| Eco-mark (Eco-label) Comparison | | | | A carbon reduction label provides consumers with |
| An eco-label is added to a product when the | | | | the amount of carbon that was used during the |
| product meets environmental quality assurance | | | | lifecycle of the product. A carbon reduction label is |
| standards. Eco-marks are valuable to consumers | | | | placed voluntarily and allows manufacturers to not |
| because they offer validation of a product’s | | | | only broadcast the amount of carbon being used |
| eco-friendly claims. There are a number of textile | | | | in the product’s life cycle, but the |
| eco-label companies in existence. Many are | | | | manufacturers also commit to reducing that |
| non-profit agencies. Here is a look at some of the | | | | amount of carbon within two years. A carbon |
| top textile eco-mark companies. | | | | reduction label identifies not only those who |
| Bluesign-standard: | | | | currently follow organic practices, but also those |
| Based in Switzerland, Bluesign-standard is another | | | | who are committed to building a company that |
| well-known eco-label that can be found on clothing | | | | follows eco-friendly standards. These are |
| world-wide. Bluesign-standard was started in 2000. | | | | companies who are actively seeking a better |
| With the recent additions of clothing | | | | world and are making positive changes to achieve |
| manufacturers such as Schoeller, Vaude-Sport, | | | | that goal. |
| and the North Face Division of VF Outdoor, Inc. | | | | Certified Humane Raised and Handled: |
| using this eco-mark, Bluesign-standard ensures | | | | This eco-mark is used in the textile market to |
| that consumers world-wide are provided with | | | | certify that the organic wool that you buy was |
| top-quality, environmentally friendly clothing. The | | | | purchased from farmers who treat their animals |
| Bluesign-standard focuses on marking textiles that | | | | humanely. In existence since 2003, and based in |
| are good for consumer’s health and the | | | | the U.S, their methods are verified by an outside |
| environment. More information about the | | | | source, unlike other eco-label companies who |
| eco-labeling process is available at | | | | verify their own practices in-house. Whenever |
| GreenSafe Mark: | | | | you are buying wool, look for the Certified |
| GreenSafe Mark is a world-famous fabric | | | | Humane Raised and Handled label. |
| specialized eco-label . It's developed by Greensafe | | | | While it may seem confusing at first glance, |
| Organic Science Laboratory. GreenSafe Mark | | | | because there are many different eco-label |
| inspects fabric to ensure that there are no | | | | companies verifying organic products, the fact is, |
| hazardous substances on the material. They also | | | | the environment will only benefit from the |
| ensure that the manufacturer is using a process | | | | attention that is being paid to eco-labeling. If |
| that reduces both energy consumption and | | | | consumers raise the demand for eco-labeled |
| carbon emissions, resulting in an eco-friendly fabric. | | | | products, then manufacturers will change their |
| Finally, they ensure that the manufacturer uses an | | | | ways to adapt to the emerging eco-friendly |
| environmentally friendly certified processing agent. | | | | marketplace. The innovative companies listed |
| Those who buy clothing with the GreenSafe Mark | | | | above realize that truth and they are actively |
| can rest assured that they are lessening their | | | | seeking to change the world via the marketplace. |
| environmental footprint by purchasing eco-friendly | | | | With manufacturers aware of the rewards that |
| clothes. GreenSafe Mark is an innovative company | | | | eco-friendly practices have, the world stands on |
| poised at the forefront of the movement for | | | | the threshold of healthier and environmentally |
| eco-friendly fabrics. For more information, visit | | | | friendly fabrics. |
| Carbon Reduction Label: | | | | |