Fashion is on a journey. The market dominance of athleisure over the last decade has now morphed into a trend for ‘well fashion’.
Well fashion drivers
Consumers are no longer content to wear multiple outfits in a day. Instead, they want comfortable, durable and functional outfits that are better for the environment, and which are appropriate for the office, gym and socializing. They also want to see evidence that claims relating to performance and sustainability have been corroborated by independent evaluation and certification.
Governments, NGOs and retailers are also initiating the change. Around the world, legislators are introducing sustainable economic models that focus on better design, reuse and recycling – the circular economy. At the same time, retailers want visible assurance that the products they sell conform to defined standards for quality, sustainability and functionality.
Industry response
There is a radical rethink happening at the heart of the textile and clothing industry. Innovative approaches to design, manufacture, acquisition, aftercare, experience and disposal – the whole product lifecycle – are being introduced. Materials and processes that deliver better quality, performance, durability, functionality, usability and sustainability are being utilized by designers and manufacturers who are looking to develop well fashion that conforms to, and exceeds, market demands.
However, simply adopting a forward-thinking approach to the well fashion lifecycle isn’t enough to succeed in competitive markets. Claims relating to performance and sustainability made for a wide variety of products require independent substantiation to confirm that they are trustworthy. Therefore, to succeed in global markets, you must demonstrate to buyers, regulators and consumers that your well fashion product’s claims have been independently verified.
Better for humans, better for the planet
SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, works with a variety of global forward-thinking manufacturers, helping them to develop innovative materials and products that are not only better for us as consumers, but which are also better for the planet. Their comprehensive range of independent verification solutions are helping manufacturers to successfully access new and expanding markets with inventive, high-performing products.
Developed by Pacific Century Textiles, Nu Dye® is an eco-friendly dyeing process that uses no hazardous substances. It delivers optimal consistency in color and an identical unique garment dye fade-out effect. According to Pacific Century Textiles’ findings, Nu Dye® enables substantial water, energy and chemical savings in comparison to traditional dyeing methods.
Consumers want high-performance, comfortable textiles. Bemis’s advanced three-layer seam tapes made from recycled polyester jerseys ensure textiles meet stretch and recovery requirements without compromising waterproof performance.
Consumers also want products that keep them cool and dry and offer protection from the sun. One Boy®, owned by Juo Yu Co., Ltd., is a clothing brand that is developing clothing that meets these comfort criteria, including instant cooling. This is a new, technologically advanced form of material that pulls perspiration away from the body and then uses it to help the material actively cool the body’s temperature.
These are just a selection of the many companies SGS is currently working with in the verification and certification of claims relating to sustainability and performance. These innovative technologies are allowing the development and manufacture of new forms of clothing that are not only better for us, but also better for the planet.
What SGS’s clients are saying
Pacific Century Textiles
“Brands and consumers are more concerned than ever that fabrics which touch the human body may cause health issues. The ECCS Mark helps my business to dispel these fears. It demonstrates to brands and consumers that our products are free from harmful substances, enhancing our ability to promote Nu Dye® as sustainable, while strengthening brands and consumers’ trust and confidence.
“If I had to choose just one word to describe our experience of working with SGS, it would be proficient. The SGS team has provided fantastic support throughout this demanding journey. Their patience and high-level industry know-how has helped to make the project a success. To fully express my gratitude would take more than a thousand words, but I would like to make special mention of the SGS representatives who helped facilitate the progress of this project.
“Looking to the future, we hope to work with SGS in achieving another of our sustainability goals – to replace all traditional garment dyes with Nu Dye®. This would significantly reduce the textile industry’s consumption of water, energy and chemicals.”
Johnson Wong, Director, Pacific Century Textiles
ONE BOY®
“At ONE BOY®, we are taking garment design closer to the needs of modern citizens. Through technological advances, we are creating fashionable and functional clothing that is more convenient for daily life.
“SGS global ICM certification increases consumer confidence when they buy the UV Protection Fast Cooling Lightweight Hooded Performance Adult Jacket from ONE BOY®. It has helped us to successfully access new markets around the world.
“Trust is the best word I can find to describe the experience of working with SGS. They have provided us with trusted testing and market surveillance services and, although certification can be complicated, we have gained considerable experience of the international inspection process. Obtaining SGS ICM certification has definitely been worth it.
“ONE BOY® hopes that by working with SGS we can continue to build consumer trust in our products while striving to achieve our full sustainable and social enterprise value.”
Weiting Yen, Chairman, ONE BOY®
Bemis
“Bemis has ambitious sustainability goals. To realize our ‘better by Bemis’ claim, we are investing in new sustainable materials and better manufacturing processes/chemicals. We are also conducting research into improving the product lifecycle. It is therefore important for us to fully understand the sustainability requirements of our customers to find the right balance between material performance and cost.
“SGS provides us with material/application testing services and customized assessment protocols for end-use application – an increasingly important factor for innovation. Working with SGS has given us the opportunity to develop better training platforms and testing protocols and we have also been able to expedite our development/qualification processes.
“‘Flexibility’ comes to my mind when I describe the experience of working with SGS. COVID-19 has significantly impacted business operations and supply chains over the last two years. SGS has been flexible throughout, efficiently handling samples and providing us with up-to-date information and technical support.
“We are still learning how to best utilize the SGS IC mark. From a quality control perspective, it is a powerful QC tool for regional manufacturing. This is especially true when travel is restricted. We are also hoping to utilize the mark to expand our network into new global markets.”
Alan Lao, Senior Manager, Product, Technology & Development – Asia, Bemis
SGS voluntary marks
SGS offers a comprehensive range of voluntary marks to help manufacturers demonstrate their product’s conformity to set criteria. Independent verification creates transparency, closing the gap between manufacturer, retailer and consumer, and enabling buyers to make better informed purchasing decisions.
- SGS Independently Checked Mark (IC Mark)
- SGS Environmental Claims Certification Scheme (Green Mark)
- SGS Performance Mark
SGS voluntary marks enable you to:
- Demonstrate independent verification of claims
- Enhance transparency
- Build trust in your brand
- Convey your product’s market superiority
Learn more about SGS voluntary marks, please contact:
Keith Tsang
Senior Service Development Manager
Connectivity & Products
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,700 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.