CERTIFICATIONS
Certifications are one of several tools we use at IGEN to work more responsibly. They are not a guarantee that a product has no environmental or climate footprint, because as long as we produce, we leave a footprint. The certifications do, however, contribute to better documentation and transparency in our value chain.
As of 2026, we've set a minimum requirement that our production locations and suppliers must meet at least one or more of the following certifications/standards. The requirement will be formalized from 2026, but has already been met by our existing suppliers, which means that we have been able to continue working with the same skilled manufacturers with documented work conditions.
Exceptions can be made for small businesses, provided that we ourselves have the opportunity to visit the production site and verify the production and working conditions. This could be the case, for example, with Krøllet Keramik, a small workshop in Amager that we have visited several times.
The certifications apply to our production sites and/or the materials used in our products. For products with certified materials, the specific certification is stated on the individual product page.
GSR
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international third-party certification that sets strict criteria for the use of recycled materials and aims to contribute to more responsible production conditions through requirements for materials, chemicals, and social conditions.
The certification aims to verify and document the content of recycled materials in products and to limit the chemical impact that production can have on people and the environment. GRS-certified products must contain at least 20% recycled material, but in order to carry the label, at least 50% of the product must be made from recycled material.
To obtain GRS certification, production sites must meet specified social and environmental requirements throughout the entire production chain. These requirements contribute to a reduced environmental impact in production compared to that of conventional materials.
If you would like to read more about the Global Recycled Standard, you can do so here
RSC
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international third-party certification that documents and verifies the content of recycled materials in products through the entire supply chain.
RCS-certified products must contain at least 5% recycled content.
RCS does not set requirements for social conditions or chemical use but focuses exclusively on traceability and documentation of recycled content.
If you would like to read more about the Recycled Claim Standard, you can do so here
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard is an international certification that aims to ensure high-quality criteria for organic textile production, from harvesting and sowing to the finished textile product.
GOTS ensures that the fibers are grown organically and without synthetic pesticides. The certification also sets requirements for proper working conditions, the use of harmful chemicals, and waste.
If you would like to read more about GOTS, you can do so here
OSC
The Organic Content Standard aims to increase organic agricultural production. OCS is a global standard that establishes specific criteria for third-party certification of organic materials and ensures traceability throughout the value chain.
OCS does not impose requirements on the finished production process or social conditions, but focuses on documentation of organic material content.
If you would like to read more about OCS, you can do so here
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a certification that tracks wood through a product's supply chain. Its purpose is to ensure that wood fibers do not come from endangered and old trees, but from environmentally and socially responsible forest management in accordance with FSC standards. Forests are thoroughly inspected and certified according to strict standards based on the FSC's 10 basic principles for forest management. Independent organizations carry out these inspections.
Read about the 10 principles here
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification proves that a product has been tested for the presence of harmful chemicals. The label sets requirements for textile safety throughout the entire process, right from the yarn to the finished product.
All products that have a Standard 100 label are certified to have passed extensive tests for harmful chemicals and substances, which are reviewed at least once a year. The requirements for laboratory testing are further tightened when the products are intended for more intensive and prolonged skin contact. Only products that meet these requirements are allowed to carry the label.
If you want to read more about OEKO-TEX Standard 100, you can do so here
BSCI
BSCI is not a product certification, but a system for assessing and improving working conditions at suppliers.
The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is a global initiative working to improve working conditions. The initiative includes companies from around the world, making it possible to promote responsible working practices across multiple industries and countries.
BSCI not only works with ensuring compliance with standards, but also with long-term improvements. The initiative creates a framework for better working conditions, fair wages, protection of labor rights, and workplace health and safety. At the same time, BSCI assesses and ensures that suppliers follow ethical working practices and maintain environmental standards.
If you would like to read more about BSCI and their initiative, you can do so here
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requires companies/suppliers to comply with the requirements of the applicable ISO standard.
ISO covers various standards depending on the focus area, e.g., quality management or environmental management.
Their purpose is to ensure that companies continuously improve their work processes and comply with the laws and requirements to which they are subject. They focus on quality management in companies and organizations, creating guidelines for processes and values.
If you would like to read more about ISO, you can do so here
