ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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/

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/

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) of Textile Exchange aims to improve the animal welfare of sheep, as well as protect grazing land. This standard certifies the entire value chain from the extraction of wool to the end product. RWS-certified farmers must comply with strict animal welfare requirements, for example mulesing is prohibited. Mulesing is a process used on young merino sheep to prevent infestation of fly maggots in the animals' wool. To do this, a piece of skin is removed from the tail of the animal, which serves as a nesting site for the eggs of the flies. The procedure is often carried out without anaesthesia and aftercare to prevent infections, which is therefore both painful and distressing for the animals. While this fly species is common in Australia, it does not exist in countries such as Uruguay, Patagonia, South America, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal. Therefore, we source our merino wool exclusively from countries that can guarantee mulesing-free wool. Further information about the RWS can be found here: https://textileexchange.org/standards/responsible-wool/

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/

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.

We have been a proud member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) since April 2020. Better Cotton is procured using a mass balance system and is not physically traceable to the end products. BCI farmers profit from the demand for Better Cotton in the same quantities as we source. The HOLY FASHION GROUP is committed to sourcing at least 50% of our cotton as “more sustainable cotton” by 2025 with the three brands Strellson, JOOP! and windsor. “More sustainable cotton” refers to the following standards: Better Cotton, recycled cotton, organic cotton and GOTS or OCS certified cotton. For more information about the Better Cotton Initiative, please visit https://bettercotton.org/

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/

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/

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/

Products with the NATURAL DYE hang tag have only been dyed using dyes of plant origin. Natural dyes are obtained from turmeric or blueberries, for example. In this way, we are clearly making a contribution to a healthy environment.

Products with the RECYCLED FIBRES hang tag are for the most part produced using outer fabrics made from recycled yarns. Among other things, these are obtained from fibres that are no longer needed and reused.

For products with the MULESING FREE hang tag, we pay attention to animal-friendly animal husbandry at wool suppliers. Mulesing refers to a procedure in which skin is removed from around the tail of merino sheep without anaesthesia. The reason for using this method is the frequent infestation of flies, which lay eggs in this area. This leads to infections and, in the worst case, death.

Jeans with the #WEAR2CARE label are produced in a sustainable way, despite going through a wide range of production steps. By using sustainable raw materials and environmentally friendly production steps, we are able to save enormous amounts of water, energy and chemicals.

Our products with the RECYCLED FILLING hang tag are lined exclusively with recycled materials. This filling consists of recycled, household-standard UM PET bottles. In this way, energy, resources and thus the environment are protected.

Although we have only just begun the journey, we believe that transparency and openness are key steps towards continuous improvement in this area.