Certifications: which ones truly matter?

In an increasingly demanding market that values responsible business practices, certifications play a central role in establishing a company’s credibility and commitment. Across all sectors, they serve as a seal of assurance, confirming compliance with high standards of quality, sustainability, and ethics.

In the textile and fashion industries, this is no different.

"At Riopele, we recognize that certifications are fundamental in building a more responsible and transparent industry. These systems represent a commitment to the most rigorous environmental, social, and governance practices, aligned with the current challenges of the fashion industry. As such, their adoption has allowed us to establish a strong foundation of trust and credibility with our clients and partners," emphasizes Isabel Domingues, Sustainability Director at Riopele.

But which certifications truly matter when it comes to sustainability and responsible business practices?

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Issued by the Textile Exchange organization, this certification governs the use of the GRS eco-label. It ensures traceability of manufactured products, verifies the content of recycled materials—guaranteeing that the product contains at least 20% recycled content—and confirms compliance with strict environmental and social responsibility criteria, including restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals during production.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Internationally recognized, the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification guarantees that certified textiles are free from substances harmful to human health. Riopele has held this certification since 1995 for various fabrics, reflecting a long-standing commitment to safer materials and a more sustainable fashion industry. In recent years, it has expanded to include recycled and organic fibers, in line with market trends.

OEKO-TEX® STeP – Sustainable Textile Production

Riopele is also certified under OEKO-TEX® STeP at the highest classification level. This attests to the company’s continuous implementation of environmentally responsible production processes, as well as its assurance of safe, healthy, and socially just working

Organic Content Standard (OCS)

The OCS certifies products containing natural fibers from organic agriculture. It enables transparent verification of the presence and percentage of organic material in final products, ensuring credibility for both producers and consumers.

European Flax™ Standard

The European Flax™ certification ensures integrated crop management practices and highlights the unique know-how of European flax fiber producers. It guarantees the traceability of European-origin flax—from fiber to final product—across all destination markets.

FSC® Certification – Chain of Custody

The FSC® Chain of Custody Certification applies to all actors that transform, process, or trade certified forest-based products. It verifies FSC®-labeled products throughout the entire production chain. Every stage of processing requires FSC® Chain of Custody Certification to ensure that certified forest products are kept separate from non-certified ones, or properly mixed under authorization.
The FSC Principles and Criteria define best practices for forest management. This is a product certification based on traceability and includes labor requirements.

A continuous commitment

The integration of internationally recognized certifications is a strategic tool to ensure quality, transparency, and accountability across all stages of the production process.

But more than responding to market demands, this is a commitment to the future. It’s the foundation of our ambition to lead by example and actively contribute to a more conscious, balanced, and regenerative industry.

On this journey, each certification is more than a label—it is a reflection of our identity and what we believe in.