Fortunately, sustainability is on the agenda of various brands in our range. However, all this attention can lead to difficulty in distinguishing one quality mark from another. This is why HMZ Fashiongroup lists the textile labels for you. In this blog we give an overview of Gildan and Stedman.

Social Responsibility
We produce and distribute at the lowest possible costs, while taking sustainability into account for people and clothing. HMZ Fashiongroup strives for the optimal control of all business processes. In this way we can enable a financially healthy production and distribution of clothing in the short and long term, in which people are key. We adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and apply Fair Trade rules. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification also applies to most items.

HALMARKS GILDAN
Gildan has translated the Gildan Quality System (GQS) into a website on Genuine Responsibility. With their facilities and manufacturing, Gildan aims to implement industry-leading environmental, social and governance measures at every stage of the process. They use the following quality marks for this. Download the Gildan CSR brochure or visit website Genuine Responsibility.

Gildan's articles and materials have been tested on harmful substances. Clothing with the Oeko-Tex-100 certification meets the legal safety and quality standards. This means tested and certified textile products do not contain unsafe pollutants. Gildan must continuously monitor the quality of the supply chain through this quality mark in order to guarantee safety.

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition focuses on sustainable production in the clothing, shoe and home textile industry. The alliance primarily focuses on the Higg Index, a standardized supply chain measurement tool. This allows all participants to provide insight into and interpret the impact of their production on the environment, as well as working and social conditions. This allows urgent matters to be solved, which companies could never change independently.

Ethical trading and improving working conditions in global supply chains; that is what Sedex is committed to. Gildan is a member of this service provider.

WRAP stands for Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. It’s the world's largest independent certification program, focusing on social compliance for the sewn products industry. WRAP is based on twelve principles ensuring basic working conditions are understood and implemented in factories. The monitoring is carried out by third parties, so it’s independently established for Gildan that the brand complies with WRAP.

Cotton Council International (CCI) is a non-profit trading association promoting American cotton fibers and cotton products worldwide with the Cotton USA trademark. Gildan is licensed for Cotton USA, which means the cotton in their products is from American soil and the products contain more than 50% cotton.

HALLMARKS STEDMAN
Stedman uses recycled material such as polyester, when possible. This does not officially cohere with a quality mark. Nevertheless it’s important to mention when looking into sustainability. The quality of this polyester is high, while it has less impact on the environment. Recycled plastic is used, which would otherwise disappear in landfills or in the ocean. Stedman also has the following quality marks. Download here the Stedman Global code of Conduct.

The ecological styles with this label are made from 100% OCS certified ring-spun organic cotton. No toxic pesticides and fertilizers were used during the cultivation of the environmentally friendly cotton. This certificate is issued by Control Union Certifications (CU 819645).

Stedman's textile products and components have been tested on harmful substances. In this way they can guarantee high product safety. At the moment, Stedman does not have the Oeko-Tex-100 certificate for the Biker and Quilted jackets. They do state these items are produced according to the same strict specifications.

Stedman is a member of Amfori, an international professional organization committed to open and sustainable trade. Legal, humane and ethically responsible production are the main pillars of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). This means that child labor, environmental nuisance and abuse are prohibited. Stedman must therefore comply with the regulations with regard to working hours, health, safety and the environment.

SPQ stands for Stedman Proofed Quality. This is the hallmark with which Stedman wishes to propagate all items are subject to strict quality controls. This applies to both the materials and the products.