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Socially certified
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Organic Cotton
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Organic Cotton 2009  |
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Raw Materials
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Socially certified
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Organic Cotton
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Organic Cotton 2009 |
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Raw Materials
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Class A (highest): ETI, SA8000, FWF + low risk countries
Class B: FLA, BSCI
Class C: WRAP
Class D (lowest): Unclassified
There are various systems for monitoring and certifying improvements to employment conditions. Six codes are most commonly used in the fashion industry, all of them based on standards that the ILO (International Labor Organisation) set up in relation to child labour, salary, working hours, union membership and safety in the workplace.
In the 'MADE-BY Benchmark Social Standards' these six different codes are compared and classified on the basis of their effectiveness.
The complete 'Benchmark Social Standards' can be found on the download page.
Organic cotton: Cotton that is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified. This cotton is certified in accordance with IFOAM norms.
In conversion cotton: Cotton that is grown on land which has only recently been converted to organic methods (typically less than 2 or 3 years). Therefore, although no chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are being used, residues may still be found in the soil. This conversion period is very difficult for farmers, who usually experience an initial drop in yield, while not being able to obtain premium organic price for their crops. Therefore, purchasing ‘in conversion cotton’ is a great way to support farmers making the transition to organic.
Conventional cotton: Cotton that is grown with the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides from plants that might have been genetically modified.
Class A (highest): Recycled cotton, recycled Nylon6, recycled Polyester, organic hemp, organic flax (linen)
Class B: Tencel® (a lyocell product), organic cotton
Class C: Conventional hemp, ramie, PLA, conventional flax (linen)
Class D: Virgin Polyester, Poly-acrylic, rayon viscose
Class E (lowest): Conventional cotton, virgin Nylon6, rayon, bamboo viscose, wool, generic rayon
Unclassified: Materials that are not (yet) included in the benchmark
A collection is often made up of a wide variety of materials. To be able to compare the fibres used and advise brands on which fibre to use, a benchmark is developed. In this 'Environmental Benchmark for Fibers' the processing of a large range of materials from raw material to yarn, is compared in relation to the use of land space, emissions, pesticides, chemicals, water and energy.
The complete 'Environmental Benchmark for Fibers' can be found on the download page.
