Ask what is being certified
A claim may relate to fibre content, testing for harmful substances, a production process or a supply chain. These are different questions. The presence of one certification does not prove every other environmental or social claim.
Check the scope
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 concerns testing textiles for harmful substances. Check the label or certificate details and whether the claim applies to the specific article being purchased. Do not treat it as a general promise that every aspect of a product is sustainable.
Describe the finished item accurately
- Keep the exact product reference and supplier evidence.
- Distinguish the blank garment’s attributes from claims about the decorated product.
- Check whether a statement applies to the whole item or only one component.
- Use specific, supported wording in your own product listings.
Before a tender or branded launch
Send the required wording and evidence requirements with your brief. Ask the team to confirm what documentation is available for the selected product before you make a commitment to your customer.
Build a short evidence checklist
| Question | Evidence to request |
|---|---|
| Which item is covered? | Exact product reference and relevant colour or component scope |
| What does the claim mean? | The stated standard or defined material attribute |
| Is the evidence current? | Valid label/certificate details where applicable |
| Does it cover the finished item? | Clarification of blank garment versus added decoration |
| What can I say to my customer? | Specific wording supported by the evidence |
Example: a procurement request
A customer asks for a “sustainable uniform”. Ask them to identify the actual requirement: a stated recycled content, certified material, testing for harmful substances or a particular procurement document. These are different requirements and may need different supporting evidence. Choosing a garment first and trying to find a certificate afterwards can make the brief harder to satisfy.
Keep the proposed wording alongside the evidence. A precise statement about the documented attribute is easier to assess than a general claim covering the whole environmental impact of the product. Do not assume that a supplier’s company-wide statement applies identically to every garment.
If the blank, decoration or added label changes, revisit the claim. Retain the supporting product information with the order so the same wording is not carried forward automatically to a different item or future collection.
Sources and further reading
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