Sustainability at Yarnplaza.com
At Yarnplaza, sustainability is a top priority. Our mission is to inspire you with beautiful yarns and projects that are produced in a way that’s responsible toward people, animals, and the environment. That’s why our selection includes a variety of sustainable yarns and Yarn and Crochet Kits. This way, you can enjoy endless responsible crocheting and knitting. But what exactly are sustainable yarns, how can you find them on our website, and what are the different certifications for sustainable yarns?
When is a yarn sustainable?
By “sustainable products,” we mean goods that have little to no impact on nature, the environment, and all living things. The sustainable yarns in our product line are made from responsibly sourced materials that, throughout their extraction and processing, have the smallest possible impact on the Earth and the living environment of humans and animals. This responsible production process also ensures compliance with social standards. For example, we strive for fair trade with fair prices and wages, and we exercise extra oversight to ensure a safe and hygienic work environment for every employee involved in the production process.
By using (only) sustainable yarns, you’re making a positive impact on the planet. Knowing that, you can crochet or knit with that eco-friendly ball of yarn and feel even better, doesn’t it?!
How do I find sustainable yarns and kits on Yarnplaza.com?
We’ve made it extra easy to find sustainable products on Yarnplaza.com. For example, we have a special category page featuring sustainable products, and every sustainable product is marked with a green sustainability logo. This logo lets you know if a product is natural, organic, fair trade, and/or recycled. You can also easily filter for sustainable yarns and Kits by using the sustainability filter on our category pages. Detailed information about a product’s sustainable features, including quality labels and certifications, can be found on the product page under “Product Information.”
Various sustainable yarns
Natural and Organic Yarns
Organic
Organic farming places a strong emphasis on environmental impact and animal welfare. In the production of organic yarns, such as organic cotton, no genetically modified organisms, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemical pesticides are used. Are you planning to work with organic wool? If so, the sheep, llama, or Alpaca from which your wool comes has been given more space and the opportunity to exhibit its natural behavior.
Of course
When we talk about natural yarns, we’re referring to yarns made from natural materials. This means the material is produced by nature. Our product line includes various yarns that are natural (also known as plant-based). Examples include (organic) Cotton, jute, Hemp, and lyocell.
Discover a selection of natural and organic yarns here
Recycled yarns
Yarns made from recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular. A yarn is considered recycled if it is (partially) spun from waste materials. This is a sustainable choice that reuses old materials and reduces the waste stream. For example, yarns can be made from recycled fibers from jeans, recycled Cotton, or even Polyamide or polyester fibers recycled from plastic bottles.
Discover a selection of recycled yarns here
Fairtrade yarns
By using Fairtrade yarn, you’re supporting a fair world in which all farmers and workers in developing countries who were involved in the yarn’s production process have been given equal opportunities. Thanks to these equal opportunities, farmers and workers receive a fair price for their products, allowing them to make a living from their work and invest in a sustainable future.
Discover a selection of Fair Trade yarns here
Get started creating sustainable fashion, home decor, and accessories with our complete kits
An Overview of All Sustainability Certifications
To ensure that a yarn has been produced sustainably, various certification labels have been created. In the Yarnplaza collection, you’ll find various certification marks on the labels of sustainable yarns. This logo indicates that the yarn meets the standards of a specific certification mark. Would you like to learn more about the certification marks on products in the Yarnplaza collection? We’ll explain what each certification mark means below.
Yarns with the GOTS Certification Mark
If the GOTS certification mark appears on the label, you can be sure that you’re holding a sustainable yarn. And that yarn is also certified organic and Fairtrade. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international certification developed to ensure that organically grown fibers are processed into sustainable textiles and yarns. A yarn is only awarded the GOTS certification if it meets all of the strict requirements. The environment and working conditions are taken into account throughout the entire production process. For example, no harmful chemicals are used, factories are required to use sustainable wastewater systems, and they must use energy efficiently. Employees receive a fair wage and work in safe and healthy conditions.
Yarns with the Oeko-Tex Label
If a yarn has the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, it means the product contains no harmful substances. Oeko-Tex is a testing and certification system for textiles. Oeko-Tex does not have a single standard certification, but rather various product classifications based on environmental friendliness and intended use. The closer the product comes into contact with the skin and the more sensitive the skin is, the stricter the requirements. For example, if a yarn receives the Oeko-Tex certification with Class 1 (the highest class), it is safe for use on even the most sensitive skin, including a baby’s skin.
Furthermore, the OEKO-TEX certification ensures that the yarn is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The yarn is dyed with eco-friendly dyes. Employees enjoy good working conditions and are not exposed to harmful substances.
Yarns with the GRS and RCS Certification Marks
If a yarn is made from recycled materials, there is (usually) a recycling symbol on the label. The Global Recycle Standard is a certification awarded to a yarn (or other product) when it consists of at least 20% recycled materials and when the materials used in the product meet the appropriate social, environmental, and chemical impact criteria for its production. The RCS label is a simplified version of the GRS label, requiring that the product consist of at least 5% recycled materials. Additionally, the RCS label only considers the use of recycled materials in the production process and does not address other requirements related to the production process.
Yarns with the ICEA Label
ICEA is an independent and accredited certification body that focuses on certifying products based on ethical and environmental sustainability criteria. Products bearing the ICEA label therefore always carry an additional label, such as the GOTS, GRS, or RCS label, under which they are certified. When a product bears the ICEA label, you can be confident that every stage of the production process has been thoroughly inspected.
Be inspired by our sustainable product line and make a conscious choice for a better world for people, animals, and the environment!