Natural fibres

GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD (GOTS)

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard and is one of the strictest labels in the global textile industry. Precise guidelines for ecological and socially responsible textile production apply throughout the entire production process – without any compromises. The most important criteria for the label are the use of certified organic natural fibres, no pesticides used in cultivation, the improvement of living and working conditions of people along the entire production chain, compliance with chemical limits as well as transparency and traceability.

Natural fibres

GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD “ORGANIC IN CONVERSION” LABEL

Items with the Global Organic Textile Standard “organic in conversion” label are made from cotton that comes from fields that are in the process of converting from conventional to organic farming. This process usually takes three years and ensures positive effects on the health of the farmers, the health of the soil and the protection of biodiversity in growing regions through the conversion to organic, and therefore environmentally friendly, farming methods.

In addition to the ecological benefits, the farmers benefit from higher incomes, as they do not have to offer the cotton on the conventional market. The conversion is monitored by independent certification bodies. Storage and processing that is separate from conventional cotton is ensured throughout the supply chain. By using “organic in conversion” fibres, we hope to support even more farmers to take more environmentally friendly paths.

Natural fibres

ORGANIC CONTENT STANDARD (OCS)

The Organic Content Standard, or OCS for short, certifies that a product contains organically certified cotton. To be on the safe side, every production step is traceable. An item with the OCS 100 label is made from at least 95 per cent organically grown materials. At Ernsting’s family, we mainly use this label as the majority of our OCS items meet the necessary requirements for this. The OCS Blended label indicates which proportion of an item is made from organically grown materials (at least 5%). However, all items with the OCS Blended label in the Ernsting’s family range are only made from all-organic cotton components, no blended fibres.

Natural fibres

COTTON MADE IN AFRICA (CMIA) – HELPING OTHERS TO HELP THEMSELVES

We support the Cotton made in Africa initiative, which campaigns for better working and living conditions for small farmers and workers in ginning factories. The initiative takes environmental, social and sustainable aspects into account. Instead of collecting donations, it follows the principle of helping people to help themselves through trade: we request CmiA-verified cotton and use the red CmiA label for a licence fee. Cotton made in Africa reinvests the income from the licences in its project regions in sub-Saharan Africa. For example, it is used to provide cotton farmers with agricultural and business management training. The knowledge they acquire helps them to grow cotton more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way and to manage their farms to make a profit. More information at: www.cottonmadeinafrica.org

Natural fibres

FAIRTRADE - FAIR BY CONVICTION

Fairtrade is committed to improving the working and living conditions of smallholder farmers and workers in the growing countries. The Fairtrade seal stands for strict social and environmental standards. We are happy to be part of the Fairtrade family through our Fairtrade certified cotton items, supporting local cotton farmers with stable incomes and supporting programmes and community projects. By focusing on environmentally friendly farming conditions, an additional contribution is made to environmental protection.

Natural fibres

FUR FREE RETAILER

We do not use any real fur on any of our items. If we use artificial fur or faux fur, our suppliers guarantee us that they have not used any real fur. We are even an are an official member of the “Fur Free Retailer” programme, which is represented in Germany by the animal welfare organisation VIER PFOTEN. We will remain true to this practice in the future out of conviction.

Natural fibres

RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD (RDS)

This initiative improves the living conditions of the geese we get our down from. The standard guarantees that the processed down comes from transparent supply chains and ensure that the animals do not suffer when the down is removed. The RDS label of the Responsible Down Standard can be found on all our clothing items that are made with down.

Natural fibres

RESPONSIBLE WOOL STANDARD (RWS)

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a global standard designed to protect sheep and the land they graze on. The standard ensures, for example, that the animals have access to clean drinking water, sufficient food and enough fresh air at all times. It also ensures protection from the cold, heat, stress, pain, injury and disease. One of the specific effects of this standard is a strict ban on mulesing. Working conditions and the health and safety of workers are also verified along the entire supply chain by independent certification bodies. Only products made of 100% certified wool can carry the RWS logo.