If you are here, it is probably that you are interested in the eco-friendly mode, maybe you are looking for a pair of vegan shoes or else a ethical bag. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to know if a fashion item really lives up to our expectations in terms of eco-responsibility. The labels and the certifications can help you make conscious choices aligned with your values, you still need to know them et understand their definition.
You can quickly feel lost in the jungle of labels, with all these acronyms whose meaning you do not know. Cand the article is here to guide you through this maze of symbols and logos so you can shop with complete confidence.
For VEGAN certification
When you spot logoss Vegan certification, you can be sure that the product is completely free of any component of animal origin. This includes not only leather and wool, but also derivative products such as colle de fish or beeswax. These labels are a mark of trust for consumers concerned about animal protection.
PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
PETA is a non-profit organization dedicated to establish and protect the rights of all animals.
PETA certification is self-declared. Les brands wishing to be certified by PETA, must complete a questionnaire and sign an "assurance declaration" attesting that the products contain no animal-derived ingredients. The logoPETA-Approved Vegan is therefore an excellent way to identify vegan fashion brands.
The PETA website : https://www.petafrance.com
Vegan Society
The Vegan Society label is a vegan certification internationally recognized, created in 1990 by the Vegan Society, the charity that coined the term "vegan" in 1944.
The team at the Vegan Society reviews every product certification application against a range of criteria, working with manufacturers and suppliers across many sectors to ensure each product meets the strictest vegan standards. Certification is renewed annually to guarantee that brand information remains up to date.
This label is primarily found in the food sector, but it is also present in fashion, for example, the Beflamboyant vegan sneakers have been certified by this association.
The Vegan Society website : https://www.vegansociety.com
Eve
Vegan Expertise Europe, better known under the brand EVE Vegan®, is an independent French organization working to build a future that is more respectful of all animals.
Fwavye in 2016, in compliance with the criteria of the leading European vegan associations, this certification is recognized as being the most rigorous and refined offering on the market, representing a genuine guarantee of quality and trust for consumers all around the world.
EVE Website: https://www.certification-vegan.org/fr/certification-vegan.html
Recycled materials certification
LUse of recycled materials is often mentioned in the manufacturing of vegan shoes. In particular on the Eco-friendly canvas baskets from the Vesica Piscis brand, which are primarily made from recycled materials, whether that is the upper, laces, or soles. The leading reference certification for this is GRS.
GRS : Global Recycled Standard
This certification allows to guarantee the recycled content of a product, it ensures traceability of recycled products throughout the entire production process.
At least 50% of the fibers that make up a product must be recycled for that product to be labeled GRS.
GRS certification also verifies compliance with environmental and social criteria:
- Respect for social rights : employee rights, minimum age, worker safety and health, freedom of association, prohibition of discrimination, harassment…
- Ienvironmental impact : wastewater control system, responsible energy consumption, limited chemical product usage, waste management…
These are independent organizations that issue certification to companies in the textile sector that wish to have their recycled finished products and responsible practices recognized by an international label. Audits must be carried out every year to maintain the certification.
Organic Materials Certification
GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard
This certification guarantees that textile products, including clothing and accessories like bags and shoes, are made from organic materials, to the minimum 95% organic fibers, that is to say grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals. This certification also ensures compliance with social standards, particularly regarding employee working conditions throughout the entire production chain.
Certification bodies are accredited in various countries under the international standard (ISO Guide 65). For French businesses, certification bodies are private organizations such as : Ecocert, GCL International LTD. and Control Union.
En vegan mode, we will often see the GOTS label for organic cotton, used for example in linings of vegan bag, or even for the making of organic cotton beanies et organic cotton socks.
The GOTS website : https://global-standard.org
Other certifications
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Label
Looking for skin-safe, environmentally friendly products? The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label is here for you!
It’is a quality label, also referred to as “Confiance Textile” in France, who guarantees the safety of the textiles or products used during the production process, for people and the environment. It ensures the production of materials or finished products free of toxic substances harmful, such as pesticides, azo dyes, or heavy metals. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or who wish to minimize their exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® was created by two research institutes in Austria and Germany; today, the association consists of 18 independent research and testing institutes. In France, the IFTH laboratory in Lyon is responsible for certifying products.
The Oeko Tex website: https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/
The control process
Laboratory tests are carried out on a representative sample of clothing by accredited laboratories. Audits take place every 3 years, and the certification is valid for 1 year.
All fashion items from the Fairma brand are crafted with OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials, like this style of vegan wallet.
Living Heritage Company
This certification aims to preserve and highlight the traditional French craftsmanship. This official state label is affiliated with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and is awarded by regional prefects.
It is intended for businesses carrying out production, repair, or processing activities that require specialized skills and techniques, such as leather goods workshops that employ artisanal craftsmanship of excellence.
The Alénore vegan bags, are manufactured in Southwestern France, in a workshop certified Living Heritage Company. These are artisans with golden hands who carefully craft every single piece.
Navigating the world of vegan and ethical fashion can sometimes feel a little confusing, but with these labels and certifications at your fingertips, you can make informed choices that align with your values.
Whether you are looking for comfortable shoes, trendy bags, or other accessories, keep an eye out for these symbols and rest assured that you are taking a step in the right direction toward a world that is more respectful of animals, the environment, and your health.
We hope this article is useful to you in your search for ethical and vegan fashion.
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