Hi guys,

Today I would like to talk to you about a hot topic: the importance of certificates today. Are they really as important as they are often sold to us? Well, let's take a closer look.

At Das Merch, we have a clear philosophy: We want to know our supply chain down to the smallest detail. We personally know the people who are involved in the production of our textiles. For us, this is invaluable. Because nothing beats the trust that comes with knowing the people who are involved in creating the products.

We focus on personal relationships and transparency. We know who makes our fabrics, who sews our clothes and who ultimately makes our designs come to life. This gives us a sense of security and allows us to maintain our high quality standards.

But wait a minute, what about the certificates? Honestly, we're split in two. On the one hand, we support certificates such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKOTEX, as they establish certain standards in the textile industry. They set rules and regulations to ensure that products are manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This is definitely a step in the right direction and deserves recognition.

Note: We also rely on certificates such as GOTS or GRS for our raw materials, because we cannot (yet) personally control all cotton growing areas.

On the other hand, we must remember that certificates cannot always cover all aspects of a supply chain. They provide certain guarantees, but they cannot always offer us the personal relationship and trust that we gain through direct contact with our partners. It is therefore of great importance to us that we know our supply chain in detail and can follow it personally.

That doesn't mean we downplay the meaning of certificates. On the contrary, they are an important step towards a more sustainable and responsible textile industry. But we must not forget that personal connections and transparency in the supply chain are just as valuable and can create a high level of trust.

In an ideal world, we could have both: certificates that set clear standards, and personal connections that give us a deep understanding of how our products are manufactured. And who knows, we might be well on our way there.

With this in mind, let us continue to challenge standards in the textile industry, promote transparency and build personal relationships. After all, it is about creating a sustainable and trustworthy future for the fashion industry.

Best regards,

klaus

‍