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Sustainability-Standards
Of course, the most sustainable product is the one you already have in your wardrobe. Nevertheless, you may need to purchase something new from time to time. Fortunately, in the outdoor industry, more and more brands are setting out to produce their products in the most environmentally-friendly way possible and are also ensuring compliance with high standards of social responsibility along the entire value chain. To make it easier for you to find these products in our shop, you can use the "Sustainability Standards" filter. In addition, with our "Trusted by Bergfreunde" filter, we offer a guide to help you find products that fulfil at least one standard in the categories of materials, environment and social responsibility. The corresponding symbol makes it easy for you to recognise these products. In providing this information, we wish to help you make a conscious and informed purchasing decision as easily as possible. Let's make your online shopping more sustainable together! Find out more about the standards and certifications here.
Overview - Standards and certifications
In our shop, you can filter products according to the categories Materials, Environment and Social as well as "Trusted by Bergfreunde". These categories are based on various recognised standards and certifications that address environmental and social considerations along the value chain. Find out here which standards and certifications each category represents and which products can be found under "Trusted by Bergfreunde":
Symbols | Standards and Certifications | Materials | Environment | Social |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) | - | - |  |
 | Blue Angel Textile | - | | - |
 | Bluesign PRODUCT | - | | - |
 | EU Ecolabel | - | | - |
 | Fairtrade Certified | - | - | |
 | Fairtrade | - | - | |
 | Fair Wear | - | - | |
 | Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) | | | |
 | Global Recycling Standard (GRS) | | - | - |
 | Green Button | - | | |
 | IVN Best | | | |
 | Leather Working Group | | - | - |
 | Organic Content Standard | | - | - |
 | OEKO-TEX® Organic Cotton Standard | | - | - |
| OEKO-TEX® Made in Green | - | | |
 | Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) | | - | - |
 | Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) | | - | - |
 | Responsible Down Standard (RDS) | | - | - |
 | Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) | | - | - |
 | Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) | | - | - |
 | Terracare | | - | - |
 | ZQ Merino | | - | - |
 | ZQRX Merino | | - | - |
 | Hemp | | - | - |
 | Linen | | - | - |
 | Synthetic Cellulosic Fibres | | - | - |
Materials
In the "Materials" category, you will find products in which at least 50% of the main or fill material consists of one of the following materials or a combination of these. Where such information is available, we are guided by recognised, independent standards/certifications, as well as the manufacturer's information on material composition:
Recycled Plastics
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled plastics:
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international standard from Textile Exchange that makes the proportion of recycled materials in products verifiable. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of recycled materials along the entire supply chain and compliance with the requirements of the Content Claim Standard (CCS). Both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials are accepted. The identity of the recycled content is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. Find more information on the official website: Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard that makes the use of recycled materials in products verifiable and sets additional environmental, social and chemical requirements. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of the recycled material throughout the entire supply chain, compliance with social standards (e.g. prohibition of child and forced labour, safe working conditions, regulated working hours), environmental requirements such as waste water and emissions control, and chemical management that excludes problematic substances. Products must contain at least 20% recycled content to be certified. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Recycled Cotton
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled plastics:
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international standard from Textile Exchange that makes the proportion of recycled materials in products verifiable. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of recycled materials along the entire supply chain and compliance with the requirements of the Content Claim Standard (CCS). Both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials are accepted. The identity of the recycled content is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. Find more information on the official website: Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard that makes the use of recycled materials in products verifiable and sets additional environmental, social and chemical requirements. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of the recycled material throughout the entire supply chain, compliance with social standards (e.g. prohibition of child and forced labour, safe working conditions, regulated working hours), environmental requirements such as waste water and emissions control, and chemical management that excludes problematic substances. Products must contain at least 20% recycled content to be certified. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Recycled Down
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled down:
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard that makes the use of recycled materials in products verifiable and sets additional environmental, social and chemical requirements. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of the recycled material throughout the entire supply chain, compliance with social standards (e.g. prohibition of child and forced labour, safe working conditions, regulated working hours), environmental requirements such as waste water and emissions control, and chemical management that excludes problematic substances. Products must contain at least 20% recycled content to be certified. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Organic Cotton
The following standards recognise products that contain organic cotton:
Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised standard for textiles made from organically produced natural fibres. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the use of chemicals to reduce risks to people and the environment, the proportion of sustainable raw materials, the limitation of emissions and the amount of waste water pollution in production. A product with the GOTS certification must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres; for the "organic" label, the minimum is 95%. Organic fibres come from organic cultivation without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. In addition, requirements are defined concerning occupational safety, prohibition of child or forced labour, and equal opportunities. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent, accredited certification bodies along the entire supply chain. Find more information on the official website: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is an international standard that makes it possible to verify the proportion of organically produced materials in products. It applies to textiles such as clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the traceability of organic material throughout the entire supply chain and compliance with the requirements of the Content Claim Standard (CCS). Only materials from certified organic farms that operate according to recognised standards (e.g. IFOAM) are accepted. The standard does not specify any requirements for chemical management or social criteria but concentrates exclusively on verifying the organic content. Compliance is monitored by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Organic Content Standard (OCS)
IVN BEST
IVN BEST is a standard of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) for textiles, which places particularly high demands on ecological and social criteria. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), but go beyond this in several respects. Products must consist of 100% natural fibres from regulated organic cultivation or regulated organic livestock farming. Synthetic fibres are not permitted. Prohibited substances include dyes containing heavy metals, chemicals containing chlorine, optical brighteners, flame retardants and synthetic high finishes. In addition, there are strict requirements for chemicals management, waste water treatment and energy saving. Social criteria are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including safe working conditions, living wages, and the prohibition of child and forced labour. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies. Find more information on the official website: IVN BEST
OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON is an international standard for textiles that verifies the use of organic cotton and sets additional requirements for testing for harmful substances and traceability. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include proof that the cotton comes from regulated organic cultivation, that no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been used and that the products have been tested for pesticides and other harmful substances. In addition, the entire supply chain is documented by transaction certificates to ensure traceability. Limits apply to harmful substances such as prohibited azo dyes, PFAS, heavy metals, and other regulated chemicals. Certification begins at farm level according to IFOAM standards and is monitored at all stages of production by independent audits. More information is available on the official website: Organic Cotton Standard from OEKO-TEX
Linen
This product contains at least 50% linen. As one of the oldest raw materials in the textile industry, this natural fibre is often used in the production of sustainable fashion. Linen is also suitable for functional outdoor clothing due to its temperature-regulating properties.
Hemp
This product contains at least 50% hemp. The range of outdoor products containing hemp is constantly growing. Compared to other materials, this natural fibre has positive sustainable properties, including lower water consumption and higher resistance to pests.
Wool from species-appropriate animal husbandry
The following standards recognise products that contain wool from species-appropriate animal husbandry:
Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an international standard for wool textiles that sets requirements for animal welfare, land management and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics made from sheep's wool. The criteria include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including access to food and water, protection from pain and stress and a ban on mulesing. In addition, certified farms must implement measures to protect soil quality, biodiversity and pastureland. Requirements for safe working conditions and health protection apply throughout the supply chain. The traceability of wool is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
Responsible Mohair Standard
The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an international standard for mohair textiles that sets requirements for animal welfare, land management and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics made from mohair. The criteria include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including access to food and water, protection from pain and stress and the prohibition of mistreatment. In addition, certified farms must implement measures to protect soil quality, biodiversity and pastureland. Requirements for safe working conditions and health protection apply throughout the supply chain. The traceability of mohair is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
Responsible Alpaca Standard
The Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) is an international standard for textiles made from alpaca fibres that sets requirements for animal welfare, land management and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics made from alpaca. The criteria include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including access to food and water, protection from pain and stress, and the prohibition of mistreatment. In addition, certified farms must implement measures to protect soil quality, biodiversity and pastureland. Requirements for safe working conditions and health protection apply throughout the supply chain. The traceability of alpaca fibres is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. More information is available on the official website: Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS)
ZQ Merino
ZQ Merino is an international standard for merino wool that sets requirements for animal welfare, environmental responsibility, social aspects and traceability. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics made from merino wool. The criteria include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, including the prohibition of mulesing, access to food and water and protection from pain and stress. In addition, farms must implement measures to protect soil, water and biodiversity. Fair working conditions and health protection requirements apply throughout the supply chain. Every product is traceable back to the farm to ensure transparency for consumers. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent audits. More information is available on the official website: ZQ Merino
ZQRX
ZQRX is an international standard for wool based on regenerative agriculture that sets requirements for animal welfare, environmental protection and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories, fibres, yarns and fabrics made from merino wool. The criteria include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, protection of soil, water and biodiversity, and measures to reduce emissions and promote regenerative practices. ZQRX goes beyond pure sustainability and pursues the goal of continuous improvement, for example through ecosystem restoration, protection of native species and CO₂ reduction. In addition, there are requirements for fair working conditions and traceability back to the farm. Compliance is verified through independent audits and an index system that measures progress in the areas of the environment, animal welfare and social responsibility. More information is available on the official website: ZQRX
Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised standard for textiles made from organically produced natural fibres. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the use of chemicals to reduce risks to people and the environment, the proportion of sustainable raw materials, the limitation of emissions and the amount of waste water pollution in production. A product with the GOTS certification must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres; for the "organic" label, the minimum is 95%. Organic fibres come from organic cultivation without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. In addition, requirements are defined concerning occupational safety, prohibition of child or forced labour, and equal opportunities. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent, accredited certification bodies along the entire supply chain. Find more information on the official website: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
IVN BEST
IVN BEST is a standard of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) for textiles, which places particularly high demands on ecological and social criteria. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), but go beyond this in several respects. Products must consist of 100% natural fibres from regulated organic cultivation or regulated organic livestock farming. Synthetic fibres are not permitted. Prohibited substances include dyes containing heavy metals, chemicals containing chlorine, optical brighteners, flame retardants and synthetic high finishes. In addition, there are strict requirements for chemicals management, waste water treatment and energy saving. Social criteria are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including safe working conditions, living wages, and the prohibition of child and forced labour. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies. Find more information on the official website: IVN BEST
Down from species-appropriate animal husbandry
The following standards recognise products that contain down from species-appropriate animal husbandry:
Responsible Down Standard
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an international standard for products containing down and feathers that sets requirements for animal welfare and traceability. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories that contain down or feathers. The criteria include the protection of ducks and geese throughout the entire supply chain. These include compliance with the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare, such as access to feed and water and protection from pain and stress. In addition, the traceability of materials is ensured by a chain-of-custody system that is verified by independent certification bodies at all stages of production. Certification is carried out by third parties and includes audits at farm and processing level. Products that meet the requirements are permitted to carry the RDS logo. More information is available on the official website: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) .
Leather from responsible tanneries
The following standards recognise products that contain leather from responsible tanneries:
Leather Working Group (LWG)
The Leather Working Group (LWG) certifies leather manufacturing companies with high sustainability standards throughout the supply chain. Only businesses that comply with strict animal welfare standards and pay attention to environmental factors such as water consumption and chemical management in their production receive certification. The assessment is graded as gold, silver and bronze. Tanneries with the LWG Gold certified label demonstrate the highest level of transparency and traceability along the supply chain. More information can be found on the LWG website
Terra Care
The TerraCare label is used for products made from leather produced by the German tannery Heinen Leder. The company manufactures the material exclusively in Germany and guarantees a high level of occupational safety for its employees during the manufacturing process, as well as the reduction of negative environmental impacts. For example, the tannery focuses on recycling by-products from leather production and reducing water consumption. Detailed information can be found directly at TerraCare.
Synthetic cellulose fibres (viscose, lyocell, modal)
Synthetic cellulose fibres (viscose, lyocell, modal)
This product contains synthetic cellulose fibres, which are fibres made from natural raw materials. Below you will find information about the different fibres:
Tencel Lyocell
Lyocell is also known as a synthetic natural fibre. Specifically, this means that the fibre is made from natural raw materials – in most cases wood – which are processed into a durable material using a synthetic process. What makes this fibre special is that trees from sustainable forestry are used in its production and the fibre is biodegradable. Due to its moisture-absorbing properties, it is also suitable for the manufacture of outdoor equipment. The fibre is currently produced exclusively under the brand name Tencel.
Tencel Lyocell Filament
Products with the Tencel Lyocell Filament label are made from lyocell, a synthetic natural fibre. Specifically, this means that the fibre is made from natural raw materials – in most cases eucalyptus wood – which are processed into a durable material using a synthetic process. The addition of ‘Filament’ in the label denotes a new variant of lyocell. Compared to the standard fibre, the end product is softer and smoother, similar to silk. This variant is suitable for the manufacture of outdoor equipment due to its moisture-absorbing properties. Trees from sustainable forestry are used for production and the fibre is biodegradable.
Tencel Modal
Various synthetic natural fibres are produced under the Tencel brand. Just like lyocell and viscose, modal is made from naturally growing raw materials, in this case beech wood. Thanks to its low water and energy consumption and other environmentally friendly factors, the fibre is used to manufacture more sustainable products. Its cooling and skin-friendly properties make modal a suitable material for outdoor equipment.
REFIBRA
Products with a REFIBRA label are made from recycled cotton fabric scraps, e.g. from clothing production. The Lenzing company uses these fabric scraps to produce new lyocell fibres, i.e. synthetic natural fibres. With this technology, the company aims to contribute to the circular economy and, for example, reduce the amount of waste in the textile industry.
Lenzing ECOVERO
In addition to the synthetic natural fibres lyocell and modal, Lenzing also manufactures viscose, which is another material made from renewable raw materials. Viscose is biodegradable and, thanks to its moisture-absorbing properties, is also suitable for outdoor use. However, compared to lyocell and modal, the fibre is usually less sustainable as the manufacturing process has a higher environmental impact. By redesigning the production process, Lenzing can reduce this environmental impact and make viscose more sustainable. Products with the ECOVERO label are made from viscose produced by Lenzing.
Environment
In the "Environment" category, you will find products for which we have proof of at least one of the following standards/certifications:
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union and identifies textiles that fulfil certain environmental and material requirements along the supply chain. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the use of chemicals to reduce risks to people and the environment, the proportion of sustainable raw materials, the limitation of emissions and the amount of water consumed in production. For natural fibres such as cotton, a minimum proportion from organic or sustainable cultivation is required, whereas for synthetic fibres such as polyester or nylon, a minimum proportion of recycled materials is required. These products must also fulfil certain quality and durability requirements. Compliance with these criteria is checked by independent bodies before certification is awarded. Find more information on the official website: EU Ecolabel for textiles
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised standard for textiles made from organically produced natural fibres. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the use of chemicals to reduce risks to people and the environment, the proportion of sustainable raw materials, the limitation of emissions and the amount of waste water pollution in production. A product with the GOTS certification must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres; for the "organic" label, the minimum is 95%. Organic fibres come from organic cultivation without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. In addition, requirements are defined concerning occupational safety, prohibition of child or forced labour, and equal opportunities. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent, accredited certification bodies along the entire supply chain. Find more information on the official website: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Oeko-Tex Made in Green
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN is a label for textiles and leather products that fulfil certain requirements, including testing for harmful substances, environmentally-friendly production and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include testing all components for harmful substances, including sewing threads, buttons and zips, as well as compliance with limiting substances that are harmful to health. Chemical management, waste water quality and emissions must be regulated in production. Occupational safety, health protection and fair working conditions are also mandatory. Each product is traceable via a unique product ID or QR code, providing consumers with information on the production sites and countries involved. Compliance with these requirements is ensured by independent tests and certifications such as STANDARD 100 and STeP by OEKO-TEX®. Find more information on the official website: OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
The Green Button (Der Grüne Knopf)
The Green Button is a German government seal for textiles that sets requirements for companies and products. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on two levels. Firstly, companies must prove that they fulfil their obligations concerning human rights and environmental due diligence in the supply chain. These include risk management, complaints mechanisms and measures to improve working and environmental conditions. In addition, the products themselves must be proved, by means of certified labels, to have been manufactured in compliance with social and ecological standards. Examples include requirements for chemicals management, wastewater treatment and the prohibition of hazardous substances. Compliance with these requirements is monitored by independent test centres. Find more information on the official website: Green Button
Bluesign Product
bluesign® PRODUCT is an international label for textiles that sets requirements for chemical management, environmental protection and occupational health and safety along the supply chain. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the exclusion of substances that are particularly harmful to the environment and health, the control of waste water and air emissions, the efficient use of resources and occupational safety requirements. All components of a product must fulfil the bluesign® criteria, and compliance is checked at both suppliers and manufacturers. The aim is to reduce risks for people and the environment and to create transparency throughout the entire textile supply chain. Verification is carried out through independent audits and the application of mandatory lists of permitted and prohibited chemicals. Find more information on the official website: bluesign®
IVN Best
IVN BEST is a standard of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) for textiles, which places particularly high demands on ecological and social criteria. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), but go beyond this in several respects. Products must consist of 100% natural fibres from regulated organic cultivation or regulated organic livestock farming. Synthetic fibres are not permitted. Prohibited substances include dyes containing heavy metals, chemicals containing chlorine, optical brighteners, flame retardants and synthetic high finishes. In addition, there are strict requirements for chemicals management, waste water treatment and energy saving. Social criteria are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including safe working conditions, living wages, and the prohibition of child and forced labour. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies. Find more information on the official website: IVN BEST
Blue Angel Textile
Textile products labelled with the The Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) is the official eco-label of the German government and identifies textiles that fulfil defined environmental and health requirements. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the avoidance of certain hazardous chemicals, the limitation of pollutants in end products, specifications for resource-conserving production and requirements for usability and durability. For natural fibres, a minimum proportion from regulated organic cultivation is required, whereas for synthetic fibres, a proportion of recycled materials is required. In addition, minimum social standards must be observed in production. Compliance with these requirements is monitored by independent test centres. Find more information on the official website: Blue Angel for textiles
Social
In the "Social" category, you will find products for which we have proof of at least one of the following standards/certifications:
FairWear
Fair Wear is an initiative that campaigns for the improvement of working conditions in the textile and clothing industry. It applies to companies that manufacture clothing, home textiles and accessories. The criteria are based on eight labour standards that are aligned with the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO). These include a ban on child and forced labour, safe and healthy working conditions, living wages, the right to freedom of association and limits on working hours. Fair Wear takes a process-orientated approach, where member companies commit to continuously implementing improvements in their supply chains. The organisation checks this through audits in production facilities, interviews with employees, grievance mechanisms and annual performance checks at company level. Compliance with the requirements is monitored by Fair Wear itself as an independent multi-stakeholder organisation. Find more information on the official website: Fair Wear Website.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised standard for textiles made from organically produced natural fibres. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include the use of chemicals to reduce risks to people and the environment, the proportion of sustainable raw materials, the limitation of emissions and the amount of waste water pollution in production. A product with the GOTS certification must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres; for the "organic" label, the minimum is 95%. Organic fibres come from organic cultivation without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. In addition, requirements are defined concerning occupational safety, prohibition of child or forced labour, and equal opportunities. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent, accredited certification bodies along the entire supply chain. Find more information on the official website: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Oeko-Tex Made in Green
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN is a label for textiles and leather products that fulfil certain requirements, including testing for harmful substances, environmentally-friendly production and social responsibility. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria include testing all components for harmful substances, including sewing threads, buttons and zips, as well as compliance with limiting substances that are harmful to health. Chemical management, waste water quality and emissions must be regulated in production. Occupational safety, health protection and fair working conditions are also mandatory. Each product is traceable via a unique product ID or QR code, providing consumers with information on the production sites and countries involved. Compliance with these requirements is ensured by independent tests and certifications such as STANDARD 100 and STeP by OEKO-TEX®. Find more information on the official website: OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
Fairtrade Textile
The Fairtrade Textile Standard is an international standard that aims to improve working conditions throughout the textile supply chain, while also setting environmental requirements. It applies to companies that manufacture or sell textiles made from Fairtrade-certified cotton or other responsibly produced fibres. The criteria include fair and reliable trade relations, the registration of all subcontractors, requirements for labour contracts, working hours and overtime, as well as the right to freedom of association. In addition, specifications for occupational safety, building safety and complaints mechanisms are also defined. Environmental requirements are aimed at controlling the use of chemicals and reducing negative effects on both people and the environment. The standard also obliges companies to take steps towards paying a living wage. Compliance is monitored by audits, including unannounced inspections, and by a complaints system. Find more information on the official website:Fairtrade.
The Green Button (Der Grüne Knopf)
The Green Button is a German government seal for textiles that sets requirements for companies and products. It applies to clothing, home textiles, accessories as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on two levels. Firstly, companies must prove that they fulfil their obligations concerning human rights and environmental due diligence in the supply chain. These include risk management, complaints mechanisms and measures to improve working and environmental conditions. In addition, the products themselves must be proved, by means of certified labels, to have been manufactured in compliance with social and ecological standards. Examples include requirements for chemicals management, wastewater treatment and the prohibition of hazardous substances. Compliance with these requirements is monitored by independent test centres. Find more information on the official website: Green Button
IVN Best
IVN BEST is a standard of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) for textiles, which places particularly high demands on ecological and social criteria. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. The criteria are based on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), but go beyond this in several respects. Products must consist of 100% natural fibres from regulated organic cultivation or regulated organic livestock farming. Synthetic fibres are not permitted. Prohibited substances include dyes containing heavy metals, chemicals containing chlorine, optical brighteners, flame retardants and synthetic high finishes. In addition, there are strict requirements for chemicals management, waste water treatment and energy saving. Social criteria are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including safe working conditions, living wages, and the prohibition of child and forced labour. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent certification bodies. Find more information on the official website: IVN BEST
Fair Trade Certified
Fair Trade Certified is a Fair Trade USA programme that sets social, environmental and economic standards for various industries, including textiles. It applies to clothing, home textiles and accessories manufactured in certified factories. The criteria include safe working conditions, the prohibition of child and forced labour, regulated working hours, the right to freedom of association and occupational health and safety measures. In addition, the programme obliges companies to pay a fair trade premium, which is used by employees for community projects such as education, healthcare or housing. Environmental requirements include specifications for chemicals management, waste water treatment and the reduction of emissions. Compliance with these requirements is verified by independent audits and regular checks. Find more information on the official website: Fair Trade Certified
Amfori BSCI
Trusted by Bergfreunde
What's behind it?
With "Trusted by Bergfreunde", we want to give you the opportunity to find products whose production and manufacture comply with environmental, social and animal welfare standards. In doing so, we aim to provide guidance for you as a customer should you want to factor the environmental and societal impact of a product into your purchasing decision. Below you can find out exactly which criteria the products fulfil when they are listed as "Trusted by Bergfreunde":
PFC/PFAS - free
BPA free
PVC free
Mulesing free
In addition to the minimum requirements, we have defined the following three categories: Materials, Environment and Social. Behind each category are certain standards/certifications. Our main goal was to ensure that these standards/certifications were verifiable and comprehensive. This means that we demand concrete evidence from our suppliers, preferably in the form of recognised and independent standards/certifications such as the Green Button or the Fair Trade seal. An exception to this is some information on material composition, for which there are not yet independent standards/certifications; here we rely on the manufacturer's information about the product. Moreover, the relevant environmental and social impact is to be considered holistically along the value chain. Products in the "Trusted by Bergfreunde" category must therefore fulfil high environmental, animal welfare and social standards. To summarise, this means: All products that fulfil the minimum requirements and can also demonstrate at least one standard/certification in each of the three categories materials, environment and social responsibility are included in the "Trusted by Bergfreunde" category filter.
The "Trusted by Bergfreunde" symbol - An orientation
No product is 100% sustainable. The "Trusted by Bergfreunde" symbol merely indicates that the product was demonstrably manufactured with a focus on environmental, social and animal welfare standards. However, the absence of a symbol does not automatically mean that a product has a negative social or environmental impact. It may well be that a product without a symbol fulfils equally high environmental and social standards, but this cannot be proven by a certificate or third-party verification. In these cases, we cannot label the product with the symbol due to a lack of external confirmation.
Data, data, data!
Only a few products from our range are currently listed under "Trusted by Bergfreunde". One of the reasons for this is that we apply a very demanding selection of standards/certifications. We take a holistic view of sustainability, i.e. "Trusted by Bergfreunde" products must demonstrably fulfil high standards in the areas of materials, the environment and social issues. However, there is also good news. We are constantly reviewing our range of products and receiving ever more comprehensive data from our manufacturers. In addition, manufacturers and their products are constantly evolving. The number of "Trusted by Bergfreunde" products will therefore continue to grow in the future.
New findings - Further criteria
"Trusted by Bergfreunde" is not a rigid system. We regularly check whether there are new findings or developments in the area of product sustainability, such as new recognised standards/certifications, and adapt our criteria accordingly. For example, we are working on integrating the topic of repair and recyclability. To this end, we need to collect relevant data in order to develop an analysis-based solution as to how we can integrate these topics into our set of criteria.
