is the solution for a sustainable textile production. It eliminates harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process and sets and controls standards for an environmentally friendly and safe production.
This not only ensures that the final textile product meets very stringent consumer safety requirements worldwide but also provides confidence to the consumer to acquire a sustainable product. bluesign® product labeled textiles contain components that are resource saving and sustainably manufactured according to the bluesign® criteria. That includes not only fabrics but also accessories as zippers, buttons, buckles etc. Furthermore, the suppliers and manufacturers have been verified their compliance with the bluesign® standards controlled by bluesign® experts. The quality label bluesign® approved fabrics certifies that at least 90 per cent of the used fabrics comply with the strict safety and environmental requirements of the bluesign® criteria. Their suppliers and manufacturers have been verified as bluesign® system partners.
climatepartner© advises companies wishing to operate active climate protection in the production and sales of goods. This involves carbon management in accordance with the sustainability strategy of the company, which wants to reduce its carbon footprint to reduce global warming.
Products that meet the criterion of "Cradle to Cradle", can be disassembled after use to its original components.
CSE is a sustainability label, which certifies the entire company. Products labelled with the CSE seal have been produced by enterprises which act strongly according the sustainability principles. These enterprises fulfil all requirements in the field of environmental protection (ecology), society and quality of work as well as business (economy). The CSE certification requires, inter alia, Reduction of consumption of resource, resources from sustainable sources, involving disadvantaged people into their seasonal working procedures.
Demeter is the first farming association for organic farming founded in Germany and now operating worldwide. The Demeter standards for biodynamic farming go far beyond the requirements of the EU Stanadard. Farmers and affiliated farms act also depending on the anthroposophic principles of biodynamic agriculture.
Quality product manufactured with robust materials in high-end methods with a “character of inheritance”.
The available energy is used optimally, no waste of energy.
The EU Ecolabel helps you identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from the extraction of raw material through to production, use and disposal.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognised as the world's leading processing standard for textiles
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made from organic fibres. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.
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Grüner Knopf („the green button“)
The green button is a state-supervised certification mark from Germany. The Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) stipulates the criteria and conditions for the Grüner Knopf certification mark. The requirements apply for both products (e.g. fashion and household textiles) and companies. It is in black typeface and instead of the "o," there is a green button - that's what the government label looks like.
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The product must comply with 26 social and environmental requirements. This includes environmental criteria such as ban of dangerous chemicals according to the REACH regulation, biodegradability, fibres tested for harmful substances. The social criteria include, for example, employee rights, such as the applicable statutory minimum wage, the paid minimum wage and overtime and the right to non-discrimination, as well as prohibition of child and forced labour. The green button is a global certification mark. Companies in other countries can also use the green button and companies from abroad can also apply for the green button. The green button corresponds to EU and WTO law, the testing based on harmonised international standards.
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H
Handmade
Manufactured by hand, no mass production.
Humane Cosmetic Standard
I
International Association of Natural Textile Industry (IVN)
The International Association of Natural Textile Industry (iVN) awarded the three quality seals NATURTEXTIL, NATURLEDER und GOTS.
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By reference to these seals of quality, consumers can be sure to get an ecological, socially acceptable and high-quality product.
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L
Latex
Leaping Bunny
Leaping Bunny logo by Cruelty Free International & CCIC (Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics), an international network of animal welfare organizations. It is the only internationally valid certification of its kind that excludes animal testing from all stages of product development for cosmetic, personal care, and/or household products.
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Manufacturers may not purchase products or ingredients from other producers or suppliers who conduct animal testing. Even if cosmetics manufacturers are increasingly are committed to manufacturing natural and vegan products, Leaping Bunny does not check the composition of the ingredients and takes no environmental or social aspects into account. The certification only addresses the focus on animal testing. The European equivalent is the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, a grouping of 14 animal protection organisations across the European Union (EU).
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M
Made in Germany
Production in Germany, encouragement of regional production.
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Significant production of the goods in Germany, crucial proportion of value added by assembling in Germany, significant refinement of the product in Germany.
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N
Natural Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics are from plant-based materials from controlled biological cultivation or controlled biological wild collection. Certified natural cosmetics guarantee natural and organic ingredients.
Naturland
Naturland is an internationally active organic association located in Germany. The core of all Naturland’s standards is sustainability as the interaction of organic, social and economic aspects. Their holistic approach includes: sustainable management, nature conservation and climate protection in actual practice, preserving and maintaining the soil, air and water, as well as consumer protection.
Naturland Fair
Naturland Fair combines organic agriculture, social responsibility and fair trade, both locally and globally. In order that organic farmers can live by what they grow the Naturland association campaigns for organic farmers at local, national and international levels, wherever they are in the world, to have a future. Fair prices, reliable trading relationships and social responsibility are the cornerstones of this policy.
natureOffice
natureOffice is a consultancy for climate protection solutions. They develop strategies and operate processes for a sustainable commitment to voluntary climate protection. All climate projects which have been developed by natureOffice follow the highest sustainability standards.
Natural Rubber / Latex
The rubber trees grow in tropical regions.
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The trees are between 15 and 30 meters tall and have a trunk diameter of up to one meter. The trees are between five and eight years old before the plantation workers can harvest the first latex. To get the latex, the bark it is cut at an angle. Usually this happens before dawn, when the sap flows best. If a rubber tree is handled carefully, it provides latex until it is 40 years old. Natural rubber instead of synthetic rubber produced from oil acts against climate change. By increasing the number of trees less fossil fuels are consumed.
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Naturtextil IVN certified BEST
A seal of approval for the certification of organic textiles with the highest demands that are presently realizable.
NATRUE Label
The NATRUE Label distinguishes natural cosmetics. NATRUE registered under Belgian law an international non-profit association. The NATRUE certification focuses on the ingredients of cosmetics.
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Fossil oil and artificial ingredients are not permitted. At least 75 percent of the individual products in a product series must meet the criteria of the label. The label distinguishes three different certification levels: natural cosmetics, natural cosmetics with organic ingredients from certified organic farming and organic cosmetics. More information at http://www.natrue.org/ .
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NGO: non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group
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which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political particpation through provision of information. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations system differs depending on their goals, their venue and the mandate of a particular institution. [Source: http://www.nachhaltigkeit.info/artikel/nro_ngo_560.htm + http://www.unric.org/de/aufbau-der-uno/85 ].
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NOMITE mark
The NOMITE mark indicates that a product is suitable for house-dust-mite-allergy sufferers:
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because down- and feather-filled products offer excellent thermal and climatic conditions for humans (rapid warming up when one is sleeping, rapid decrease in humidity when the bedding is aired), they provide a very poor habitat for house dust mites, which rely on high humidity to live. T he tight weave of the down- and feather-proof fabric acts as a barrier preventing the mites from passing through and offers, thus, additional protection. So that also those who suffer from house dust allergies or asthma can enjoy the natural comfort afforded by down and feather bedding. This has been demonstrated by scientific research. Nomite is a mark of the European Down 6 Feather Association (EDFA). [Source: http://www.nomite.de/de/home.html].
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Nordic Ecolabelling
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a comprehensive ecolabel. This means that, in developing criteria, Nordic Ecolabelling look at the whole life cycle of the product and all its related environmental issues. Climate considerations are thus a key element of the assessment.
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The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a voluntary ecolabelling scheme that evaluates a product's impact on the environment throughout the whole life cycle. The label guarantees among other things that climate requirements are taken into account, and that CO2 emissions (and other harmful gasses) are limited - where it is most relevant. By buying Nordic Swan Ecolabelled products and services, you as a consumer can contribute to a more sustainable environment. [Source: http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/].
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O
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 labels textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production. This products do not contain illegal and legally regulated substances and no notoriously harmful chemicals.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown according to strict ecological guidelines. No harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used. You can find more about organic cotton
here.
P
PEFC
PEFC stands for „Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes". Whether wood or paper products, consumers can be sure that PEFC certified products are sourced from sustainable forestry and controlled sources. For more information see https://pefc.org .
R
Raw material from organic farming
are characterized – among other things – by the fact that the manufacturers waive chemical pesticides and fertilizers, do not use genetic engineering and keep animals species-appropriate.
Recycling
Recycling means that products are collected, sorted and separated into their components.
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Useful materials are reclaimed. This results in raw materials which can be used for the manufacture of other products. The volume of waste is reduced and the lifetime of raw materials is extended.
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Regional Production
Production in the manufacturing country, encouragement of regional production.
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Significant production of the goods in the country of production, crucial proportion of value added by assembling in the country of manufacture, significant refinement of the product in manufacturing country.
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Reduction of pollutant
Use of low-pollution materials and raw materials.
Resource-Efficient
the lowest possible use of resources for maximum benefit.
S
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
Social sustainability for the supply chain. The internationally recognized database platform SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) provides an important contribution to transparency in the interest of sustainable corporate social commitment.
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For suppliers and customers throughout the chain of supply via SEDEX inspection reports on subjects such as working conditions, health and environmental protection, and ethical business practices are available. SEDEX associated companies in more than 150 countries act based on the principles of ethical and social sustainability.
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Stainless Steel Type AISI204cu
Stainless steel of Type AISI 204cu is a chromium-nickel alloy with about an amount of 16.5% chromium and about 2% nickel. AISI is the American term for standard stainless steel (American Iron and Steel Institute).
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In Germany usually the DIN system (known as the 18/8) is used. In the US and many other countries, the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute). There are also numerous different types of stainless steel that are suitable for a variety of purposes. (AISI204cu is very good for use with foodstuffs like 18/8 stainless steel. The material is proved acid-resistant, ie there are no smell or taste deviations in use with acidic foods (eg apple). In addition, AISI204cu rustless and corrosion resistant (chromium content of approximately 16.5%) and thus easy to clean in the dishwasher.)
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spiel gut e.V. (good toys)
Since 1954, educationalists, psychologists, doctors, technicians, experts in design, chemistry, electronics ... and parents –
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scientific and practical people – have been examining and assessing toys – from babies' rattles to material for experimenting. They work on a honorary basis and are independent of the toy industry and retailers. The “spiel gut” recommendation signifies that this toy has been tested with children and examined by experts with a positive result. The criteria: play value, material, workmanship, construction, durability, safety, design, size, quantity, quality of the instructions for playing or making, suitability for the appropriate age group ... Source: http://spielgut.de/international/welcome.htm Source: http://www.spielgut.de.
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T
TOG
TOG is a measuring unit for the thermal resistance of textiles.
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The tog rating or weight of a sleeping bag determines its thickness and therefore how warm it keeps your child. Sleeping bags for babies are offered in 4 TOG values of 0.5-3.5. The higher the tog rating (weight) the warmer the sleeping bag. The recommendation is based on the room temperature in which the child sleeps. Whether your baby feels comfortable and sleeps in the right sleeping bag, you can easily find out. Cool hands or feet are quite normal, but if they are cold and pale, then the little ones need more warmth. If, on the other hand, it starts to sweat at the neck or if the head is warm or red, the sleeping bag is too thick. These are guidelines only – you should always check your baby to make sure they don’t overheat. Remember it is better to be cool than hot and it is quite normal for the baby’s hands and arms to be cool. Feel the nape of your baby’s neck – if it is damp then your baby might be too warm.
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U
Upcycling
When upcycling discarded objects, production residues, waste or scrap and packaging materials
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are used as raw material to manufacture new products. The result are high quality end products with a higher value than it has been the case with the starting material. Due to exceptional craftsmanship often small series and unique pieces are created.
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V
Vegan
Vegan means to go without raw materials of animal origin.
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Vegan products are free of animal ingredients such as leather and wool. Vegan foods do not contain components descended from animals e,g, meat, milk, eggs, gelatin and others. Concerning natural cosmetics the „Vegan“-label is only awarded if not only the waiver of ingredients of animal origin is ensured but also the waiver of animal testing.
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Vegan Trademark (vegan flower)
The Vegan Trademark was launched in 1990 by the Vegan Society. The trademark distinguishes food, cosmetics and cleaning agents.
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The products must consist of 100% vegetable ingredients and have to be free from any ingredient resulting from slaughter. No animal components, no animal by-products or raw materials derived from animals may be used in the production process. All raw materials must be produced without animal testing. If a company produces both vegan and products with animal components, all machines must be cleaned before they come into contact with the vegan ingredients. The development and/or production of genetically modified organisms (GMO) must not have involved animal genes or animal-derived substances. Products put forward for registration which contain or may contain any GMOs must be labelled as such. The vegan flower says nothing about the certified organic or fair trade quality of the ingredients, unless the manufacturers provide voluntary information or have their products certified by an organic seal.
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W
World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is a global network of organisations representing the Fair Trade supply chain.
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Membership of WFTO provides Fair Trade organisations with credibility and identity by way of an international guarantee system; a place of learning where members connect with like-minded people from around the world; tools and training to increase market access; a common voice that shouts out for Fair Trade. WFTO is the home of fair traders: producers, marketers, exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers that demonstrate 100% commitment to Fair Trade and apply the 10 WFTO Principles of Fair Trade in their daily operations. The works and achievements of its members make WFTO a global authority on Fair Trade and a guardian of Fair Trade values and principles. Consistent with the goal of Fair Trade, which is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through trading with agreed set of principles, WFTO’s route to equity in trade is through the supply chain. Practices across the Fair Trade chain are checked against the WFTO Fair Trade Standard, a set of compliance criteria based on the 10 Fair Trade Principles and international labour conventions. Source: http://www.wfto.com
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