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Standards and certifications

MATERIALS
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled plastics:
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international certification from the Textile Exchange organisation that verifies the use of recycled materials such as cotton and plastic in the manufacture of products.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is also an international standard from the Global Exchange organisation that certifies the proportion of recycled materials in products. Social and ecological factors as well as chemical restrictions are also checked as part of the GRS.
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled cotton:
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international standard from the Textile Exchange organisation that verifies the use of recycled materials such as cotton and plastic in the manufacture of products.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is also an international standard from the Global Exchange organisation that certifies the proportion of recycled materials in products. Social and ecological factors as well as chemical restrictions are also checked as part of the GRS.
The following standards recognise products that contain recycled down:
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard of the Global Exchange organisation that certifies the proportion of recycled materials in products. Social and ecological factors as well as chemical restrictions are also checked as part of the GRS.
The following standards recognise products that contain organic cotton:
Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) tests and certifies the sustainability of textile products throughout the entire manufacturing process, starting with the harvesting of the raw materials. Only products that meet certain social and ecological criteria along the supply chain qualify for the label - for example, the textiles must consist of at least 70 per cent organic natural fibres.
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
In addition to other standards, the Textile Exchange organisation also certifies according to the Organic Content Standard (OCS) - an international standard that distinguishes products made from verifiably organically grown raw materials. All companies along the supply chain - from the initial processor to the point of sale are checked for compliance with defined organic standards.
IVN BEST
The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) has also developed a label that recognises the sustainability of textile products along the entire production chain. The so-called BEST standard is primarily used in Europe and is based on the recommendations of the European Union, among other things. If a textile company wants to receive the certification, it must, for example, fulfil defined social standards along the supply chain. It is also required that the products consist of 100% natural fibres from controlled organic cultivation (kbA) or controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT) and contain a maximum of five percent synthetic fibres.
OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton
The OEKO-TEX organisation is an association of 17 independent textile research institutes from Europe and Japan with locations all over the world. The Organic Cotton Standard from OEKO-TEX tests and certifies products for their organic cotton content. Only products that consist of at least 70% organic cotton receive a label. The testing of the cotton begins on the farm and ends with the finished textile article.
As one of the oldest raw materials in the textile industry, this natural fibre is often used in the production of sustainable fashion. Linen is also suitable for functional outdoor clothing due to its temperature-regulating properties.
The range of outdoor products containing hemp is constantly growing. Compared to other materials, this natural fibre has positive sustainable properties - including lower water consumption and greater resistance to pests.
The following standards recognise products that contain wool from species-appropriate animal husbandry:
Responsible Wool Standard
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an international, voluntary standard of the Textile Exchange organisation and deals with animal welfare on sheep farms. The label recognises products made from wool that originate from farms with high animal welfare standards. Other factors, such as working conditions along the supply chain, are also included in the assessment.
Responsible Mohair Standard
The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an international, voluntary standard. The focus here is on animal welfare on goat farms. The aim of the organisation behind the RMS is to provide farmers with practices for animal husbandry under high animal welfare standards. Sustainable land use is also a prerequisite for being awarded the RMS.
Responsible Alpaca Standard
The Textile Exchange organisation has developed a standard for the production of alpaca wool. Manufacturers can voluntarily apply for the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) label for their products and thus demonstrate high animal welfare standards in the production facilities. In addition to the way the farms treat the animals, the organisation also checks strict social and ecological criteria.
ZQ Merino
The ZQ label was developed by the New Zealand Merino Company and certifies farms that work to high animal welfare standards. The sheep's wool in products with a ZQ label is always mulesing-free and produced using gentle shearing methods. You can find more information about the requirements for the label directly on the website.
ZQRX
The ZQRX label was developed by the New Zealand Merino Company as an index for regenerative agriculture. Merino wool producers are tested for high animal welfare standards as well as social and ecological criteria in order to obtain the label. For example, a farm is only certified if it can provide evidence of sustainable land use. Products with the ZQRX label in our shop are made from wool that has been produced on the relevant farms. You can find more information about the label here.
Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) tests and certifies the sustainability of textile products throughout the entire manufacturing process, starting with the harvesting of the raw materials. Only products that meet certain social and ecological criteria along the supply chain qualify for the label - for example, the textiles must consist of at least 70 per cent organic natural fibres.
IVN BEST
The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) has also developed a label that recognises the sustainability of textile products along the entire production chain. The so-called BEST standard is primarily used in Europe and is based on the recommendations of the European Union, among other things. If a textile company wants to receive the certification, it must, for example, fulfil defined social standards along the supply chain. It is also required that the products consist of 100% natural fibres from controlled organic cultivation (kbA) or controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT) and contain a maximum of five percent synthetic fibres.
The following standards recognise products that contain down from species-appropriate animal husbandry:
Responsible Down Standard
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) stands for down and feathers that come from animals that have not been force-fed or live-plucked. Regular inspections ensure that the guidelines of the label are adhered to. If you would like to find out more, you can read more about this on our blog.
Global Traceable Down Standard
The Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS) was initiated by Patagonia. The down that is processed for products under the Global TDS is subject to strict guidelines for handling the animals. High animal welfare standards are already observed on the parent farm of the birds and the entire process is checked right up to the final processing of the down. The animals are not allowed to be live-plucked or force-fed under the label. We have also summarised further information on the standard in a blog post.
The following standards recognise products that contain leather from responsible tanneries:
Leather Working Group (LWG)
The LWG organisation certifies leather manufacturing companies with high sustainability standards along the supply chain. Only companies that adhere to strict animal welfare standards and pay attention to environmental factors such as water consumption or chemical management in their production are awarded a label. The assessment is carried out in gold, silver and bronze grades - tanneries with the LWG Gold label have the highest level of transparency and traceability along the supply chain. You can also find more information on the LWG website
Terra Care
The TerraCare label is applied to products made from leather from the German tannery Heinen Leder. The company produces the material exclusively in Germany and guarantees a high level of occupational safety for employees during the manufacturing process, as well as a reduction in negative environmental impacts. For example, the tannery favours the recycling of by-products in leather production and reduced water consumption. You can find detailed information directly at TerraCare.
Below you will find information on the different fibres:
Tencel Lyocell
Lyocell is also known as a synthetic natural fibre. Specifically, this means that the fibre is made from natural raw materials - in most cases wood - in a synthetic process to create a robust material. The special thing about the fibre is that trees from sustainable forestry are used for production and the fibre is biodegradable. Due to its moisture-absorbing properties, the fibre is also suitable for the manufacture of outdoor equipment. The fibre is currently produced exclusively under the brand name Tencel. Learn more about the material on the Tencel website.
Tencel Lyocell Filament
Products with the Tencel Lyocell Filament label are made from the material Lyocell - a synthetic natural fibre. Specifically, this means that the fibre made from natural raw materials- in most cases eucalyptus wood - is processed into a robust material in a synthetic process. The addition filament characterises a new variant of Lyocell. Compared to the standard fibre, the end product is softer and smoother - similar to silk. This variant is suitable for the manufacture of outdoor equipment due to its moisture-absorbing properties. Trees from sustainable forestry are used for production and the fibre is biodegradable. Learn more about the material on the Tencel website.
Tencel Modal
Various synthetic natural fibres are produced under the Tencel brand. Just like lyocell and viscose, the modalmaterial is made from naturally growing raw materials - in this case beech wood. Thanks to low water and energy consumption and other environmentally friendly factors, the fibre is used to manufacture more sustainable products. Its cooling and skin- friendly properties make modal a suitable material for outdoor equipment. If you want to find out more, you can take a look at our Bergfreunde blog.
REFIBRA
Products with a REFIBRA label are made from recycled cotton scraps, e.g. from clothing production. The company Lenzing uses these fabric remnants to produce new lyocell fibres, i.e. synthetic natural fibres. You can find a detailed explanation of the lyocell material in our blog post. The company wants to use this technology to contribute to the circular economy and reduce the amount of waste in the textile industry, for example. For more information visit the company’s website.
Lenzing ECOVERO
In addition to the synthetic natural fibres lyocell and modal, Lenzing also produces viscose - another material made from renewable raw materials. Viscose is biodegradable and is also suitable for outdoor use due to its moisture-absorbing properties. Compared to lyocell and modal, however, the fibre is usually less sustainable, as the manufacturing process is associated with a higher environmental impact. By redesigning the production process, Lenzing has the opportunity to reduce this environmental impact and thus make viscose more sustainable. Products with the ECOVERO label are made from viscose produced by Lenzing.
ENVIRONMENT
The voluntary eco-label is recognised in the member states of the EU, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland, and recognises the environmental friendliness of products in the textile industry, among other things. Criteria along the entire supply chain are decisive for certification: among other things, the label emphasises an environmentally friendly manufacturing process and the use of sustainable materials. If you would like to find out more about the certification process, you can visit the label's website directly.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) tests and certifies the sustainability of textile products throughout the entire manufacturing process, starting with the harvesting of the raw materials. Only products that meet certain social and ecological criteria along the supply chain qualify for the label - for example, the textiles must consist of at least 70 per cent organic natural fibres.
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN is a comprehensive label that takes into account both environmental and social criteria. The prerequisite for the award is that the labelled products have been successfully tested for harmful substances (certification according to STANDARD 100 or LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX) and have also been manufactured sustainably in environmentally friendly processes and under socially acceptable working conditions (certification according to STeP by OEKO-TEX).
The Green Button is awarded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and aims to make the textile industry more sustainable for people and the environment. Both products and companies are checked against a comprehensive catalogue of criteria.
Bluesign is a holistic system for sustainable change in the environmental impact of the textile industry. The label monitors working conditions and makes them safer. In addition, the holistic approach scrutinises every step of textile production and pays particular attention to chemical management. Tested components (e.g. zips, inner lining, buckles) are labelled as bluesign APPROVED. For a product to become a bluesign PRODUCT, it must consist of at least 90 % bluesign APPROVED textiles and 30 % bluesign APPROVED accessories and is only offered by brands that have committed to the bluesign system.
The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) has also developed a label that recognises the sustainability of textile products along the entire production chain. The so- called BEST standard is primarily used in Europe and is based on the recommendations of the European Union, among other things. If a textile company wants to receive the certification, it must, for example, fulfil defined social standards along the supply chain. It is also required that the products consist of 100% natural fibres from controlled organic cultivation (kbA) or controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT) and contain a maximum of five percent synthetic fibres.
Textile products labelled with the Blue Angel label fulfil a range of sustainability criteria in the manufacturing process: in addition to social criteria in raw material extraction and finishing, the label also guarantees environmentally friendly production and testing of the finished products for harmful substances. In concrete terms, this means that certified products result from a manufacturing process with low energy consumption, low emissions and low levels of harmful substances. The textile label also includes the working conditions during production in the certification process.
SOCIAL
The Fair Wear label stands for fair and safe working conditions in the textile industry. With eight criteria, the label ensures, for example, that living wages are paid, regulated working hours are observed and child labour is prohibited. You can find more details about the label on the organisation’s website.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) tests and certifies the sustainability of textile products throughout the entire manufacturing process, starting with the harvesting of the raw materials. Only products that meet certain social and ecological criteria along the supply chain qualify for the label - for example, the textiles must consist of at least 70 per cent organic natural fibres.
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN is a comprehensive label that takes into account both environmental and social criteria. The prerequisite for the award is that the labelled products have been successfully tested for harmful substances (certification according to STANDARD 100 or LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX) and have also been manufactured sustainably in environmentally friendly processes and under socially acceptable working conditions (certification according to STeP by OEKO-TEX).
The Fairtrade label certifies fair trading conditions in developing countries and is awarded to agricultural products. In addition to the "classic" Fairtrade label, there are other labels that relate specifically to the textile industry: Fairtrade Cotton, Fairtrade Textile Production, the Fairtrade Raw Material Label and the Fairtrade Cotton Programme. Find more information on the organisation’s website.
The Green Button is awarded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and aims to make the textile industry more sustainable for people and the environment. Both products and companies are checked against a comprehensive catalogue of criteria.
The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) has also developed a label that recognises the sustainability of textile products along the entire production chain. The so- called BEST standard is primarily used in Europe and is based on the recommendations of the European Union, among other things. If a textile company wants to receive the certification, it must, for example, fulfil defined social standards along the supply chain. It is also required that the products consist of 100% natural fibres from controlled organic cultivation (kbA) or controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT) and contain a maximum of five percent synthetic fibres.
The US organization Fair Trade Certified recognises products and production facilities that adhere to stringent social, ecological, and economic standards based on a specific set of criteria. In the textile industry, this certification is granted to factories that ensure safe working conditions and fair livelihoods for all employees, incorporate environmental protection measures in their manufacturing processes, and contribute to community development initiatives.
The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) of the international association amfori was founded to improve social standards along the supply chain. Since 2015, all BSCI member companies have been obliged to sign a code of conduct. The code consists of eleven key elements that are intended to contribute to improved social conditions in the manufacturing process - among other things, child and forced labour are prohibited. If you would like to find out more, you can visit amfori directly.
What does "Trusted by Bergfreunde" represent?

The criteria: verifiable & comprehensive
For a product to be categorised as "Trusted by Bergfreunde", it must fulfil certain minimum requirements. Specifically, this means (where relevant): Neither PFC/PFAS, BPA nor PVC may be used. In addition, it must be ensured that products made from merino wool are mulesing-free. We check the products in this respect on the basis of the manufacturer's specifications. As a result, we ensure that products in the "Trusted by Bergfreunde” category - where relevant - fulfil the following minimum requirements:Thanks to their dirt and water-repellent properties, PFCs are often used to waterproof tents, outdoor jackets and rucksacks. However, PFC/PFAS are not biodegradable and therefore accumulate in the environment. Residues can now be found all over the world. At high concentrations in the human body, research has found evidence of an influence on hormone balance.
BPA can be found in many everyday items such as plastic drinking bottles. The substance can leach out of containers that come into contact with food and enter the body. Studies suggest that very high concentrations of BPA in the body can affect hormone balance. You can find out more about BPA here.
PVC is durable, UV-resistant and water-repellent. It is therefore often used to make rucksacks, bags and drinking bottles. PVC is almost always combined with plasticisers, which can dissolve and be absorbed into the human body due to their volatility. At very high concentrations, research assumes that plasticisers affect the immune or nervous system. We have also created a blog post on the subject of PVC.
The mulesing process involves removing skin from the buttocks of merino sheep without anaesthetic in an extremely painful procedure. This is intended to protect the animals from infestation by fly maggots. Mulesing-free wool therefore comes from animals that have not undergone this widespread and controversial procedure. You can find information on mulesing-free merino wool in our blog.
The "Trusted by Bergfreunde" symbol - An orientation
No product is 100% sustainable. The "Trusted by Bergfreunde" symbol merely indicates that the product was demonstrably manufactured with a focus on environmental, social and animal welfare standards. However, the absence of a symbol does not automatically mean that a product has a negative social or environmental impact. It may well be that a product without a symbol fulfils equally high environmental and social standards, but this cannot be proven by a certificate or third-party verification. In these cases, we cannot label the product with the symbol due to a lack of external confirmation.Data, data, data!
Only a few products from our range are currently listed under ‘Trusted by Bergfreunde’. One of the reasons for this is that we apply a very demanding selection of standards/certifications. We take a holistic view of sustainability, i.e. "Trusted by Bergfreunde" products must demonstrably fulfil high standards in the areas of materials, the environment and social issues. However, there is also good news. We are constantly reviewing our range of products and receiving ever more comprehensive data from our manufacturers. In addition, manufacturers and their products are constantly evolving. The number of "Trusted by Bergfreunde" products will therefore continue to grow in the future.New findings - Further criteria
"Trusted by Bergfreunde" is not a rigid system. We regularly check whether there are new findings or developments in the area of product sustainability, such as new recognised standards/certifications, and adapt our criteria accordingly. For example, we are working on integrating the topic of repair and recyclability. To this end, we need to collect relevant data in order to develop an analysis-based solution as to how we can integrate these topics into our set of criteria.