Am I really buying organic products?

Am I really buying organic products?

Certifications to look out for and what they mean.

The only way to really be sure that the products you are buying are organic is to look for certain certifications and do your research on the company you are buying from. Is it important to do these two things? Absolutely, especially if you want to go green for all the right reasons. Pullmark has a specific supplier for eco-friendly and sustainable clothing that we have a close relationship with to provide to our conscious customers. Wondering what organic products we offer? Ask us! There are two independent organic certifications in the EU, so here are the ones you should look out for the most:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - www.global-standard.org

Any product bearing the above certification must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers AND meet a strict criterion in all downstream manufacturing processes. This certification ensures not only the product itself, but also compliance with social and environmental criteria to the highest standards. For a brief overview of GOTS certification and the criteria it sets, watch their YouTube video.

Soil Association - www.soilassociation.org

The certification stamp means that the item is made from organic fibers and has been processed according to strict ecological and socially responsible production standards throughout the entire supply chain. This means that workers' rights are protected, working conditions are safe and hygienic, only low-impact paints and inks are used, waste water is properly treated, and energy and water consumption is effectively monitored. This information was taken from the Soil Association website, which also provides information on other industries for which it provides certification. Including food and beverage, agriculture, beauty and wellness, fashion and textiles, forestry and food services.

Organic Content Standards (OCS)

Organic Content Standards (OCS) is a certificate awarded to garments that contain 95-100% organic material. This certification not only verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product, but also tracks the entire raw material cycle from source to final product, ensuring that strict guidelines are followed throughout. . The OCS enables an independent, transparent, consistent and comprehensive assessment and verification of the organic material content declared on products. Information taken from the Control Union website linked above; learn more there!

Do we recommend organic products?

When we have the opportunity, of course! Unfortunately, there is a cost difference between organic and non-organic clothing, which is a very important factor for business and non-business customers alike. The Pullmark team work tirelessly with our customers to ensure the best product fit for their requirements and often this comes down to a tight budget and therefore organic clothing is not a suggestion they need is put in front. However, some suggestions if you actively want to go green:

Start small, allocate 10% of your budget for eco-friendly clothing, then 15% for your next order, and so on. Organic materials appear to be more durable than regular ones, as regular fibers are believed to be damaged by the chemicals used, resulting in a lower quality of the textile. With this in mind, that 10% (depending on the industry) should mean more than the rest of your order, and eventually your orders could go completely green in the future.

Do your research. The price difference is not always that big, and when it comes to quality and durability, the difference is necessary.

Test it out! Don't take our word for it, not us or anyone else for that matter. Stock up on organic clothing or ask for unmarked samples. Feel the difference, see the difference and see if it outlasts your other garments. Organic clothing is not ideal for all industries, but suppliers are developing more organic textiles each year to meet consumer needs.