The image displayed showcases eight key sustainability and ethical symbols that have become increasingly common in the textile industry and more broadly. As consumers grow more environmentally and ethically conscious, these symbols serve as indicators of a product's impact on people, animals, and the planet. This article explores each symbol's significance and provides some basic details.

 

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Origin and Purpose

The Global Organic Textile Standard was established in 2006 after four years of negotiation among key stakeholders in the organic textile industry2. The standard was founded by four well-reputed organizations: Organic Trade Association (USA), Internationaler Verband der Naturtextilwirtschaft (Germany), The Soil Association (UK), and Japan Organic Cotton Association (Japan)13. GOTS emerged from the need for a harmonized organic textile standard that would be globally recognized, as discussed during the 2002 Intercot Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany217.

Certification Criteria

For a product to carry the GOTS logo, it must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers14. The standard offers two labeling options:

• "Organic" - requiring at least 95% certified organic fibers

• "Made with organic" - requiring at least 70% certified organic fibers9

Additionally, all processing stages must comply with strict environmental and social criteria, from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and distribution20.

Scope and Assurance

GOTS certification ensures that textiles are produced using organic agriculture methods (without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs), processed with environmentally responsible methods, and manufactured under socially responsible working conditions1714. The certification covers the entire supply chain, requiring independent third-party certification of processors, manufacturers, and traders14.

Consumer Impact

For consumers, the GOTS label represents a comprehensive assurance of organic integrity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Soil and Body has a number of products that are GOTS certified and Soil and Body works with a number suppliers that ensure the quality of the products is premium 12.

Global Recognition

GOTS has become the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers2021. It allows textile processors and manufacturers to export their products with one certification accepted in all major markets, eliminating the need for multiple country-specific certifications20.

Controversies or Limitations

The rigorous certification process can be costly and time-consuming, potentially limiting accessibility for smaller producers. The certification also requires annual audits to maintain compliance21, which represents an ongoing commitment of resources.

 

Recyclable Symbol

Origin and Purpose

The recyclable symbol, also known as the Mobius loop, gained prominence after Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old university student, won a contest to design a universal recycling symbol during the first Earth Day in 19704. Despite its widespread use, the symbol itself isn't trademarked and remains in the public domain.

Mobius loop doesn't typically require formal certification. When a product displays this symbol, it indicates that the item has the potential to be recycled, though this doesn't guarantee the item is made from recycled materials or will be accepted by all recycling programs45.

The original Mobius loop simply tells consumers that an item is capable of being recycled. If the product is made from recycled materials, the symbol will often be accompanied by a percentage indicating recycled content4.

Consumer Impact

The recyclable symbol promotes consumer awareness about proper waste disposal. However, its binary approach (Recycle or Do Not Recycle) aligns with ISO 14021 for self-declared environmental claims such as recyclability5.

Global Recognition

The Mobius loop is perhaps one of the most widely recognized recycling symbols in the world4, making it instantly identifiable to consumers across different markets.

Controversies or Limitations

A significant limitation is that the presence of the symbol doesn't guarantee local recyclability. Many consumers incorrectly assume that anything with this symbol can be recycled everywhere, when in fact recyclability depends on local facilities and programs4.

 

100% Organic

Origin and Purpose

The 100% Organic label is often used in conjunction with organic certification programs like GOTS or national standards like the Australian Certified Organic Standard. It indicates that all components of a product are certified organic natural fibers, including accessories9.

For a product to claim "100% Organic," all components must be certified organic natural fibers. According to the Australian Certified Organic Standard, for example, when 100% of the components are of certified organic natural fiber (including accessories), reference may be made to "100% Organic" on the label9.

Please check details for each product if it is 100% Organic.

This certification guarantees that the entire product, not just a portion, consists of organic materials grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs, following organic agriculture principles16.

Consumer Impact

The 100% Organic label provides clarity for consumers seeking products that are wholly organic, without conventional material components.

Soil and Body emphasizes this in product descriptions like their "Eco-Friendly 100% Premium Organic Cotton Women's Sustainable T-Shirt," which is marketed as both "eco-friendly and ethically produced"16.

Global Recognition

While widely understood, the specific requirements for 100% Organic claims may vary slightly between certifying bodies and countries, though the core concept remains consistent. The stringent requirement for 100% organic content can make it difficult and expensive to achieve for complex products with multiple components, potentially limiting the range of products that can bear this label.

 

Organic Content Standard (OCS)

Origin and Purpose

The Organic Content Standard was launched in March 2018 by Textile Exchange, a non-profit organization that promotes responsible and sustainable development in the textile sector6. Its primary goal is to increase organic agricultural production by verifying the presence and amount of organic material in a final product.

Certification Criteria

The OCS accepts only material from certified organic farms under one of IFOAM's Family of Standards. It verifies the presence and amount of organically grown material in a product through independent certification that maintains the identity of the organic content from the farm to the final product6.

Scope and Assurance

The OCS certification provides verification through professional, third-party certification bodies that audit each stage in the supply chain. This ensures the organic content is maintained throughout production without mixing with conventional materials6.

Consumer Impact

For consumers, the OCS label provides confidence that products contain genuinely organic materials, allowing for more informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values regarding sustainable agriculture.

Global Recognition

As a global standard managed by Textile Exchange, OCS has international recognition. The organization is currently finalizing a unified standard system, with pilot version 1.0 expected in 20256.

 

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Origin and Purpose

The Global Recycled Standard is promoted by Textile Exchange, recognizing the fundamental importance of recycling for sustainable production and consumption models7. The standard aims to encourage the reduction of resource consumption (virgin raw materials, water, and energy) and increase the quality of recycled products.

Certification Criteria

Products must contain at least 20% pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials to be GRS certified7. The standard covers product composition, traceability maintenance, chemical use restrictions, environmental criteria, and social compliance.

Scope and Assurance

GRS provides a third-party verified environmental statement proving recycled content and compliance with environmental and social criteria throughout the production chain7. It covers aspects from water supply to waste management, energy recovery, and workers' rights.

Consumer Impact

For consumers, the GRS label indicates that products contain verified recycled content and were manufactured in environmentally and socially responsible conditions, offering assurance for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Global Recognition

As a standard promoted by Textile Exchange, GRS has international recognition and is widely accepted in the textile industry globally. The GRS certification covers products with a minimum of 20% recycled content, which means a significant portion of the product may still consist of virgin materials. This might not meet the expectations of consumers seeking products with higher recycled content.

 

OEKO-TEX®

Origin and Purpose

OEKO-TEX® was founded in 1992 with the aim of using laboratory tests to ensure textile products are harmless to human health8. This led to the development of STANDARD 100, now the world's best-known and most trusted certification for textile product safety.

Certification Criteria

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 requires products to be tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances15. The certification involves rigorous testing of every component, including threads, buttons, and accessories. Notably, the more intensive the skin contact, the stricter the human ecology requirements and laboratory tests15.

Scope and Assurance

The certification guarantees that certified articles are harmless to human health and comply with global regulations, including REACH directives, CPSIA, and the ECHA-SVHC candidate list15. Testing is standardized globally, and limit values for harmful substances are reviewed at least annually.

Consumer Impact

For consumers, especially those with sensitive skin or concerns about chemical exposure, OEKO-TEX® provides valuable assurance about product safety. The QR code on certified product labels allows consumers to verify certification authenticity.

Global Recognition

With 30 years of operation and over 35,000 certified companies worldwide, OEKO-TEX® has established itself as a globally recognized standard for textile safety815.

While focused on human health safety, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 doesn't necessarily address environmental impacts of production or social responsibility in the supply chain, though the organization has expanded to offer other certifications addressing these aspects.

 

Zero Cruelty

Origin and Purpose

The Zero Cruelty (also known as Leaping Bunny) certification is managed by Cruelty Free International. The Leaping Bunny programme was established in the 1990s by an international coalition of animal protection organizations10. It serves as the globally recognizable gold standard for cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care, and household products.

Certification Criteria

To earn this certification, companies must not conduct, commission, or be party to animal testing. They must implement a supplier monitoring system, check supply chains for animal testing down to the ingredient manufacturer level, and adhere to a fixed cut-off date policy10. Companies must also accept ongoing independent audits to ensure compliance.

Scope and Assurance

The certification guarantees that no animal testing occurred at any stage of product development, including ingredient testing. It provides consumers with the assurance that their purchases support cruelty-free practices.

Consumer Impact

For consumers concerned about animal welfare, the Zero Cruelty logo serves as a clear indicator that products align with their ethical values. 

Global Recognition

The Leaping Bunny programme is internationally recognized as the gold standard for cruelty-free products, with over 1,000 brands certified worldwide10.

Controversies or Limitations

A notable limitation involves markets like China, where animal testing may be required for certain products. The Leaping Bunny program does not permit its logo on products sold to or distributed in China if animal testing is required10, which can present challenges for brands seeking global distribution.

 

Vegan

Origin and Purpose

The Vegan certification, often represented by the Vegan logo, is administered by organizations like Vegan Action. This certification helps consumers identify products that contain no animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals.

Certification Criteria

To obtain Vegan certification, products must contain no animal ingredients or animal by-products, use no animal ingredients in the manufacturing process, and not be tested on animals11. Documentation on each ingredient must be provided by manufacturers to indicate it is both not animal-derived and not tested on animals since 2009.

Scope and Assurance

The certification guarantees that products are completely free from animal involvement-both in terms of ingredients and testing-offering assurance to consumers following a vegan lifestyle for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.

Consumer Impact

For vegan consumers, this certification streamlines the shopping process by clearly identifying suitable products. Companies like Soil and Body highlight their "VEGAN-FRIENDLY" credentials to appeal to this growing consumer segment12.

Global Recognition

The Vegan certification is accepted in the United States, US territories, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with the logo recognized worldwide11.

Controversies or Limitations

The certification applies only to individual products rather than entire companies or manufacturing facilities, which may create confusion when a brand offers both vegan and non-vegan products. Additionally, the certification focuses on animal ingredients and testing but doesn't necessarily address broader environmental or social concerns.

 

Overlapping and Complementary Certifications

These certifications often address different aspects of sustainability and ethics:

• GOTS provides the most comprehensive certification, covering organic content, environmental processing, and social responsibility.

• OCS focuses solely on organic content verification, making it less comprehensive than GOTS but more accessible for some producers.

• OEKO-TEX® emphasizes human health safety, complementing organic certifications with assurances about harmful substances.

• Zero Cruelty and Vegan certifications address animal welfare concerns, which aren't covered by the environmental and social standards.

These certifications enable consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values. 

The growing demand for certified products is driving industry-wide changes in production methods, material sourcing, and transparency. As these standards continue to gain popularity, they're increasingly becoming baseline expectations rather than premium differentiators in many market segments.

Conclusion

As consumers become more environmentally and ethically conscious, these certification symbols serve as crucial tools for informed decision-making. Each symbol highlights specific aspects of sustainability and ethics, from organic content and chemical safety to animal welfare and recycled materials.

Soil and Body carries products with multiple certifications for conscious consumers. Each product description should be checked to see which certification applies to which product. E.g. some products highlight "GOTS, Fair Wear, and PETA Vegan-certified" status1619. 

Our products, such as below are Sustainable, Eco-friendly and produced using Organic Cotton, bring the value to conscious consumers. 

• "Eco-Friendly 100% Premium Organic Cotton Women's Sustainable T-Shirt"16, and

• "Eco-Friendly 100% Organic Cotton Unisex Heavyweight Sustainable T-Shirt"19

As the textile industry continues to evolve, understanding these symbols becomes increasingly important for consumers seeking to align their purchases with their values and for brands looking to authentically demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

The purpose of displaying the logos on the homepage is that Soil and Body carries products that carry some or more of these certifications. It does not imply that all products are certified, or that all products carry all certifications. Product description for each product should be checked for details related to each product and which certification it carries. 

References

1. Attached image showing certification logos

2. Global Organic Textile Standard. "The GOTS Story." https://global-standard.org/the-standard/story

3. Global Organic Textile Standard. "Certification." https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/certification

4. Woodford Recycling. "Everything You Didn't Know About the Mobius Loop." https://www.woodfordrecycling.co.uk/news/everything-you-didnt-know-about-the-mobius-loop/

5. OPRL. "How our labels work." https://oprl.org.uk/what-we-do/how-the-scheme-works/

6. Textile Exchange. "Organic Content Standard (OCS)." https://textileexchange.org/organic-content-standard/

7. ICEA. "Global Recycled Standard." https://icea.bio/en/certifications/non-food/biological-and-sustainable-textile-products/global-recycled-standard/

8. Oeko-Tex. "Our Story - over 25 years of experience." https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/about-us/our-story

9. Australian Certified Organic Standard. "Textile Labelling and Logo Style Guide." https://aco.net.au/storage/2025/01/ACOS_Textile_Labelling_and_Logo_Style_Guide_2021_v6.pdf

10. Cruelty Free International. "Applying for the Leaping Bunny." https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/leaping-bunny-programme/applying-leaping-bunny

11. Vegan Action. "Certification Process and Policies." https://vegan.org/certification-process/

12. Soil and Body. "Homepage." https://soilandbody.com

13. Global Organic Textile Standard. "About Us." https://global-standard.org/about-us

14. Global Organic Textile Standard. "Key Features." https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features

15. Oeko-Tex. "OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100." https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100

16. Soil and Body. "Eco-Friendly 100% Premium Organic Cotton Women's Sustainable T-Shirt." https://soilandbody.com/products/eco-friendly-100-premium-organic-cotton-women-s-sustainable-t-shirt-155-sustnble

17. Certilogo. "What is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?" https://discover.certilogo.com/blogs/insights-blog/global-textile-organic-standard

18. Global Organic Textile Standard. "How to get certified." https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/how-to-get-certified

19. Soil and Body. "Eco-Friendly 100% Organic Cotton Unisex Heavyweight Sustainable T-Shirt." https://soilandbody.com/products/eco-friendly-100-organic-cotton-unisex-heavyweight-sustainable-t-shirt-175-sustnble-lon

20. Intertek. "Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)." https://www.intertek.com/assurance/gots-textiles/

21. Control Union Germany. "GOTS - Global Organic Textile Standard." https://controlunion-germany.com/en/certification-programs/gots-global-organic-textile-standard