Labels in eco-responsible and vegan mode

If you are here, it is probably because you are interested in eco-responsible fashion , maybe you were looking for a pair of vegan shoes or an ethical bag . Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to know if a fashion item really lives up to our expectations in terms of eco-responsibility. Labels and certifications can help you make conscious choices that are aligned with your values, but you still need to know them and understand their definition.

It can be easy to feel lost in the jungle of labels, with all these acronyms whose meaning we don't know. This article is here to guide you through this maze of symbols and logos so that you can make your purchases with confidence.

For VEGAN certification

When you spot Vegan certification logos , you can be sure that the product is completely free of any animal-based components . This includes not only leather and wool, but also derivatives such as fish glue or beeswax . These labels are a sign of trust for consumers concerned about animal protection.

PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PETA  is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals .

PETA certification is declarative. Brands wishing to be certified by PETA must fill out a questionnaire and sign a "statement of assurance" attesting that the products do not contain any animal material. The " PETA-Approved Vegan " logo is therefore an excellent way to identify vegan fashion brands.

The PETA website : https://www.petafrance.com

Vegan Society

The Vegan Society team reviews each product certification application against multiple criteria, working with manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of industries to ensure each product meets the highest vegan standards. Certification is renewed annually to ensure brands’ information is up to date.

This label is mainly 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

Expertise Végane Europe, better known under the brand EVE Vegan® , is an independent French organization working to build a more respectful future for all animals.

Founded in 2016 in accordance with the criteria of the main European vegan associations, this certification is recognized as being the most demanding and successful on the market , it represents a real guarantee of quality and confidence for consumers around the world.

EVE website: https://www.certification-vegan.org/fr/certification-vegan.html

Certification of recycled materials

The use of recycled materials is often mentioned in the making of vegan shoes. Particularly on the eco-responsible canvas sneakers from the Vesica Piscis brand , which are mainly made of recycled materials, whether it is the upper, the laces or the soles. The reference label for this is GRS.

GRS: Global Recycled Standard

This certification guarantees the recycled content of a product and ensures the traceability of recycled products throughout the production process.

At least 50% of the fibers in a product must be recycled for it 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, etc.
- Environmental impact : wastewater control system, responsible energy consumption, limitation of chemical products, waste management, etc.

These are independent bodies that issue certification to textile companies that wish to have their recycled finished products and responsible practices recognized by an international label. Checks must be carried out every year to maintain the certification.

Certification of organic materials

GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard

This certification guarantees that textile products, including clothing and accessories such as bags and shoes, are made from organic materials, at least 95% organic fibers , i.e. grown without pesticides or chemicals. harmful chemicals. This certification also ensures compliance with social standards, particularly with regard to the working conditions of employees throughout the production chain.

Certification bodies are accredited in different countries according to the international standard (ISO Guide 65). For French companies, the certification bodies are private organizations such as: Ecocert, GCL International LTD. and Control Union.

In vegan fashion , we will often see the GOTS label for organic cotton, used for example in vegan bag linings, or for making organic cotton hats and organic cotton socks .

The GOTS website : https://global-standard.org

Other certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label

Are you looking for products that are safe for your skin and respect the environment? The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label is here for you!

It is a quality label, also called “Confiance Textile” in France, which guarantees the safety of textiles or products used during the production process, for humans and the environment. It ensures the production of materials or finished products free of harmful toxic substances, such as pesticides, azo dyes or heavy metals. It is an ideal choice for those who have sensitive skin or who wish to minimize their exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals.

Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® was created by two research institutes in Austria and Germany, today the association is made up 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 garments, by accredited laboratories. Audits take place every 3 years and the certification is valid for 1 year.

All Fairma brand fashion items are made with OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials, like this vegan wallet model.

Living Heritage Company

This certification aims to preserve and promote traditional French know-how . This state label is attached to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and awarded by the region's prefects. The State entrusted the management of this label to theNational Institute of Artistic Crafts in 2019.

This label is intended for companies with production, repair or transformation activities, requiring skills and techniques, such as leatherwork workshops which implement excellent artisanal know-how.

Alénore vegan bags are made in the South West of France, in a workshop labeled Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant . These are craftsmen with golden hands who carefully make each piece.

Navigating the world of vegan and ethical fashion can seem a little confusing at times, but with these labels and certifications at your fingertips, you can make informed choices that align with your values.

Whether you're looking for comfortable shoes, trendy bags or other accessories, keep an eye out for these symbols and rest assured that you're taking a step in the right direction for a world that's more respectful of animals, the environment and your health.

Hope this article helps you in your quest for ethical and vegan fashion.