The textile industry is the second most polluting in the world. Yet, not all clothing is created equal.
In recent years, eco-friendly certifications have proliferated. This is good news—provided you know how to interpret them. Because between genuine commitments and greenwashing, the line is sometimes thin.
At DELPHINUS®, we have made clear choices. Here's what they mean in practice.
Why Certifications Are Essential
Every second, 820 kilograms of cotton are produced worldwide. It's an ubiquitous material—yet its conventional cultivation requires approximately 5,260 liters of water to produce just one kilogram of cotton, equivalent to one t-shirt or sweatshirt.
Given this reality, organic cotton stands out as a credible alternative. But brands claiming to use it must first be trustworthy.
This is where independent certifications come in: they control, verify, and guarantee what labels promise.
A label is not a marketing argument. It's proof.
The Certifications You Will Find at DELPHINUS®
GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
The most demanding standard in the textile industry. GOTS guarantees that at least 70% of fibers come from organic farming, without chemicals or heavy metals in the finished product. It covers the entire processing chain—from harvesting to manufacturing.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
An international certification that controls all stages of textile processing: raw, semi-finished, and finished fibers. It guarantees the absence of harmful substances for health—heavy metals, allergens, pesticides—and also commits to the management of wastewater and hazardous chemicals.
Fair Wear Foundation
The Fair Wear Foundation works to ensure fair working conditions throughout the textile production chain. Certified brands commit to adhering to a strict Code of Labor Practices, verified directly in partner factories.
OCS 100
OCS 100 certifies that the textile contains between 95 and 100% organic raw materials, with full traceability throughout the production chain.
OCS Blended
For textiles containing a minimum of 5% organic materials blended with other fibers. A first level of commitment towards more responsible production.
PETA Vegan
Guarantees that no animal-derived substances were used in the manufacturing of the textile, and no animal testing was conducted.
At DELPHINUS®, our textiles are GOTS · Fair Wear · OEKO-TEX® · PETA Vegan certified.
Other Certifications to Know
WRAP
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. This label encompasses 12 principles related to working conditions: prohibition of forced labor, child labor, and harassment. It also requires compliance with local environmental regulations.
GRS — Global Recycled Standard
This label certifies that the product contains a minimum of 50% recycled materials. It also controls energy and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the production process.
BSCI
Created in 2003, this private initiative label aims to improve the social conditions of workers for manufacturers of consumer products, particularly in developing countries.
Earthaware
A certification that rethinks product design to reduce environmental footprint: reduced packaging, higher quality materials, support for local environmental protection initiatives.
Greenwashing: How to Recognize It?
With the rise of the eco-responsible market, some brands claim certifications that do not exist—or overestimate their actual commitment. This is known as greenwashing.
A few simple tips to guard against it:
- Verify that the label is recognized and independent.
- Look for the certification number on the official website of the label.
- Be wary of vague terms like "natural," "green," or "ecological" without proof.
True commitment is proven. It is not merely declared.
The DELPHINUS® Choice
We could have settled for just one label. We chose four—because each covers a different aspect of our commitment: material, manufacturing, working conditions, respect for living things.
This is not a stance. It is coherence.
Every DELPHINUS t-shirt is a promise kept—to you, to those who made it, to the earth that produced its material.
— Designed and created in Camargue · A French signature