Our consultants can provide your business with sustainability guidance.
Any sustainability claims made must be substantiated with the appropriate certification. For example, if you wish to state that a garment is made from a percentage of recycled fibre, organic materials, or branded fibres you must have valid documentation to support these claims.

We can assist you in understanding the requirements and help ensure your claims meet industry standards and certification guidelines.

What Are Sustainability Claims?

Sustainability claims are statements made by businesses to communicate that a product, process, or company practice has positive environmental or social attributes. These claims may appear on product labels, marketing materials, websites, or packaging.

Examples of common sustainability claims include:

• Made with 100% organic cotton
• Contains 50% recycled polyester

Why Do Sustainability Claims Require Certification?

Due to growing consumer demand for sustainable products, many businesses are tempted to use “green” language. However, without proof, these claims can be misleading, referred to as greenwashing. To avoid this and remain legally compliant, businesses must provide verifiable evidence for their claims.

Types of Sustainability Certifications

Here are some examples of third-party certifications that substantiate sustainability claims:

Organic Materials

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
• OCS (Organic Content Standard)

Recycled Content

• GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
• RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)

Fibre-Specific Certifications

• Trademarks that certify the source and sustainability of fibres.
• Branded Materials for responsibly grown cotton.
• Fibres that are recognized for its high quality, traceability, and responsible farming practices

Environmental 

OEKO-TEX® – tests for harmful substances and sustainable production.

Legal Considerations

Regulations in many countries require that environmental and sustainability claims must be:

• Truthful and not misleading
• Clear and specific
• Substantiated by credible evidence

Failure to comply may result in legal penalties, reputational damage, or product recalls.

How We Can Help

Our consultants can:

• Review your current sustainability claims
• Identify which certifications you need
• Guide you through the certification process

General Rules for Using Branded Materials in Sustainability Claims

1. Trademark Licensing: Most branded materials require a license to legally use their name in marketing or labeling.

2. Correct Terminology: Claims must use the exact brand name and terminology 

3. Approved Claims Only: Only use sustainability or performance claims that have been reviewed and approved by the brand owner.

4. Traceability & Documentation: You must have a chain of custody or transaction certificate to validate material origin.

5. Hangtags & Labels: Many brands offer co-branded hangtags, but these usually require approval and purchase from the brand owner.