Eco Labels and Standards

Eco labels are an important marketing tool. Subsequently there has been a proliferation of eco labels and it is important that consumers understand that not all eco labels are alike.

The main environmental textile standards are;

• Sustainable Textile Standard
• Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA)
• European Union (EU) Flower
• Environmental Choice New Zealand
• MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certification
• Oeko Tex

Each of the textile standards differ in their approach.

The diagrams below illustrate the differences between the textile standards over the textile life cycle.

The areas addressed by each standard are circled in green.

The Sustainable Textile Standard is currently in draft form and is due to be finalised in late 2009.

INSTYLE aims to certify its benchmark sustainable textile collection LIFE Textiles®, with the Sustainable Textile Standard once it is finalised.