What is sustainable fashion?

The textile, clothing and fashion sector is among the most important globally. Consequently, it contributes greatly in terms of environmental and social impact. In particular, the fashion industry has a potentially very high-water footprint, as well as impact on land use, polluting emissions and waste generation. Workers’ unfair exploitation has also been an issue in several countries.

The Sustainable Fashion Movement drives change in the fashion industry by prioritising ecological integrity, sustainability of textiles, and social justice. Friend of the Earth’s Sustainable Fashion certification aims to foster this change, motivating producers to implement sustainable practices. through activities like extending clothes durability, minimising waste, eliminating use of toxic substances and respecting workers’ rights. .

Certified fashion and textiles originate from environmentally and socially responsible agricultural, farming, regenerated synthetic fibres or recycled products.

For more detailed technical information, please consult the certification requirements. These include the Friend of the Earth standards for Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Farming, as well as the standard for Sustainable Textile Processing.

The Standard for Sustainable Fashion

Friend of the Earth Standard for Sustainable Fashion require:

• Social and environmental management system in place
• Legal compliance
• Conservation of the ecosystem
• Protection of wild flora and fauna
• Appropriate use of hazardous substances
• Appropriate water resources management
• Control of outputs
• Waste management
• Energy management
• Social accountability
• Economic sustainability

Apply for Sustainable Fashion

Would you like to receive a quotation for the Friend of the Earth audit and royalties to use our logo?

Please fill out the online Preliminary Information Form (PIF):

• All the information will be kept strictly confidential and implies NO commitment on your company’s part.
• The Friend of the Earth certification is voluntary and NOT mandatory to gain access to markets.
• The application process is NOT discriminatory on size, scale, management and minimum number of operators.
• Friend of the Earth is an NGO and it strives to make participation in the audits affordable for all companies.
• Please, contact us for more information on Government funding which might be available in your Country for Sustainability certifications:
• info@friendoftheearth.org