labeled as “organic,” all ingredients must be organically produced, unless the ingredient(s) is not commercially available in organic form and listed on Section 205.606.
Handlers must prevent the commingling of non-organic with organic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances.
Labeling Multi-Ingredient Products
Products sold must have at least 95 percent certified organic content to labeled, or represented as organic.
Products must have at least 70 percent certified organic content to be sold, labeled, or represented as “made with” organic. The USDA organic seal may not be used on these products.
Products with less than 70 percent organic content may identify specific ingredients as organic in the ingredients list.
What it means: Product certified USDA Organic has passed certification through the USDA.
To find out more, click HERE.
16. EWG Verified
Environmental Working Group was formed in 1993 in an effort to track harmful chemicals used in products and to drive companies to create healthier, safer products. At this moment, there are a total of 1809 products approved for the EWG VERIFIED™ mark. Their goal is for all products on the market to be free from harmful chemicals.
Most products available today are made using chemicals that were introduced several years ago. Over time, scientists have learned that these chemicals can be toxic and cause asthma, fertility problems, birth defects or cancer.
These chemicals may be present in things we use all the time like soap, shampoo, mattresses or furniture. In most cases, manufactures don’t have to disclose their ingredients to the consumer, so there is no way to know what is actually in or on what you are buying.
The EWG has been tracking chemical safety since their start and has routinely called out harmful chemicals and those that use them.
Here are EWG's criteria:
Products must score a "green" in EWG's Skin Deep® database. The “green” range of EWG’s Skin Deep® database is a 1-2 out of 10. The program’s database profiles products to make sure they do not contain EWG’s ingredients of concern, have fully transparent labeling, and are made with good manufacturing practices,
Products cannot contain any ingredients on EWG's "Unacceptable" list, i.e. ingredients with ecotoxicity and/or contamination or health, concerns.
Products cannot contain any ingredients on EWG's "Restricted" list, which do not meet the restriction set by industry institutions and authoritative bodies.
Standard ingredient naming guidelines must be followed.
Full disclosure of all ingredients on the label, including ingredients used in fragrance must be made.
Product makers must develop and follow current good manufacturing practices.
The European Union's requirements for labeling fragrance allergens must be followed.
Products must follow the European Union's labeling guidelines for nanomaterials used in cosmetics.
Labels must indicate an expiration date or a "period of time after opening” on the products.
Criteria do not concern sun protection efficacy.
What it means: EWG VERIFIED™ is a set of standards of strict transparency and health. The EWG VERIFIED™ mark means that the product doesn’t not contain any chemicals on EWG’s "Unacceptable" list, e.g. ingredients with ecotoxicity, health and/or contamination concerns. The mark means the product meets EWG’s standards for providing full transparency and ingredient disclosure on the label. Being EWG VERIFIED™ means the producers used good manufacturing practices to further ensure the safety of their products.
The EWG VERIFIED™ mark has 14 years of scientific experience in product globally recognized evaluation behind it. Their team of scientists, chemists, epidemiologists and toxicologists, scrutinize every product so that any product that earns the EWG VERIFIED™ symbol has met strict standards.
To learn more about EWG Verified, click HERE.
17. UTZ Certified
UTZ Certified Logo
What it means: The UTZ certification means that products have been sustainably sourced, from farm to shelf.
To become certified, all UTZ suppliers have to follow Code of Conduct, which is based on expert guidance on better environmental care, working conditions and farming methods. This in turn promotes a better life for all through better production methods and environmental impacts.
The UTZ standard rests on the principles of transparency and fairness and operates through two sets of guidelines, their Code of Conduct and Chain of Custody.
The Code of Conduct covers the growing and harvesting process.
Independent auditors regularly check UTZ providers to make sure they are in compliance with the Code. Approved farmers are certified, and can sell their products as UTZ certified, and the sales are recorded in the UTZ certified traceability systems: MultiTrace and the Good Inside Portal.
The Code of Conduct is based on a model of continuous improvement. Farmers have to fulfill core criteria concerning safety, farm management and record keeping, employees and environmental protection. As time passes, more detailed requirements are added to allow farmers to develop and improve. The Code is reviewed and revised at least every five years.
The Chain of Custody covers the farm to shelf period and follows the products from the farm through the supply chain. Every step is logged in the Good Inside Portal or MultiTrace. This means buyers and sellers know exactly how much product has come from UTZ certified farms and guarantees a high level of transparency.
The UTZ program helps better:
Farming: Farmers get more out of their land, leading to increased productivity, better crops and a better income with better and more efficient farming methods that also protect the environment,
Working conditions: Respectful and strong working relationships and conditions must be upheld and are checked by independent certification bodies. This helps farmers create a safe and healthy work environment for all their workers.
Care for nature: Farmers use methods that make better use of resources and minimize the use of harmful practices and artificial fertilizers.
Care for next generations: Within the UTZ program farmers take steps to ensure that their and their workers descendants and grow up in healthy conditions with access to education. UTZ requirements ban child labor and meetings are held to increase awareness around the importance of education.
The UTZ program contributes to better:
Crops: Farmers in the UTZ program are trained in good agricultural practices. That means achieve more productive harvests and at better quality at lower costs.
Income: Farmers with better crops have better prospects. A higher yield means a more income, so farmers can invest in the future of their workers business and families,
Environment: UTZ certified farms work within environmental respect and in harmony with nature. Energy and water reduction steps are taken, pollution is reduced, and natural resources are conserved.
Life: More and more UTZ farmers and workers report a better quality of life with healthier and safer environments, greater access to educational opportunities for their children and more motivation.
UTZ is also a full member of the ISEAL Alliance. ISEAL is the global sustainability standards association; through them UTZ is able to develop and revise their Codes in cooperation with other standard-setting organizations. UTZ also complies with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice.
In 2018, UTZ merged with the Rainforest Alliance in response to challenges facing humanity: deforestation, climate change, systemic poverty, and social inequity. Their combined focus is on building a future where nature, biodiversity, farmers, workers and communities flourish; and where sustainable land use and responsible business practices are the norms.
Learn more about UTZ Certified HERE.
18. Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project is built around the belief that everyone should have the option not to consume genetically modified organisms
Devoted to building and protecting a non-GMO food supply, the Non-GMO Project is a mission-driven nonprofit organization. Their approach is through outreach and education such as providing merchandising assets and training to retailers and providing Non-GMO Project Verified brands marketing support.
The Non-GMO Project is a trusted third-party verification for non-GMO food and products. It is one of the fastest growing labels in the retail sector and the market leader for GMO avoidance.
The Non-GMO Project Standard document was created with input from industry experts, through ongoing public comment periods and reflects a range of perspectives. It is a reachable and meaningful way for retailers, brands and suppliers to show their commitment to transparency in the marketplace to consumers.
The Non-GMO Projects’ mission is to offer trustworthy education and rigorous product verification that empowers people to care for themselves, future generations and the planet.
They encourage a non-GMO seed supply, and the restoration of traditional seed breeding to support the integrity of a diverse genetic inheritance that is essential to environmental health and ecological harmony.
Verified non-GMO systems supports protecting the non-GMO seed supply and reduces contamination pressure through organic agriculture.
All Non-GMO Project Verified Products must have systems in place for:
Labeling: Product labeling must be clear and accurate.
Quality assurance: Products must maintain operational consistency and address Non-conformities immediately.
Procurement: Product Ingredients and inputs must be obtained in accordance with meaningful and uniform specifications.
Testing: Major High-Risk Inputs and Ingredients must have meaningful, ongoing testing.
Segregation and Cleanout: Compliant Inputs and Ingredients must be protected from commingling with non-compliant ones.
Traceability: The products supply chain must be traceable, especially following ingredient and Input testing or the establishment of a compliant Affidavit.
Seeing their mark means a product was produced without genetic engineering and its ingredients did not come from GMOs. Non-GMO Project Verified also means that a product is compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard, which includes strict testing, traceability, and segregation.
More information about the Non-GMO Project can be found HERE.
19. Regenerative Organic Certified
The goal of Regenerative Organic Certified is to repair a damaged planet and fix a broken system through empowering farmers and eaters to create a better tomorrow through regenerative organic agriculture.
They were formed by a group of business leaders, farmers and social fairness experts called the ROA (Regenerative Organic Alliance).
They strive for continuous improvement of organic agriculture by collaborating with individuals, farmers, educators, researchers, policymakers, educators and businesses to ensure thriving and healthy people and environments.
They envision a world free of inequity, factory farming, hazardous chemicals and environmental destruction and pollution where empowerment and respect are the norm.
Regenerative Organic Certification leverages and unites existing top-level certifications in order to avoid burdensome paperwork or duplicative audits. Using USDA Organic certification as a baseline it leverages the work already done as part of the path to Regenerative Organic Certification.
There are 3 pillars to Regenerative Organic Certification:
Soil Health
Builds Soil Organic Matter
Conservation Tillage
Cover Crops
Crop Rotations
No GMOs or Gene Editing
No Soilless Systems
No Synthetic Inputs
Promotes Biodiversity
Rotational Grazing
Animal Welfare
Five Freedoms
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from fear & distress
Freedom from hunger
Freedom from pain, injury or disease
Freedom to express normal behavior
Grass-Fed / Pasture-Raised
Limited Transport
No CAFOs
Suitable Shelter
Social Fairness
Capacity Building
Democratic Organizations
Fair Payments for Farmers
Freedom of Association
Good Working Conditions
Living Wages
Long Term Commitments
No Forced Labor
Transparency and Accountability
Regenerative Organic Certified™ means farms and products meet the utmost global standards in the world for farmworker fairness, animal welfare, and soil health.
Click HERE to learn more about Regenerative Organic Certified.
20. Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW (AWA) is an independent, nonprofit farm certification program. It is acknowledged by Consumer Reports as the only “highly meaningful” food label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access, and sustainability.
The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards were developed by a global group of researchers, veterinarians, scientists and farmers to maximize practicable, high-welfare farm management, and are publicly available online.
“It is the only label that guarantees animals are raised using truly sustainable, high-welfare practices, outdoors on range or pasture for their whole lives.”
Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW requires:
Animals must be raised on pasture or range
Prohibits dual production. Dual production is a farming system that promotes some of its animals under a human system and the rest of the same species under industrial systems.
Awards approval to independent farmers only
Use of the most comprehensive standards for high welfare farming
The mark means the animal was raised in sustainable, high-welfare practice, outdoors on range or pasture their entire life.
The Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW standards requires high-welfare production, transport and slaughter practice that is audited. According to The Hartman Group, it is the food label that has the single highest impact on consumer purchasing. It is also one of the top 5 fastest growing food certification and label claims nationally.
To learn more about Certified Animal Welfare approved by AGW, click HERE.
21. A Greener World
A Greener World supports and promotes real-life farming models to the public and offers practice guidance on how to achieve sustainable livestock farming systems to ranchers and farmers.
There are 4 pillars to their mission:
To identify and promote farming systems that have a positive impact on the animals (wild and farmed), society and environment.
To educate consumers about the outcomes of their food purchasing decisions on animals and the social and environmental impacts.
To encourage and reward positive farm management changes by establishing and promoting trusted farm certification programs that help reconnect the consumer and food producer.
To support sustainable livestock production by committed independent farmers.
A Greener World believes farming methods, the nutritional quality of the meat, milk and eggs produced, and the wider society and environment and wildlife as a whole are connected. They strive to be the single stop for those interested in sustainability, food and farming and help give simple solutions tailored to individual needs.
Their belief that choosing truly sustainable products is one of the easiest and important everyday things consumers can do to make a positive impact from improving one’s personal health to addressing global issues like climate change.
Purchasing products bearing their logo mean you are supporting the agricultural system that created it continues to have a positive impact on society, animals and the environment.
To learn more about A Greener World, click HERE.
22. MADE SAFE®
MADE SAFE® is America’s first comprehensive human health and ecosystem-focused certification for nontoxic products across multiple product categories. The MADE SAFE® seal means that a product is made with safe ingredients.
Their goal is to change the way products are made in this country to ultimately eliminate the use of toxic chemicals. They make it easy for
people to find and buy products made without toxic chemicals, provide a road map for companies to make products without toxic chemicals and make it easy for retailers to choose products without toxic chemicals.
MADE SAFE® screens product components against their database of known chemical toxins and additionally screens them for bioaccumulation, persistence, and general and aquatic toxicity.
Ingredient screening includes:
Behavioral toxins
Carcinogens
Developmental toxins
Endocrine disruptors
Fire retardants
Heavy metals
Neurotoxins
High-risk pesticides
Reproductive toxins
Toxic solvents
Harmful VOCs
Their advisors and/or scientists analyze the ingredients, materials and chemical components of a product to make sure it does not contain known harmful ingredients have by-products, or release gases or vapors that could cause harm to human health. Their scientists examine the molecular makeup of goods and determine if the product is safe for its intended use. (Once the product is certified, it is still important consumers follow guidelines for use as delegated by the manufacturer.
Click HERE to learn more about MADE SAFE.
23. 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet was started in 2002 by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and Blue Ribbon Files founder Craig Mathews.
The goal of 1% for the Planet is help fund a variety of environmental organizations so that they can be more powerful collectively. Since the business profit from resources that take from the planet, their rational is businesses should protect those resources.
1% for the Planet is a global network of diverse companies and individuals with over 3000 members. It connects its members to high-impact nonprofit partners who share common values through two types of memberships:
Business membership
Their business membership program is based on businesses giving back to environmental nonprofits to create a healthier planet.
Business members join their network, commit to donating 1% of gross sales or equal through a combination of monetary, in-kind and approved promotional support directly to environmental nonprofits.
1% for the Planet provides partnership advising, pairing members with environmental nonprofits that share their values, so their brand and that make the biggest impact.
Business members donate to their nonprofit partner(s) directly. 1% for the Planet certifies all donations, legitimizing members’ commitment by reviewing and confirming sales and donation details annually.
Individual membership
The individual membership program was set up so anyone around the world could become a 1% for the Planet member.
Through this program, individuals can pledge 1% of their annual salary to approved environmental nonprofits. It works similar to the business membership.
1% for the Planet certifies all member donations by annual salary and reviewing donation details self-reported by the individuals.
The idea of committing to donating 1% of one’s annual salary can be daunting. 1% for the Planet offers the ability of fulfilling some (or all) of individual commitments with volunteer hours. Up to 100% of an individuals’ 1% pledge can be fulfilled by volunteering with an approved nonprofit partner of their choice.
Learn more about 1% for the Planet HERE.
24. SPOT Greenguard
Indoor air quality (IAQ) had gained attention in recent years and rightly so. Studies show most people spend 90% of their time indoors. As more information has become available about potential hazards of off-gassing and the emissions and evaporation of chemicals, building owners and occupants have become increasingly aware of potential hazards.
According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is 2-10x higher than outdoor air pollution. Interior product manufacturers are meeting this awareness by focusing on eliminating issues associated with their products.
Greenguard Certification is an internationally recognized product emissions certification for manufactures of indoor products like furnishing or related materials. There are two categories products can be certified under.
GreenGuard Certification gives security that strict chemical emissions limits are adhered to for products designed for indoor spaces. These limited align with office furniture industry guidelines.
Greenguard Gold Certification has a stricter criterion takes into account safety for sensitive or fragile individuals (like the elderly or children) and ensures product are safe for healthcare facility or school use. Emission limits must meet and exceed CDPH Standards.
There is a 5 step process for certification.
Identify manufacturing processes and raw materials that affect a product emissions.
Test material samples for suspect chemicals.
Conduct certification testing to represent a group of products to demonstrate the products contribute to healthier indoor air by emitting fewer chemicals.
Once the testing is completed and passed, the products can be listed in the UL SPOT® database to get the certificate, access marketing and training resources.
Certified products are tested routinely to maintain their certification.
What it means: Products bearing their logo have passed all 5 steps to certification.
Want to find out more about SPOT Greenguard? Click HERE.
25. GOLS-Global Organic Latex Standard
The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is the first global standard for organic latex.
GOLS outlines requirements for latex products made from organic raw materials, as well as for material from non-organic origins and is highly regarded, especially in the sleep sector.
Natural rubber from certified organic plantations (USDA NOP or EU) must be assessed by criteria set by the standard.
A product must contain more than 95% of certified organic raw material to get GOLS certification. The GOLS standard has emission test requirements and polymer and filler percentages, as well as permissible limits for harmful substances.
Rubber plantations and processing units up to the final retailer can be certified. Transaction certificates occur at every sale of a product in the supply chain, ensuring traceability from the plantation to the final retailer.
GOLS gives a clear path and procedure from field or farmer level to the certified organic latex product manufacturer. Additionally, manufacturers that are given approval to produce organic products under the GOLS logo have to follow mandatory environmental and social and regulations.
Criteria for the GOLS Certification
The GOLS certification is to guarantee latex products are made with minimum chemical inputs. It also gives requirements for non-organic materials and organic textiles used in the final products.
The GOLS guidelines cover the entire natural latex supply chain, from raw material harvest to responsibly manufacturing, packing, and distributing the finished products:
Latex Harvesting
Natural latex must be harvested from organic rubber plantations. The plantations should be certified by the USDA NOP (National Organic Program).
Chemical Contents
All GOLS products must contain 95 percent or more certified organic latex. The GOLS certification limits the use of fillers and polymers needed to make latex foam. If there are other materials in the latex product, like wool or cotton, they must be GOTS or Eco-Institute certified. These globally accepted organic certifications for textiles make sure the non-latex materials are responsibly made with minimal chemical inputs.
Environmental Factors
The latex foam must be processed and manufactured in GOLS approved units. Each step of processing, including waste disposal, is checked by the inspectors of the certifying agency. These helps reduce the chances of chemical residue and environmental pollution and provides consumers with a sustainable end product.
Social and Humanitarian Factors
GOLS-approved units must meet social regulations. They must provide proper wages and safe working conditions, according to the ILO (International Labor Organization) guidelines. Discrimination and child labor are not allowed.
Look for their seal to know your latex product is 95% or more certified organic material.
Learn more about the standard HERE.
26. Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard is a voluntary standard that deals with the well-being of sheep and the land they graze on.
The Responsible Wool Standard goal is to provide the industry with a gauge to recognize the best practices of farmers; making sure that wool comes from farms that have a progressive managing approach to their land and practice holistic respect for the sheeps’ well-being and respect the Five Freedoms of animal welfare:
Freedom from hunger and thirst with easy access to fresh water and a healthy diet.
Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable area for rest.
Freedom from disease, pain or injury, by prevention or quick diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal's own kind.
Freedom from distress and fear by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
The goals of the Responsible Wool Standard is to give the industry the best possible methods to:
Recognize farmer best practices
Make sure that sheep that have been treated responsibly and their wool comes from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land.
Create a benchmark in the industry that will drive improvements in land management, animal care and social welfare where needed.
Provide a strong chain of custody system from farm to final product so that consumers are confident that the wool in the products they choose is truly RWS.
The RWS requires all points of the production process to be certified, beginning with the wool farmers and through to the seller in the last business transaction. Typically, the final stage to be certified is the garment manufacturer or brand. Retailers (business-to-consumers) are not required to be certified.
Animal Welfare and Land Management and Social Modules of the RWS certify farms. Subsequent stages of the supply chain are certified to the Content Claim Standard requirements.
Look for their logo to know your wool product was made with respect to the animals and their environment.
More information on the Responsible Wool Standard can be found HERE.
27. The Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC)
The Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established in 1986.
Their mission is rooted in the Animal Welfare Act which concerns the handling, sale and transport of certain animals and includes restrictions on the importation of live dogs for purposes of resale, prohibitions on animal fighting ventures, and provisions meant to prevent theft of personal pets.
The center provides information in 3 areas:
Employee training.
Training which could prevent accidental duplication of animal experimentation as determined by the needs of the research facility.
Improved methods of animal experimentation, including methods which could reduce or replace animal use and minimize pain and distress to animals, such as anesthetic and analgesic procedures.
More on the AWIC can be found HERE
28. USDA Certification Programs
If you follow the links from Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) you will find a page of USDA Certification Programs that cover a wide variety of certification standards programs and certificates:
Information about the American Humane certification program for animal production facilities can be found here.
AWA is a program of A Greener World and supports, certifies and audits independent family farmers raising animals according to the highest animal welfare standards, outdoors on pasture or range.
The Certified Wildlife Friendly® and Predator Friendly® Production Standards for North America recognize wildlife stewardship on ranch and farm lands. Producers participating use a combination of careful observation and proactive practices and adapt their management in response to changing conditions to allow wildlife and livestock to coexist.
Non-profit group provides labeling, certification and inspection, programs for airy, eggs, meat, poultry, products from animals raised to humane care standards.
This operates a third-party certification program for sustainably produced food. Certified farmers and ranchers must ensure the health and humane treatment of animals.
The GAP's 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards is a voluntary certification program for feeders, packers, ranchers and farmers.
The NYSCHAP, is a sponsored program of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, emphasizes guidelines for the proper care and handling of cattle.
The RWS is a voluntary, independent, standard for farms raising sheep for wool. The certification program address land management and animal welfare practices
This is a voluntary program where companies can be United Egg Producers Certified if they meet certain requirements, including implementing the Animal Husbandry Guidelines for US Laying Flock. Their logos mean the product, service or activity was made causing minimal animal distress.
Find out more about these programs HERE.