Ethical Manufacturing Certification – 3 Reasons to Buy Ethically Made Fashion

Ethical manufacturing certification is important in today’s fashion industry. Historically, factories were dirty, dangerous places to work. Today, most factories are clean and follow strict regulations regarding safety. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict guidelines for factories to meet. But even with these stricter rules, some ethical questions still remain. These questions often stem from workplace conditions. The following are some tips to make your next purchase ethically.

Look for the Certified B Corporation label. These companies balance profit and purpose by adhering to high social performance standards and transparency. Another option is the Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) certification. ECA works closely with Australian textile businesses to protect the rights of garment workers. Ethical Clothing Australia audits manufacturing operations to ensure they follow these standards. Businesses that are accredited with the SA8000 Standard adhere to the highest ethical standards for their workers, while still ensuring their business interests.

The SA8000 Standard covers nine aspects of social and human rights in apparel and textile manufacturing. Brands with the SA8000 standard pay living wages and maintain health and safety standards in line with ILO standards. These are the basic requirements for ethical fashion brands to meet.

Better Work is another example of an ethical manufacturing certification. It brings together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions, ensure respect for labour rights, and increase the competitiveness of apparel. Founded in Cambodia, Better Work has expanded to offices in 10 countries. In addition to its international presence, Better Work works closely with the United Nations’ International Labour Organization and the World Bank Group. It also works with national and local stakeholders to improve labor laws and conditions.

EcoCert is a leading example of sustainable fashion. Founded in France, EcoCert has expanded internationally, providing training and helping farmers transition to organic farming practices. Their certification program includes textiles made from organic materials, which are produced according to the Organic Content Standards. These standards aim to guarantee the integrity of the raw materials. There are strict requirements for this, but the overall result is an ethical garment that is good for the environment.

An ethical manufacturing certification is the best way to ensure a factory is following certain standards. A factory with an ethical certification can be trusted to meet the high standards set by GOTS. However, it’s important to note that not all sustainable brands can afford expensive certifications. Some of them may cost upwards of $25k a year, making them unaffordable for small businesses. In this case, talking to the business owner about the production process and the sourcing of materials will be your best option.

Another alternative to the OECD and ISO standards is a certification by B Corporations. These companies are committed to meeting social and environmental performance standards and have a legal structure based on corporate accountability. Their goal is to build positive communities and the planet. They believe that good business practices are better than bad ones. This is a good option for those who are concerned about environmental and social impact.