Home
certification-for-environmentally-friendly-home-goods

Certification for Environmentally Friendly Home Goods

Certification for Environmentally Friendly Home Goods: A Guide to Making Informed Choices

As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact that their purchasing decisions have on the environment, there has been a growing demand for environmentally friendly home goods. However, with so many certifications and labels available, it can be difficult to know which ones to trust and what they actually mean.

In this article, we will delve into the world of certification for environmentally friendly home goods, exploring the different types of certifications, their benefits, and how to identify them. Well also provide detailed information on two prominent certifications: Oeko-Tex and Greenguard Gold.

Types of Certifications

There are numerous certifications available for environmentally friendly home goods, each with its own set of standards and criteria. Some common types of certifications include:

  • Eco-labels: These labels are awarded to products that meet specific environmental criteria, such as low energy consumption or sustainable materials.

  • Green certifications: These certifications focus on the overall sustainability of a product, including its impact on the environment, human health, and social responsibility.

  • Compliance certifications: These certifications ensure that a product meets specific regulations or standards for environmental safety.


  • Some popular certifications include:

  • Oeko-Tex

  • Greenguard Gold

  • Bluesign

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)


  • Oeko-Tex Certification

    The Oeko-Tex certification is a prominent label that ensures textiles and other home goods meet rigorous safety standards for environmental sustainability. Heres what you need to know about the Oeko-Tex certification:

  • What does it mean?: Oeko-Tex is a non-profit organization that certifies products meeting strict standards for environmental sustainability, human health, and safety.

  • Standards: The Oeko-Tex standard requires products to meet specific criteria for:

  • Chemical emissions
    Material sourcing
    Manufacturing processes
    Packaging and waste management
  • Benefits:

  • Reduced chemical emissions and safer materials
    Increased transparency in supply chains
    Compliance with regulatory requirements

    Some of the key features of Oeko-Tex certification include:

  • STeP: Oeko-Texs Sustainability Textile Programme (STeP) assesses a companys overall sustainability performance, including its environmental impact, human rights, and labor practices.

  • Leather Standard: This standard ensures leather products meet strict criteria for safety, durability, and environmental sustainability.


  • Greenguard Gold Certification

    The Greenguard Gold certification is another prominent label that ensures home goods meet rigorous standards for indoor air quality and human health. Heres what you need to know about the Greenguard Gold certification:

  • What does it mean?: Greenguard Gold is a certification program that evaluates products based on their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and other pollutants.

  • Standards: The Greenguard Gold standard requires products to meet specific criteria for:

  • VOC emissions
    Particulate matter emissions
    Other pollutant emissions
  • Benefits:

  • Reduced indoor air pollution
    Improved occupant health and well-being
    Compliance with regulatory requirements

    Some of the key features of Greenguard Gold certification include:

  • Testing: Products are tested for VOCs, particulate matter, and other pollutants using a standardized protocol.

  • Emissions limits: The Greenguard Gold standard sets strict emissions limits for various pollutant categories.


  • QA

    1. What is the difference between Oeko-Tex and Greenguard Gold?
    Both certifications focus on environmental sustainability, but Oeko-Tex focuses on chemical emissions and material sourcing, while Greenguard Gold focuses on indoor air quality and human health.
    2. How do I identify certified products?
    Look for the Oeko-Tex or Greenguard Gold logo on product labels or packaging.
    3. Are certified products always better?
    While certification is a good indicator of environmental sustainability, its not a guarantee that a product is perfect. Always research and consider other factors when making purchasing decisions.
    4. Can I use both Oeko-Tex and Greenguard Gold certifications on the same product?
    Yes, some products may carry both certifications if they meet the requirements for both standards.
    5. How often are certified products re-tested or recertified?
    Certified products must be re-tested and recertified at regular intervals (usually 2-3 years) to ensure ongoing compliance with certification standards.
    6. Can any company obtain certification?
    Any company can apply for certification, but they must meet the specific requirements for each standard.
    7. What is the cost of obtaining certification?
    The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the type and scope of the certification program.
    8. Are certified products always more expensive?
    While some certified products may be more expensive due to higher production costs, others may offer similar prices as non-certified alternatives.

    In conclusion, when it comes to making informed choices about environmentally friendly home goods, certification is an important factor to consider. By understanding the different types of certifications and what they mean, consumers can make better purchasing decisions that align with their values and priorities.

    DRIVING INNOVATION, DELIVERING EXCELLENCE