Eco-Certifications What’s the Real Deal?

Nowadays brands love to throw around words like “eco” and “sustainable.” But how do you know if it actually means something—or if it’s just a fancy label?

That’s where certifications come in. At least in theory. Some are solid. Others? Not so much..

We took a closer look at some of the most well-known certificates so you don’t have to. Here's what’s worth paying attention to—and why.

GREEN BUTTON | GRÜNER KNOPF

Launched by the German government in 2019, this label looks at both the product and the company behind it. It checks social and environmental standards across the supply chain, and independent bodies make sure the rules are actually being followed.

Why it matters: It goes beyond the final product—it's about company-wide responsibility.

GOTS – GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDRAD

This one’s serious about organic. GOTS ensures that fibres are grown without harmful chemicals, and that workers along the supply chain are treated fairly.
From the cotton field to the finished fabric—everything gets audited.

Why it matters: If you're looking for a certified organic product that also respects workers’ rights, GOTS is gold.

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

Worried about toxic dyes and sketchy chemicals? This certification tests for harmful substances in finished products. It’s globally recognized and applies to every part of the item—including threads, buttons, and coatings.

Why it matters: It focuses on consumer safety, not production ethics. Still, good to know your shirt won't give you a rash.

FAIR TRADE

This seal stands for fair pay, safe working conditions, and community development.
It’s mainly found on cotton, but the principles go deeper—supporting education and skill-building for workers.

Why it matters: A real step towards economic justice in global supply chains.

FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION (FWF)

FWF keeps a close eye on working conditions in garment factories. Brands that carry this certification commit to improving labour practices. Think no forced labour, no discrimination, the right to unionize, and real wages.

Why it matters: It targets the most urgent issues in garment production.

FSC – FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

You’ll find this mostly on paper, packaging, and wood-based fabrics like viscose. FSC ensures forests are managed sustainably, biodiversity is protected, and workers are treated fairly. But keep in mind—it doesn’t say much about water, energy, or chemicals used in processing.

Why it matters: Great for forest protection, but not a full sustainability check.

LEED – LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

This is a certification for buildings, not textiles—but it still plays a role in sustainable fashion. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, it looks at how energy-efficient a building is, how it handles water and waste, and what materials were used in its construction.

Why it matters: Because clothes are made inside buildings. And not all of them are safe.

After the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, the safety of production sites became impossible to ignore. LEED helps hold companies accountable for the spaces people work in—making sure sustainability includes the human side too.

CRADLE TO CRADLE

This one’s all about circularity. C2C-certified products are designed to be reused, recycled, or safely composted. It looks at things like renewable energy, material health, and water stewardship.

Why it matters: It’s forward-thinking and holistic—but still not super common in fashion.

So, can you trust these labels? Short answer? Sometimes. But not always.

Even the best-known certifications can be twisted. A brand might get certified for one product and still slap the logo across its entire range. Some labels are just marketing stunts. And yes—some companies straight-up fake it.

So, how do you tell what’s real?

Start here:

• Check the source – Most legit certifications (like GOTS or OEKO-TEX) have online databases. You can look up whether a brand or product is actually certified.

• Third-party audits matter – If a label doesn't require independent checks, that’s a red flag. External audits are what make certifications meaningful.

• Watch the watchdogs – NGOs like the Clean Clothes Campaign or Fashion Revolution often report on greenwashing and which labels are worth trusting.

• Ask uncomfortable questions – If a brand can’t explain what a certification means—or where it applies—that tells you everything you need to know.

Want to dig deeper?

Getting informed isn’t always easy—but we’re here to make it a bit easier. Here's a solid starting point:

To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? by Lucy Siegle
Wardrobe Crisis — podcast by Clare Press
Follow @cleanclothescampaign and @fash_rev
Check out goodonyou.eco or rankabrand.org — both rate brands and break down their claims