Expanding Sustainability: The Power of Diverse Eco-Label Certifications
Textile professionals and students sometimes ask us: can different eco labels complement each other in the textiles industry when it comes to sustainability? Our answer is a firm yes, and today we’re going to look at two eco standards and explore how they can work together for everyone’s benefit.
We’re looking at ISO 14001 and REACH.
Ready? Let’s go!
Playing powerfully together: complementary eco standards
Yes, different eco-labels can indeed complement each other in the textiles industry when it comes to sustainability. Eco-labels are certifications or labels that indicate a product's environmental and/or social attributes.
They are typically awarded by independent organisations and provide consumers with information about the sustainability performance of a product.
How a diverse certification across eco labels demonstrates a commitment to a broader range of sustainable practices
In the textiles industry, there are numerous eco-labels that focus on various aspects of sustainability, such as organic certification, fair trade certification, recycled content certification, and water and energy efficiency labels.
These labels can complement each other in several ways:
- Comprehensive Sustainability Coverage: Each eco-label often focuses on specific sustainability criteria. By combining multiple eco-labels, a textile product can demonstrate its adherence to a wider range of sustainability aspects. For example, a product certified for both organic materials and fair-trade practices showcases a commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
- Specific Focus Areas: Different eco-labels may have a specific focus, such as water conservation or reduced carbon footprint. Combining these labels allows textile products to highlight their strengths in different sustainability areas. This comprehensive approach enables consumers to make informed choices based on their personal sustainability preferences.
- Third-Party Verification: Eco-labels provide independent verification of a product's sustainability claims. Combining multiple labels from reputable certification bodies adds credibility to the overall sustainability profile of a textile product. The presence of multiple eco-labels reassures consumers that the product has undergone rigorous evaluation against various sustainability criteria.
- Market Differentiation: Eco-labels can help textile products stand out in a crowded marketplace by showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Combining multiple eco-labels can create a unique value proposition for the product, appealing to consumers who prioritise multiple aspects of sustainability.
It is important to note that while eco-labels play a crucial role in promoting sustainability, there can be variations in criteria and requirements among different labels. Therefore, it is essential for textile industry stakeholders to carefully assess the eco-labels they choose and ensure they align with their sustainability goals and priorities.
Looking for some eco-friendly interiors eye candy?
Our Pinterest board has you covered. Sustainable Interior Design is more than just a fad. The same is for more sustainable architecture practices. This board is our collection sustainable interior design principles and projects designed to reduce the negative environmental impact of our society and build a better, more sustainable future.
Let’s get specific: ISO 14001 and REACH
ISO 14001 certification and REACH regulations are both related to environmental management and sustainability, but they address different aspects and operate at different levels within an organisation.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their environmental performance. It focuses on identifying and managing environmental aspects and impacts, setting environmental objectives, implementing controls, and ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Related read: Defining standards: ISO 14001 for environmental management
On the other hand, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union regulation that specifically addresses the safe use of chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment. REACH places obligations on businesses to register, evaluate, and manage the risks associated with chemicals throughout the supply chain.
Read all about REACH here on our Fabrics Academy.
While ISO 14001 certification is not directly tied to REACH compliance, it can provide a valuable framework for organisations to meet their obligations under REACH and enhance their overall environmental performance.
Here's how ISO 14001 and REACH can complement each other:
- Integrated Environmental Management: ISO 14001 helps organisations establish a systematic approach to environmental management. This includes identifying and assessing environmental aspects and impacts, setting objectives and targets for improvement, and implementing controls. By integrating REACH requirements into their EMS, organizations can ensure that the safe use of chemicals and compliance with REACH regulations are effectively addressed.
- Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: ISO 14001 emphasizes compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. By incorporating REACH requirements into their EMS, organizations can proactively address the obligations imposed by REACH and demonstrate compliance with relevant chemical regulations.
- Risk Assessment and Management: ISO 14001 encourages organizations to identify and manage environmental risks. This aligns with the core principles of REACH, which focus on the identification and management of risks associated with chemical substances. By integrating REACH-related risk assessments into their environmental management system, organizations can effectively address chemical-related risks and ensure compliance with REACH requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: Both ISO 14001 and REACH promote a culture of continuous improvement. By implementing ISO 14001 and aligning it with REACH requirements, organizations can establish a robust framework for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of their environmental performance, including their management of chemical substances.
So, while ISO 14001 certification and REACH regulations are separate entities, they share common goals of environmental management and sustainability. Integrating REACH requirements into an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system can help organisations effectively address chemical-related risks, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement in their environmental performance.
Kaizen (改善, かいぜん) is a concept of incremental improvement as it refers to our activities as a business. It’s an approach that is always at work in the background, improving all tasks and operations, involving employees across all departments and in management. There’s a simple workflow that empowers this process of transformation, and it has four stages: plan, do, check, adjust. The entire culture at Bru Textiles is built around this ethos of continual improvement, as are our manufacturing processes and even our warehouse operations.
Unlocking the Power of Eco-Labels: Choose Wisely for Sustainable Success!
When it comes to promoting sustainability, eco-labels are true game-changers. However, it's crucial to understand that not all labels are created equal. They come with their own unique sets of criteria and requirements, which means textile industry stakeholders must be savvy in their selection process. By carefully assessing and handpicking eco-labels that align perfectly with their sustainability goals and priorities, they can unleash the full potential of these labels and pave the way for a greener future. Don't just settle for any label – choose wisely and embark on a journey towards sustainable success!
By combining multiple reputable eco-labels, textile products can demonstrate their commitment to a broader range of sustainable practices and meet the diverse preferences of environmentally conscious consumers.