What certifications really mean
For clients who want to substantiate their sustainability or safety claims at product-label level, certifications are crucial. Below we explain which ones we carry, what they involve, and when you need them.
Textile certifications
These relate to the garment itself, not our printing. They are applied for and verified by the textile manufacturer.
GOTS, Global Organic Textile Standard
What: a strict standard for organic cotton throughout the entire production chain, including social criteria for workers. When relevant: if you want to claim "100% organic" or "truly sustainable". Examples in our range: Stanley/Stella.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
What: tests for harmful substances in textiles, no pesticide residues, heavy metals, allergens. When relevant: for textiles that come into direct contact with the skin, especially children's clothing. Examples: widely present in our catalogue (B&C, Fruit of the Loom etc.).
Fair Wear Foundation
What: a social standard for fair working conditions in textile production. When relevant: for brands and companies that want fair-trade claims at garment level. Examples: Stanley/Stella is a Fair Wear Foundation member.
Safety certifications for workwear
EN ISO 20471, High-visibility clothing
What: European standard for hi-vis clothing (orange/yellow/fluorescent colours with retroreflective strips). Mandatory for: road workers, landscapers, construction workers in public spaces. Class 1, 2 or 3: depending on visibility requirements, class 3 is the highest level. Examples in our range: B&C Pro, Blåkläder, specific workwear models.
EN ISO 11611, Welding clothing
What: standard for textiles resistant to welding spatter. Mandatory for: welders in industry. Available on request through our workwear suppliers.
EN 14058, Cold-resistant clothing
What: standard for textiles resistant to cold environments. Mandatory for: cold/freezer storage, outdoor work in winter. Available on request.
Our printing and embroidery processes
This is what we control ourselves:
Water-based and phthalate-free inks
What: as an alternative to traditional plastisol inks, no plasticisers, no phthalates. When relevant: for clients with strict chemical requirements. With us: available as standard for screen printing.
REACH-compliant
What: European chemicals legislation on restrictions for substances. With us: all inks and transfers we carry are REACH-compliant.
How do you know which certification you need?
Questions about certifications for your project?
Send us your requirements, e.g. "I have a tender for municipality X requiring OEKO-TEX and Fair Wear, for 200 polos", and we'll come up with a suitable combination of textile + printing.