In a world driven by fast fashion and trends that change daily, operating sustainably is one of the most demanding of challenges. For us, therefore, right now is the critical moment to take responsibility and become more transparent as a brand.
With the introduction of our new #WEAR2CARE, we want to take another step in the right direction and share our approach in the design and production of sustainable fashion with a wider public.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In order to become gradually more sustainable as a brand in future, we have decided to develop our products according to the following textile standards.
Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s leading textile standard for organically produced natural fibres such as cotton, linen or wool. GOTS defines high environmental and social requirements along the entire value chain, from production to manufacturing and packaging to retail. In addition to the ban on environmentally hazardous substances and restrictions on the accessories used (buttons, zips, etc.), the environmental criteria also include technical quality parameters such as friction- and wash-resistance as well as perspiration- and light-fastness. The social criteria are based on the key standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the standards of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The standard has two labelling levels: “Organic” for textiles that contain at least 95% organic fibres and “Made with organic” (“manufactured with organic fibres”) for textiles that contain at least 70% organic fibres.
Further information about GOTS can be found here https://global-standard.org/
Leather Working Group
In 2023, the HOLY FASHION GROUP joined the Leather Working Group to support more responsible leather manufacturing. The global multi-stakeholder organisation Leather Working Group (LWG) is a member-led non-profit organisation that aims to improve the environmental sustainability of leather production and raise awareness of the industry through a range of actions and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) certifications.
For more information, please visit: https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/
Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) from Textile Exchange is a voluntary, globally recognized standard for wool products that aims to improve the welfare of sheep and protect pastureland. The standards cover the entire value chain, from wool production to the final product. RWS-certified farmers must meet strict animal welfare requirements, including a ban on mulesing.
Mulesing is a procedure performed on young Merino sheep to prevent fly strike in the animals' wool. This involves removing a piece of skin from the animal's tail, which serves as a nesting place for the flies' eggs. The procedure is often performed without anesthesia or follow-up treatment to prevent inflammation, which is painful and distressing for the animals. While this fly species is widespread in Australia, it does not exist in countries such as Uruguay, Patagonia, South America, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal. Therefore, we only source our merino wool from suppliers who confirm that their wool is mulesing-free.
Further information about the RWS can be found here: https://textileexchange.org/standards/responsible-wool/
Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) verifies textile fibres that originate from controlled organic cultivation. The standard was developed by the non-governmental organisation Textile Exchange. Certification with OCS takes place at every stage of the supply chain, from raw material extraction to the end product. Products labelled OCS Blended contain at least 5% materials from controlled organic cultivation. The OCS 100 label identifies textiles that consist of at least 95% materials from controlled organic cultivation.
More information about OCS can be found here: https://textileexchange.org/organic-content-standard/
Sustainable Textiles Switzerland
The HOLY Fashion Group comprising the brands STRELLSON, JOOP! and windsor. joined the Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030 programme in December 2021 and is committed to taking measures to achieve the following worthwhile goals, among others:
1. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Promoting fair wages and decent work for everyone.
3. Promotion of innovative business models including the circular economy.
4. Transparency to ensure that sustainable purchasing decisions can be taken.
Grüner Knopf
The Green Button is a government seal for sustainably produced textiles. It sets binding requirements to protect people and the environment in the production process of textiles. A total of 26 demanding social and ecological product criteria must be met. The company as a whole must demonstrate that it assumes responsibility in its textile supply chain via a further 20 company criteria. Independent inspection bodies monitor compliance with the criteria.
From 2023, selected products in our collection will be certified with the Green Button seal.
You can find more information about the Green Button here: https://www.gruener-knopf.de/
Recycled Claim Standard
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) of Textile Exchange aims to increase the use of recycled materials in textile products. For a product to be awarded the RCS, each stage of the supply chain must be independently certified, from the recycling stage of raw materials through to the brand. The Recycled Claim Standard Blended (RCS Blended) is applicable to all products that contain at least 5% recycled material. The Recycled Claim Standard 100 (RCS 100) applies to products with 95% or more recycled material.
Further information can be found here: https://textileexchange.org/recycled-claim-global-recycled-standard/
Global Recycled Standard
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an internationally recognised textile standard for products made from recycled materials. The seal is provided by the non-governmental organisation Textile Exchange. The standard requires compliance with social, environmental and chemical regulations along the entire supply chain. The aim is to increase the percentage of recycled materials. The GSR logo may only be used on the end product when a product consists of at least 50% certified recycled material. Further information about GRS can be found here:
https://textileexchange.org/standards/recycled-claim-standard-global-recycled-standard/
SELF-INITIATIVE AND COMMITMENT
Special attention has been paid to sustainable production in the products bearing the following icons.
RECYCLING AND SORTING INFORMATION FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND HANG TAGS
