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In its March edition, Performance Days addresses the complexity of certifications in the textile industry. With the support of exhibitors, the organization has put together a guide outlining which seals are most important, both from the point of view of the manufacturers and the brands.
Our conclusion is that the most common certificates in sportswear and outdoor are Textile Exchange & Material Matters, Oekotex, Bluesign, Fair Wear Foundation, B Corporation, Wordly Inditex and Product Environmental Footprint.
‘As organisers we are pleased to present a comprehensive guide outlining the mandatory and optional sustainability standards for products. This guide is the result of extensive research, including an in-depth analysis of the practices adopted by retailers, shops and department stores,’ they said in a statement.
The intention is to promote transparency and support visitors in making increasingly informed decisions. The organisation also recognises that the costs of certification end up excluding small producers who already implement sustainable practices, so it also asks brands to pay attention to these players, even suggesting a more holistic view of the issue, supported for example by traceability tools.
The guide also allows companies to keep pace with changes in European Union regulations so that they can adopt a more proactive approach. Taking part in the fair with various certifications are Portuguese companies A. Sampaio, Sidónios Malhas, LMA, NGS Malhas, I.T.J.V and Bloomati, as part of the Sustainable Textile & Apparel FROM PORTUGAL project, coordinated by ATP – Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal.