Demystifying Yarn Certifications
Have you noticed the number of odd acronyms and certifications showing up on yarn labels and advertisements lately? You figure they must mean the yarn is safe, healthy, or eco-friendly, but what is actually being certified?
Let’s take a look at the most common certifications found on yarn intended for crafters.
OEKO-TEX®
One of the most common certifications on yarn labels is OEKO-TEX Standard 100. This label tells you that the yarn has been tested by an independent laboratory and is free from an extensive list of substances that are known to be harmful to human health. OEKO-TEX® certification is available to a wide range of textile products, from diapers to clothing to tablecloths, in addition to yarn.
OEKO-TEX® is a non-profit consortium of independent textile and leather testing organizations with offices in more than 70 countries. The consortium develops consistent testing methods and defines the standards which are accepted worldwide.
It is important to note that both synthetic and natural fibers may receive the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. Also, the certification only refers to the finished product. It makes no reference to chemicals or other potentially hazardous substances which may have been used in production, but of which no residue remains.
Here are a few of our favorite yarns which hold the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification:
Click the arrows to left and right in the slideshows below to explore our picks.
GOTS
GOTS offers two grades of certification: “organic”, requiring a minimum of 95% organic fibers, and “made with organic materials”, requiring a minimum of 70% organic fibers.
The GOTS certification is built around four features:
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Organic Fiber: GOTS relies on a network of organic farming certification bodies to determine whether the fiber is organic.
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Ecological and Social Criteria: GOTS certification requires meeting requirements regarding environmental impacts of processing and maintenance of safe and fair labor practices.
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All Processing Stages: Every stage in the processing, manufacturing and selling of organic textiles are covered by GOTS. Each link in the chain must be certified for the product to carry the GOTS label.
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Third-Party Certification: On-site inspection and certification of processors, manufacturers and traders is performed by independent third-party GOTS accredited certification bodies.
Related: Favorite Organic Yarns
These are some of our favorite yarns which carry the GOTS certification:
RWS
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is one of the standards developed and administered by The Textile Exchange, a global non-profit whose mission is “Inspiring and equipping people to accelerate the adoption of preferred materials.” Their goal is a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas from fiber and raw material production by 2030.
RWS certification requires that wool producers focus on animal welfare, preserving the health of the land, and health and safety of workers. Each step in the process, from the sheep farmer to the spinning mill that turns wool into yarn, must be certified for a product to bear the RWS label.
Shaniko Wool Company is the first US based farm group to supply RWS certified wool. Shaniko wool is a soft, springy Merino/Rambouillet blend grown and spun in the USA, found in the following yarns:
Be An Informed Consumer
Choosing your next skein of yarn can be more than simply falling in love with a color. With a little understanding of the certifications shown on the label, you can choose a yarn that reflects the health and environmental values that are important to you.
Do you consider certifications or other ethical factors when shopping for yarn? Tell us about it in the comments!
Sandi Rosner is the technical content editor for all things yarn at Interweave. When she isn’t knitting, she usually has her nose in a book. You’ll find new technical content from Sandi nearly every week at www.interweave.com.
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