Sustainability Standards

By Michael Labella

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

ISO has developed standards, the ISO 14000, that can be used as a guideline to design and implement an environmental management system (EMS), which organizes an environmental program in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner.

ISO 14001 deals with the actual requirements for an environmental management system, applying to aspects over which the organization has control, and over which it can be expected to have an influence.

ISO 14004 provides guidance on the development and implementation of environmental management systems.

Oeko-Tex

The International Oeko-Tex® Association is a group of 14 textile research and test institutes in Europe and Japan with representative agencies and contact offices in over 40 countries worldwide. It looks at the effects of production processes on man and the environment, such as operational safety, materials, water and energy consumption, wastewater and waste treatment. The organization certifies environmentally friendly manufacturing processes by looking at the components and supplies used. A list of certified products and suppliers is available on their website.

ETAD

The Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigments Manufacturers (ETAD) coordinates the efforts of its members to minimize any possible adverse impact of organic colorants on health and the environment. Member companies are obliged to adhere to the ETAD Code of Ethics, based on the principles of responsible care, and comply with national and international chemical regulations. The website provides a list of member companies that includes some of the largest ink manufacturers in the world.

Michael Labella is a partner at 2DTC LLC, a sales and marketing firm focused on digital textile printing, and a founder of www.thewholesaleconnection.com.