In a market where almost everything is labelled as «eco», «green» or «sustainable», certifications are the only real guarantee that a product delivers on what it promises. For procurement, marketing and CSR managers, understanding certifications is not optional: it’s essential for making informed decisions and avoiding greenwashing.
In this guide we break down the main eco-certifications you’ll find in the world of sustainable merchandising, what they guarantee and how to verify them.
It’s the benchmark standard for organic textiles. A product with GOTS certification guarantees:
Where you’ll find it: T-shirts, canvas bags, caps, towels and any organic cotton textile product.
FSC certification guarantees that wood and paper come from responsibly managed forests:
Where you’ll find it: notebooks, pencils, seed pencils, cardboard boxes, wooden USB drives, pen holders.
This certification focuses on the safety of textile products for humans. It guarantees that the product has been tested for harmful substances and is safe from a health perspective:
Where you’ll find it: T-shirts, promotional textiles, towels, canvas bags.
GRS verifies the recycled content of a product and certifies the social and environmental practices of its production:
Where you’ll find it: recycled PET rucksacks, recycled polyester T-shirts, lanyards, bags.
Although not strictly an environmental certification, the BPA Free seal guarantees that the product contains no bisphenol A, a chemical compound found in many plastics that has been linked to health problems:
Where you’ll find it: bottles, water carriers, reusable cups, lunch boxes, any food-contact product.
The official eco-label of the European Union certifies that a product has reduced environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to final disposal:
Where you’ll find it: cleaning products, paper, textiles, office furniture.
One of the most demanding certifications on the market. It evaluates five categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy, water management and social fairness. It has five levels: Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Where you’ll find it: premium textile products, sustainable building materials, packaging.
A practical tip: never rely solely on a logo on the product. Real certifications are verifiable online:
At Greenly we work exclusively with suppliers who demonstrate their certifications. Each product in our catalogue includes information about its certifications and materials. Check our certifications section for more detail on the standards we require.
Have doubts about certifications? Get in touch with us. Our team will advise you on which certifications you need for your specific project.
Greenly personalises over 1,400 eco-certified products (GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX), selected from over 4,500 analysed, with your company logo. Free mockups in 24 hours, from 25 units and with no obligation.
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