Discover the world of merino clothing , known not only for its exceptional quality but also for its environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing processes. Our brands carry renowned textile seals such as OekoTex® Standard 100, bluesign® and the Responsible Wool Standard, which guarantee the highest standards for health, the environment and fair working conditions. In our guide we explain the meaning of these seals.

OekoTex® Standard100

OekoTex® Standard100 is one of the world's best-known seals for textiles tested for harmful substances and is based in Switzerland. It sets strict standards for textile safety. Every article tested has passed the relevant laboratory tests and is classified as harmless to human health.
The textiles are tested for over 1000 harmful substances, including the sewing thread and buttons. The more intensive the contact with the skin, the stricter the criteria. The second highest safety standards apply to underwear after baby clothing. The test criteria and limit values ​​are updated at least once a year and are binding worldwide.
The validity of a product’s OekoTex® label can be checked at any time using the QR code or label number.
Some of the brands listed here have the OekoTex® Standard100 award for all products, e.g. Aclima , Devold , Woolpower , Pally'Hi ...
Many of our brands also source their wool yarns from the German Südwolle Group, which is certified with this seal (Aclima, Engel , Mons Royale , Kari Traa ,...)

bluesign®

The Swiss bluesign® seal is one of the strictest environmental seals for textiles and specifies the following criteria for the manufacturing process for certification:

• Avoidance of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and health
• Reducing water and resource consumption to a minimum (resource productivity)
• Commitment to proper wastewater treatment and strict requirements for water protection
• Immission control through strict regulation of harmful substances that can be released uncontrollably through the air or other routes
• Commitment to reducing CO² emissions and energy consumption
• Specifications for product quality (long-lasting quality, recyclability of materials used, reduction of packaging waste...)
• High occupational safety standards through exclusion of hazardous substances

The criteria are defined and adhered to by an independent committee of scientists and sustainability experts. The entire manufacturing process is considered, including the upstream production of the materials used (e.g. dyes).

The seal can also be awarded for individual materials of a textile (bluesign approved fabric) or for the entire product (bluesign product). Some of our manufacturers process merino wool yarns from the Südwolle Group with bluesign® certification, e.g. Aclima, Kari Traa, Mons Royale, Woolpower,...
Ortovox and its suppliers have fully committed themselves to the bluesign® criteria.

Wear Foundation® (FWF)

The Fair Wear Foundation® (FWF) is a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1999 with the aim of significantly improving working conditions in the textile industry.
The FWF works internationally with trade unions, NGOs and other influencers in the industry and connects them with manufacturers with the ambitious mission of making the entire clothing industry fair for all and giving customers the opportunity to make choices through their consumer power.

• With this award, the FWF guarantees compliance with the following standards:
• payment of living and fair wages
• Regulated working hours and breaks according to the requirements of the ILO Convention
• prohibition of forced labor and child labor
• No discrimination in the workplace
• right to employee representation
• occupational safety and healthy working conditions
• Legally binding employment contracts

The FWF regularly checks compliance with the guidelines through the so-called "Brand Performance Check". The reports on this are published. The FWF also allows external and independent checks to create additional transparency. If problems arise, a manufacturer has a maximum of 1 year to remedy them, otherwise they lose the FairWear® award.
Particularly committed companies can receive Leader Status after 3 years (e.g. Ortovox ).

NATURTEXTIL IVN BEST®

The NATURTEXTIL IVN BEST® quality mark certifies textiles that are made entirely from organically produced natural fibers. It also takes into account the environmental impact throughout the entire production process, from fiber extraction to the finished garment, as well as the prescribed social standards of all companies involved in production.

In terms of environmental compatibility, social compatibility and credibility,
IVN BEST is the currently highest achievable eco-standard in the textile industry.
Many of our brands source their wool yarns from the German Südwolle Group, which is certified with this seal (Aclima, Engel, Mons Royale, Kari Traa,…)

GOTS® seal (Global Organic Textile Standard)

Textiles made from at least 70% organically produced natural fibres
can be certified with the GOTS® seal (Global Organic Textile Standard). Environmental requirements along the entire textile
Production chain is a prerequisite for the award, as is compliance with social criteria. The requirements of GOTS® are slightly lower than those of the NATURTEXTIL IVN BEST® standard.

Many of our brands source their wool yarns from the German Südwolle Group, which is certified with this seal (Aclima, Engel, Mons Royale, Kari Traa, Woolpower…)

Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard is awarded by the non-profit organization “Textile Exchange” and is a globally recognized seal for species-appropriate sheep farming. Compliance is checked by independent certification bodies at least once a year.

The following requirements apply for awarding the seal:

• ban on mulesing
• ban on branding
• Strict guidelines on castration and anesthesia
• Unrestricted access to fresh drinking water and sufficient food
• Sufficient light and air exchange in the stable
• Enough shady spots
• Overcoming injury risks (e.g. through mesh fences)
• Mandatory measures to promote biodiversity on pastures
• Fair wages and working conditions for sheep farm employees

Many of our brands source their wool yarns from the German Südwolle Group, which is certified with this seal (Aclima, Engel, Mons Royale, Kari Traa, Woolpower…). Other brands that use the RWS seal: Pally'Hi

ZQRX®

The New Zealand Merino Company's ZQRX® seal exceeds the requirements of the RWS standard with regard to regenerative agriculture and implements even stricter animal welfare standards.

The following brands have committed to this standard: Icebreaker , Mons Royale, Ulvang
Many of our brands source their wool yarns from the German Südwolle Group, which is also certified with this seal (Aclima, Engel, Kari Traa, Woolpower…).

In addition, there are other comparable animal welfare labels such as the IWTO® (International Wool Textile Organisation) certificate (Kari Traa) or the OWP (Ortovox Wool Promise)

All manufacturers listed on our website have committed themselves, regardless of the seals, to only processing mulesing-free wool.