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24.01.2023

Common Symbols Associated with Eco-friendly Apparel

Most businesses share one thing in common, sustainability is a top priority, and if not already firmly integrated into a company’s values, it’s likely firmly on the horizon. This is why when it comes to sourcing corporate wear, businesses want to know where and how things were made. Luckily, many of our premium brand partners are producing their most environmentally-friendly gear yet. But what does that actually mean? We look at the most common symbols associated with recycled and sustainable apparel, and exactly what they mean. 

1. Bluesign

 You’ll likely see this stamp across many of our brand products, Bluesign is a system that provides safer and more sustainable environments for people to work in and everyone to live in. Powered by a holistic approach, Bluesign traces each textile’s path along the manufacturing process, making improvements at every stage from the factory floor to the finished product.

2. Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certifies products that contain feathers and down from certified farms. It ensures that the feathers and the duvet used in the padded products derive from geese and ducks raised in compliance with the principles and criteria of animal welfare. Many of our premium brands are RDS Certified and are continuously looking at ways to reduce their impact when it comes to sourcing Down.

3. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

The Responsible Wool Standard provides the industry with a tool that recognises the best practices for farmers. It ensures that the wool used by businesses is from farms that have a progressive approach to their farming and gives more transparency to the consumer.

4. The Microfibre Consortium

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) facilitates the development of practical solutions for the textile industry, to minimise fibre fragmentation and release to the environment from manufacturing and the product life cycle. The Microfibre 2030 Commitment presents the opportunity to align globally as an industry and have a real impact on microfibre release, by bringing together brands, retailers, manufacturers, research, academic and industry experts.

5. FSC Certified

FSC Forest Management Certification confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. FSC-certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards.

6. The Fairwear Foundation

The Fair Wear Foundation (Fair Wear) is an independent multi-stakeholder organisation that works with garment brands, garment workers and industry influencers to improve labour conditions in garment factories. Their mission is to see a world where the garment industry supports workers in realising their rights to safe, dignified, properly paid employment. Mammut was one of the first outdoor brands to join the Fair Wear Foundation many years ago.

7. Better Cotton Initiative

The Better Cotton Initiative is designed to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.  They have an extensive network of partners and members, and are aiming to make cotton farming a more climate-resilient, environmentally friendly and responsible business. Already nearly a quarter of the world’s cotton is produced under the Better Cotton Standard. 

8. Certifed B Corp

Last but certainly not least is B Corp Certification. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. B Corp Certification is holistic, not exclusively focused on a single social or environmental issue. And the process to achieve and maintain certification is rigorous and requires engaging teams and departments across your company. Patagonia has been certified as a B Corp company since 2011.

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