Made in Germany (MIG) is a quality seal that distinguishes products made in Germany. The Greenpicks sustainability criterion "Regional Production" collects this seal of approval. Quality, environment-friendly and climate-friendly production methods, longevity and job security in the home country are important sustainable aspects that is valued by consumers.
Originally introduced in the UK as a distinctive feature against supposedly cheap and inferior imported goods, since the Second World War the designation of origin "Made in Germany" is a synonym for the economic miracle, innovations, latest technologies (GreenTech), environmentally friendly production, service friendliness and highest quality standards.
Sole traders, medium-sized companies and corporations, that fulfill at least 51 percent of the added value in Germany, can apply for the "Made in Germany" quality seal at the company of the same name. The creation of value is 51% for production and performance, finishing and further processing, and 50% for deployment and idea and mentally added value. The unique logo offers consumers orientation and security in the market.
MIG products are not always 100% made in Germany. This is partly because the European country does not have all kinds of raw materials. An example: Eco-friendly organic cotton is grown in Turkey, Egypt, USA, Australia, India and other countries. There are the favourable climate conditions for Eco Cotton. Seals such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), NATURTEXTIL IVN Certified BEST or Fairtrade check if conditions of cultivation and processing, transportation, packaging, manufacturing process, wages for farmers etc. comply with the ecological and social requirements of the said organic labels.
The situation is similar with the raw material rubber, which likewise does not exist in Germany. The natural latex is e.g. won on plantations in Malaysia under Fairtrade conditions. Fair Rubber e.V. unites companies that buy fair produced sustainable rubber from suppliers for a fair trade price. In Europe, including Germany, natural rubber is processed into baby accessories and eco baby toys such as soother, bath toys, teething aids and grasping toys. The natural rubber is also found in the kitchen, in the bathroom, children’s room, bedroom, household and garden. The natural elastic material is used for mattresses and pillows, condoms, garden shoes and boots, gardening gloves, household gloves, menstrual cups, hot water bottles, balls and fitness bands, anti-slip mats, yoga mats, carpets and as gaskets for drinking bottles and storage boxes.
In the household there are many products made of wood. Kitchen supplies such as wooden spoons and spatula, bowls through to decorative items and furniture such as bed frames, tables, chairs and cabinets to wooden toys are made of bamboo, pear, beech, oak, pine, cherry, larch, olive wood, teak and tropical wood. But it does not always have to be exotic. A contribution to climate protection is the use of German woods, but also recycled wood. At best, the wood comes from sustainable German forestry.
Use the material filter "rubber" and "wood" to find products made of natural rubber and wood within the respective category. The filter "regional production" includes both ecological goods from Germany, from Europe and from the world. Here it depends on the location of the buyer, which is local production. For each product you will find concrete information about the country of manufacture in the sustainability criterion "regional production", which also includes "Made in Germany".
Shoes, sneakers, organic fashion, eco furniture and art – besides high quality goods Germany is known worldwide for excellent design. In view of the fact that overseas production is harmful to the climate due to transport and unnecessarily consumed resources (for example for fuel), more and more manufacturers are consciously choosing to manufacture locally. However, the monitoring of environmentally and socially fair production and the control of working conditions are easier in the home country than in countries such as Bangladesh, China, India or Turkey and are usually followed by stricter environmental regulations and fair remuneration schemes. Thus, the intellectual added value and the production (partially or completely) can remain in Germany and offer the consumer sustainable fashion and furniture.
A vibrant and innovative art scene is the creative expression of "Design Made in Germany", from street art to digital art to the unique inventions Upcycling meets Design!
How fast can a shitstorm on the Internet compromise a joinery, woodwork, tailoring or a printing company. And once the reputation has been lost, in the Internet age it is no longer completely free and easy. Because the Internet doesn’t forget. Therefore the trade benefits as well from the "Made in Germany" quality seal.
Before anyone hastily condemns goods that are at least partially processed abroad or its materials come from abroad, it is worth to look at the case law. Decisive to the sustainable criterion "Made in Germany" is the production in Germany; the last substantial and economically justified finishing or processing. Tolerance and common sense towards non-certified German products should also be allowed. Not every sheltered workshop, manufactory or microenterprise can afford financially the certification. German products are especially prized for the quality of the workmanship and unusual design ideas. The foreign participation in obtaining raw materials and their processing is a consequence of globalization. After all, the fewest German citizens who buy a car doubt the fact that a certain percentage when building a car and related accessories happens abroad.
Greenpicks is also open to producers and eco-friendly online shops that can prove that their products are mainly produced locally and regionally. In terms of sustainability, regional products, organic fashion, toys, kitchen utensils, accessories for balconies and gardens, organic furniture, upcycling furniture and office accessories are all about strengthening Germany as a business location and securing jobs.
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