Sustainable Fashion Practices
Sustainable Fashion
The Friend of the Earth Sustainable Fashion Standard is a globally recognized certification designed to certify fashion brands committed to ethical, environmental, and socially responsible practices across their entire supply chain.
This standard ensures that certified companies not only reduce their environmental footprint, but also uphold fair labor conditions, respect biodiversity, and contribute to a more sustainable global economy.
What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean?
Sustainable fashion is more than a trend it’s a movement that redefines how clothes are made, sold, and worn. It emphasizes:
- Prolonging the lifecycle of garments and materials
- Reducing waste and overproduction
- Minimizing harm to ecosystems and natural resources
- Ensuring fair treatment of workers across all levels of production
Whether from the cotton field/Recycled/Upcycled to the finished product, Friend of the Earth helps ensure your brand reflects both style and substance.
What the Certification Covers
Brands certified under the Friend of the Earth Sustainable Fashion Standard must demonstrate compliance with rigorous criteria, including:
- A social and environmental management system
- Full legal compliance and traceability
- Ecosystem conservation and wildlife protection
- Responsible use of chemicals and water
- Waste and energy reduction measures
- Verified social accountability
- Proven economic sustainability
All certified fashion and textile products must originate from Friend of the Earth-approved agriculture, farming, or recycled materials, ensuring that your supply chain is as clean as your design is creative.
Why It Matters
Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency, ethics, and sustainability from the brands they support. Certification by Friend of the Earth is a clear signal that your brand meets global standards for responsibility and innovation.
Whether you’re a designer, supplier, or brand owner, becoming certified:
- Builds consumer trust
- Strengthens brand reputation
- Opens access to global markets
- Helps you stand out in a crowded fashion industry
This year’s theme, “The Makers Matter,” celebrates the hands, hearts, and stories behind ethical fashion. It’s about real people not just labels.
Join us at Italy Eco-Fashion Week, where style serves a bigger purpose and only certified sustainable brands walk the runway.
September 20–25, 2025
Official Runway Show: September 25
Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano
Technical Documents Sustainable Agriculture
Technical Documents Sustainable Farming
Would you like to receive a quotation for Friend of the Earth audit and royalties to use our logo?
Please fill out the online Preliminary Information Form (PIF):
- All the information will be kept strictly confidential and implies NO commitment on your company’s part.
- The Friend of the Earth certification is voluntary and NOT mandatory to gain access to markets.
- The application process is NOT discriminatory on size, scale, management and minimum number of operators.
- Friend of the Earth is a NGO and it strives to make participation in the audits affordable for all companies.
- Please, contact us for more information on Government funding which might be available in your Country for sustainability certifications: info@friendoftheearth.org
