Not Just Greenwashing: Certifications That Actually Mean Something.
We’re surrounded by eco-labels, “sustainable” promises, and brands claiming to care. But how do we know which ones truly do? At Aardelia, we're building a brand around substance over slogans, so it’s vital to understand the difference between real action and greenwashing—the practice of using environmental messaging as a marketing strategy without meaningful impact behind it.
You’ll find “green” everywhere, but that doesn’t always mean good. In fact, much of what’s labelled eco-friendly or sustainable has no formal definition, and no oversight. That’s why we’re focusing on certifications that actually mean something - systems with rigorous standards, transparent criteria, and verified results.
Here’s a list of trusted certifications that help consumers and creators (like us) navigate what’s truly responsible.
Cradle to Cradle Certified®
What it is: A leading global standard for safe, circular, and responsibly made products. It looks at material health, product circularity, clean energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Why it matters: Cradle to Cradle goes beyond reducing harm - its entire philosophy is about designing products that benefit people and the planet from the start. This framework is a key influence behind Aardelia. Visit C2C Certified
FSC® Forest Stewardship Council
What it is: A certification that ensures forests are managed in ways that preserve biodiversity, benefit local communities, and are economically viable.
Why it matters: If a product contains wood or paper, the FSC mark helps ensure that material came from a forest that’s responsibly managed. Visit fsc.org
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
What it is: A leading global standard for organic textiles, including environmental and social criteria across the entire supply chain.
Why it matters: Essential for organic natural fibres like cotton and hemp - especially where farming and dyeing practices affect soil, water, and worker safety. Visit global-standard.org
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
What it is: An independent certification that ensures textiles are tested for over 100 harmful substances.
Why it matters: It’s a marker of textile safety - especially for materials that come in contact with skin. Visit oeko-tex.com
Bluesign®
What it is: A certification that optimises the entire textile supply chain, minimizing environmental impact and improving chemical and energy management.
Why it matters: Bluesign complements the Cradle to Cradle ethos by tackling chemical safety at every step - from fibre production to finishing. Visit bluesign.com
B Corp Certification
What it is: A certification for businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency, and ethics.
Why it matters: While Aardelia isn’t there yet, B Corp is a north star - a signal of genuine responsibility in business practice, not just product. Visit bcorporation.net
Fair Trade Certified
What it is: A global movement ensuring workers in developing countries are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and benefit from their labour.
Why it matters: Ethical sourcing is core to creating products that don’t just work well - but do well. Visit fairtrade.net
Soil Association Organic (UK)
What it is: The UK’s leading certification for organic food, farming, textiles, and beauty.
Why it matters: A familiar and trusted label for UK shoppers, especially relevant for hemp and organic plant-based materials. Visit soilassociation.org
Why This Matters For Aardelia
We’re not chasing certifications for their own sake - we’re building products that deserve them. As we grow, we’ll align our sourcing and designs with frameworks like Cradle to Cradle and FSC, because that’s what a truly circular, ethical future looks like.
Greenwashing won’t solve our waste crisis - but good design, honest practices, and informed consumers might.