River & Trail Talk

1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses and environmental organizations working together to support people and the planet. 1% for the Planet members commit to donating at least 1% of annual sales directly to environmental organizations, and then 1% for the Planet certify every donation to ensure businesses meet that commitment.

Bluesign

Bluesign is a certification system for companies to ensure the textile industry minimizes their impact. Every item carrying a bluesign Product or bluesign Approved label has been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements known as the bluesign Criteria. We have a whole blog dedicated to Bluesign.

Certified B Corporation

When a business is a Certified B Corporation, it means they meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. They also must demonstrate a commitment to using business as a force for good. The certification is through the non-profit organization B Lab.

Climate Neutral Certified or The Climate Label Certified

The Climate Label Certified replaces Climate Neutral Certified, but you will likely still see Climate Neutral Certified on past season items. The Climate Label is a certification for companies that put a price on their carbon emissions. All certified companies must meet the same high standard for climate accountability by adopting a standardized carbon fee and actively funding projects that reduce emissions.

Fair Trade Certified Factory

Fair Trade Certification ensures that products are made and traded in a way that supports the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the producers and workers involved in their production. It guarantees that farmers and workers in developing countries receive a fair price for their goods, have decent working conditions, and are empowered to make decisions about their futures. 

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/what-we-do/what-we-certify/

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that a product comes from responsibly managed forests, meeting strict environmental, social, and economic standards. It provides assurance to consumers that the wood and paper products they buy are sourced sustainably and meet international guidelines.

Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS)

Originally developed by Patagonia, the Global Traceable Down Standard focuses on compliance with local legal animal welfare regulations and aims to ensure that down does not come from farms that engage in force-feeding or live plucking. It is exclusively certified by US-based NSF International. 

https://www.textilestandards.com/standards/105-global-traceable-down 

OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX® certification ensures that textiles and leather products are tested for harmful substances, making them safe for human use and the environment. It's a globally recognized standard, with different certifications focusing on various aspects of the textile and leather supply chain, from raw materials to finished products.

Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

The Responsible Wool Standard aims to improve the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on. The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary standard that requires all sites, from wool farms to the seller in the final business-to-business transaction, to be certified. RWS farmers and ranchers are evaluated against animal welfare, land management, and social requirements set in the standard.

https://textileexchange.org/responsible-wool-standard/ 

UPF

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating system which indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, UPF 50+ means that only up to 1/50th or 2% of ultraviolet radiation is able to penetrate the fabric, which has been tested.

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/

ZQ Merino Fibre

ZQ Merino Wool is a certification standard for merino wool that prioritizes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, fiber quality, traceability, and social responsibility. It ensures that merino wool is sourced from farms that adhere to high ethical standards, offering a premium fiber for various applications. 

https://www.discoverzq.com/