What is the European Flax® label?
Created by the CELC (European Confederation of Flax and Hemp), the European Flax® label guarantees the origin of premium flax fiber grown in Western Europe: France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Audited by independent organizations, European Flax® certified linen preserves, promotes, and safeguards European agricultural sectors, its territorial origin, and its non-relocatable expertise.
Globally recognized, this certification is intended to be identified by the end consumer and covers all linen-based products.
Rules to follow
Environmental rules
Only textile products containing a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers can be certified by the GOTS label. They must be evaluated and comply with a number of rules regarding toxicity and biodegradability.
Social rules
Textile processors and manufacturers must comply with the social criteria set out in the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. This includes decent wages, appropriate working hours, and a strict ban on child labor.
Toxicity and Biodegradability Rules
All chemical materials must meet a certain number of environmental and toxicological criteria. Inputs such as aromatic or halogenated solvents, chlorophenol, detergents, formaldehyde, fungicides or biocides, functional nanoparticles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their enzymes are strictly prohibited. Heavy metals and azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited. Printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited. Bleaching agents must be oxygen-based, not chlorine-based. PVC, nickel, and chrome are prohibited. Since 2014, all polyesters must be recyclable. Regarding biodegradability, all supply chain actors must follow an environmental policy that includes objectives and procedures to minimize waste and emissions. All packaging materials must be PVC-free. All paper and cardboard used in packaging or labels must be recyclable or FSC or PEFC certified.
Natural and organic fiber
What is a natural fiber?
A natural fiber is made from materials found in nature: cotton, linen, hemp, wool, etc. A natural fiber is not necessarily an organic fiber. A natural fiber is not necessarily an organic fiber, as it may be subjected to chemical treatments during the manufacturing process.
What is an organic fiber?
Organic fiber is always made of natural fibers. It is grown without insecticides, pesticides or GMOs. Instead, compost or manure are used as organic fertilizers.
