Responsible cotton: How to choose the best certification for your brand?
Cotton is a staple of the textile industry, but not all cotton is created equal when it comes to environmental and social impact. As a fashion brand, how can you choose the certification that best aligns with your values and positioning? Here’s an interactive guide to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the main cotton certifications.
Why Choose Certified Cotton?
- Reduce your brand’s ecological footprint ♻️
- Ensure ethical working conditions 🤝
- Meet the expectations of increasingly conscious consumers
Certification Comparison
| Certification | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) | - Very strict label across the whole supply chain- At least 95% organic cotton- Strong social criteria | - Long and costly certification process |
| OEKO-TEX COTTON | - Ensures absence of harmful substances- Strong marketing argument for customers | - Doesn’t guarantee organic or sustainably produced cotton |
| OCS BLENDED | - Applies to products with at least 5% organic cotton | - Only certifies a percentage of the product, not the whole textile |
| OCS 100 | - Clear traceability- Guarantees 95%+ organic cotton with max 5% synthetic fibers | - No social requirements in the production process |
| EU ECOLABEL | - Official EU certification- Includes strict lifecycle criteria | - Less known by the general public- Complex certification process |
| BIORE | - Organic cotton & fair trade- High traceability | - Not widely adopted in mainstream fashion |
| BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) | - Aims to improve conventional farming- Farmer training programs | - Doesn’t guarantee organic cotton |
| GRS (Global Recycled Standard) | - Ideal for integrating recycled fibers (min. 50%)- Strong environmental commitment | - Less relevant if your brand focuses on virgin cotton |
| RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) | - Encourages use of recycled cotton (min. 5%) | - No guarantee of ethical working conditions |
Which Certification is Right for Your Brand?
Ask yourself:
- Is your priority organic, recycled, or chemical-free cotton?
- Does your target audience care about certifications and labels?
- Can your budget support a more demanding certification?
A Few Recommendations Based on Your Needs:
- GOTS: Ideal for a premium, committed approach ✨
- OEKO-TEX: A great compromise to ensure textiles are free from harmful substances ✅
- OCS Blended: A good first step toward more sustainable production 🌿
Conclusion
Each certification has its strengths and limitations. The key is to choose the one that best reflects your brand’s values and meets your customers' expectations.
So, what will be your next step toward more responsible fashion?