GLOSSARY OF TERMS
In our electronic glossary you will find explanations of all the basic and lesser-known terms and abbreviations that you may come across in connection with the topics of sustainability and clothing.
B Corporation certification is a certificate awarded to businesses by the non-profit organization B Lab. Certified businesses meet the highest standards of social and environmental behavior, public transparency and legal responsibility to balance profit and purpose. This creates a community in which the power of businesses is used for a good cause. Specifically, the B Corp community strives to reduce inequality, reduce poverty, create a healthier environment, build a stronger community, and create better jobs.
Perfluorocarbons, or PFCs, are resistant chemical compounds that provide water-repellency. Unfortunately, it is so durable that it lacks the decay property. Ending the life cycle of products with this modification is then very demanding, as it burdens the environment. The substance as such is not dangerous for the wearer of the product with this modification, however, it can be dangerous for water courses or the soil near the production. Most brands operating in Europe should stop using PFC C8 (8 carbon atoms) for regulatory reasons, as the impact of this compound has been scientifically proven to be serious. Brands have therefore resorted to impregnation of the C6 type (6 carbon atoms). But even that is not completely safe, it only has a smaller impact on the environment. If the brand uses the slogan "PFC-free", it should only be a modification completely without the presence of PFC, not with C6 representation.
It is a system that was created in Switzerland in 2000. Bluesign® represents a vision of a gentle approach to textile production and means for its protection and maintenance. The certificate covers the entire production chain, from the acquisition of material to the use of chemicals required for the treatment, cleaning or maintenance of clothing. The bluesign® label on textile products guarantees that the product was made in a safer and more sustainable environment for the people who work and live in it. Bluesign® thus minimizes the impact of the textile industry on the environment and at the same time tries to encourage the textile industry to increase its efforts in the field of sustainable processes.
The aim of this European initiative is to ensure quality working conditions in the production of products within the entire supply chain. Both in the production and distribution of products, basic labor legal and ethical principles such as fair remuneration, environmental protection or zero tolerance for child labor must be respected.
It is a concept that is based on creating a sophisticated/minimalist wardrobe that includes pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories that can be combined with each other. Creating a capsule wardrobe can be considered a step towards minimalism, when one gets rid of unnecessary pieces from overflowing wardrobes that one is unable to combine. The intention is therefore to put together a wardrobe that will consist of high-quality, timeless and, above all, pieces that can be combined with each other.
If you are among the followers of a minimalist wardrobe, you will definitely choose your quality and timeless piece here!
COSMOS is a unified European standard for natural and organic cosmetics consisting of two levels Cosmos Natural and Cosmos Organic. During product certification, all aspects of the purchase, production, marketing and inspection of cosmetic products are monitored. The product must not contain GMOs, chemicals, phthalates or parabens at any level. The minimum proportion of raw materials from organic farming is 95% for both levels. In addition, the weight of the share of these substances must be at least 20% of the total weight of the product.
Cost-per-Wear is a financial indicator defining the cost per piece of clothing per number of wears. It can perhaps be calculated using the formula: CPW = paid price of the given piece of clothing / number of days of wear. Thanks to this, everyone can calculate how it is worthwhile to invest in an expensive but better quality piece of clothing, which, although it costs more, will last longer. Thanks to this indicator, it is often possible to find out that more expensive pieces pay off much more in the context of the number of wears than cheap and low-quality fast-fashion products.
Cradle to Cradle certification is a globally recognized benchmark for safer and more sustainable products that are made for a circular economy, where waste is reused as a resource to make a new product. To earn certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance in five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social justice.
CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept based on linking business practices with social and environmental aspects. According to the definition of the Green Book of the European Union from 2001, it is the voluntary integration of social and ecological aspects into everyday corporate operations and interactions with corporate shareholders.
Dead-stock.
This is work that is performed by a child who has not reached the legal age for work.
A supply chain is a system of suppliers, traders and transporters who supply raw materials, materials and semi-finished products to produce the final product and then deliver the product itself to the final customer.
A water-repellent agent that is coated on a fabric to make it hydrophobic (water-resistant).
It is an independent international certification company that deals with the certification and control of products that contain raw materials from controlled organic farming. Products that do not contain genetically modified raw materials, parabens, phenoxyethanol, PEG derivatives, nanoparticles, silicones, synthetic perfumes and dyes and ingredients obtained from dead animals can receive the Ecocert trademark.
This is a certification used in Europe since 1992. The Ecolabel guarantees that products or services are environmentally friendly. This certification complies with the ISO 14024 standard - environmental criteria that must be followed throughout the product's lifetime. These criteria include, among others, low water consumption, a low carbon footprint and the promotion of recycling and reparation.
This is European labor law, which regulates the basic transnational standards of employment and partnership at work in the European Union and other countries that comply with the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
It is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of workers around the world. The association brings together universities, civil society organizations and socially responsible companies. It primarily focuses on solving the issue of harassment or abuse in the workplace, a safe working environment, freedom of association and collective bargaining, remuneration with an appropriate wage and other areas related to labor law.
The international organization Fair Wear Foundation was established in 1999 and strives to improve working conditions in the workplaces of the textile industry. It mainly focuses on textile production in China, India, Bangladesh and Turkey. Member companies commit to implementing a "Code of Practice" throughout the supply chain to make fashion fair for all.
It is an alternative approach to conventional trade. The Fairtrade approach is based on a partnership between producers and buyers of products. A fair price for a commodity (e.g. organic cotton, flax, etc.) ensures that farmers and workers are paid fairly, grow with respect to the environment, and their children can e.g. go to school.
It is a mineral raw material created by geological forces from organic wastes and the dead bodies of previously living biological organisms. An example is oil, natural gas or coal.
The FSC certificate guarantees that our packaging has been made from materials coming from sustainable sources and has been obtained from forests in an economical way.
GRI, or the Global Reporting Initiative, is an international independent organization that helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate their impact on issues related to economic, social and environmental outcomes. This organization has been promoting sustainability reporting since 1997.
It is a United Nations initiative based on ten basic principles in the areas of human rights, work, the environment and anti-corruption measures.
An increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere that is permanent and causes climate change.
Genetically modified organisms are those whose genetic material has been purposefully changed in a way other than natural. Methods of achieving these changes include, for example, the action of mutagens, ionizing radiation or genetic engineering (introduction of genes from other organisms).
The GoodShipping program is the world's first sustainable shipping initiative, offering companies around the world the opportunity to reduce pollution during container shipping using biofuels.
GOTS certification guarantees that the product is made from organic textile fibers and the entire production process is ecologically clean and socially fair. In this way, the environment, the health of workers and end consumers are protected. At the same time, GOTS includes requirements for ethical and social aspects of production. Good working conditions are thus ensured for farmers and production workers.
We are proud that all our products on the Zdravetricko.cz e-shop have GOTS certification, and thus exceed the legislative requirements for textile quality in the European Union and the Czech Republic.
The term can be characterized as misinformation, the purpose of which is to create an impression among the public (consumers) of an environmentally responsible company (organization).
It is an international standard under the Textile Exchange whose aim is to increase the use of recycled materials in products and to ensure good environmental and social practices in production. Certification is granted based on third-party verification.
Developed by SAC, the Higg Index represents a set of tools that allow you to accurately measure and evaluate the sustainability of a company or product. Its aim is to provide the fashion industry with a uniform certification system valid for the entire production chain and all its aspects.
ISO is an international standards-setting body composed of representatives of national standards bodies. Founded on February 23, 1947, the organization creates worldwide industry and business standards.
An international environmental management system standard administered by ISO.
Reducing carbon emissions, for example by buying credits through emission reduction projects.
Organizations established to meet specific needs or a socially beneficial goal. As a rule, they are not dependent on governments.
The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economy, where raw materials are transformed into products, sold and disposed of as waste in incinerators or landfills at the end of their useful lives. The principle of the circular economy, on the other hand, is that "waste" is transformed into a new resource and reused. This closes the flow of materials and extends the life cycle of the product.
The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear economy, where raw materials are transformed into products, sold and disposed of as waste in incinerators or landfills at the end of their useful lives. The principle of the circular economy, on the other hand, is that "waste" is transformed into a new resource and reused. This closes the flow of materials and extends the life cycle of the product.
It is energy that is produced from renewable sources that have the ability to renew themselves naturally. These renewable sources include biofuels, water, solar or wind energy.
These are chemical agents that are used to eliminate losses in the cultivation of cultural plants.
The label "PETA - Approved Vegan" guarantees that the products do not contain any animal ingredients and that no animals suffered during production.
Awareness about slow fashion is spread by Kate Fletcher (Center for Sustainable Fashion), who herself defines it as fashion that is not subject to trends, is variable and timeless. It is the opposite of so-called fast fashion.
The essence of the triple benefit principle is that the given organization does not focus only on achieving profit and economic growth (profit aspect), but also on the environmental impact of its activities (environmental aspect) and, last but not least, on the social responsibility of its activities (people aspect).
It is a process where materials intended for disposal are collected, reprocessed and reused.
It is a report in which information is provided on the economic, environmental, social and administrative aspects of the organization. It is a method of internalizing and improving an organization's commitment to sustainable development in a way that can be demonstrated to internal and external stakeholders.
"Fast fashion" is a term for cheap and easily available fashion that is produced in huge quantities and of low quality. It often copies the latest trends and is only "in" for one season, so the customer tends to change these products quickly. During production, good working conditions are often not observed and environmental impacts are not eliminated.
Gases (eg carbon dioxide, ozone or methane) that trap heat and contribute to global warming. Their reduction is conditioned by a more gentle consumption of energy and resources.
Textile Exchange is a global organization that helps member companies in their sustainability efforts.
The degree of openness and sharing of information not only in the decision-making process of the organization.
A concept that is based on the fact that current economic development and the needs of the current generation will not compromise the ability to meet the needs of future generations.
The process of turning waste into new material. Upcycling eliminates wasted resources. An example could be the use of leftover fabric to sew a mask.
The US Department of Agriculture awards its own certification to products that come from organic farming (the minimum threshold is 95%). In addition to the origin of raw materials, composition, handling and/or packaging, access to animals is also controlled. It must come from free range and must be fed with feed from organic farming without the content of antibiotics and hormones.
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