What are your reasons for introducing the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label?
We at FTC (Fair Trade Cashmere) have already come a long way in the area of sustainable production, which we also communicate externally. We never stand still and are always developing new ideas and initiatives. With TESTEX we have found an external partner with a lot of practical experience and knowledge. The OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label has enabled us to highlight and evaluate important areas of our production in a very concrete and structured manner. It also allows us to analyze our processes, take stock, develop further and set goals. It is important to us that we are assessed by an external partner, and at the same time, it is also a kind of reward that gives the wearers of our products an additional good feeling.
Which of your company values do you see reflected in the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label or at TESTEX?
We want the wearers of our products to always feel safe and confident. When you wear an FTC product, you know that FTC has put thought into every level of the production chain. “Feeling the sense” is our motto - on the one hand, this refers to the physical aspect that the customer feels safe, comfortable and confident when wearing our products. On the other hand, this “feeling the sense” can also be based on sustainable production. It is important to us that we can convey a certain sense of purpose in modern textile production. We see values such as transparency and trust reflected in TESTEX and the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label. We really like the structured set-up and the extensive experience.
What makes you enthusiastic about OEKO-TEX® in general?
OEKO-TEX® is authentic, has a lot of history and is very international.
Do you see any positive changes in terms of brand image after the introduction of the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label?
Our brand image has always been and always will be sustainability. The label is therefore a conscious highlighting of our competences. Internally, it has also inspired us to reflect more on sustainability and has strengthened awareness at all levels.
What do your customers say about the MADE IN GREEN label and OEKO-TEX®?
All of our customers have responded very positively. Because there are so many different claims and initiatives, labels are important and give the end consumer a certain amount of security.
How do you rate OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN compared to other industry labels?
For us, the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label is exactly what we were looking for. There are other labels and certificates, but many have a different focus and do not cover our needs in the same way. We think that you always have to choose labels that fit your strategy and products.
What other labels or certifications do you have?
«Tracked and traced» by Haelixa and "climate neutral" by climatepartner.
In addition to product labeling, how do you communicate your OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN products? (website, point of sale, etc.)
360 degree communication: We sent out press releases, posted on LinkedIn and sent newsletters to all customers. We have informed our sales force and B2C communication will soon also take place on social media.
What was your experience of working with TESTEX to obtain the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label?
The certification process took longer and was not easy, to a large extent also because of Covid. However, we were always able to have very good communication with TESTEX and we maintained an active exchange. It was extremely important for us to understand each other and to work out together what still needs to be improved. We appreciate the flexibility, the availability, the understanding and the honesty in the cooperation with TESTEX.
Has your relationship with your suppliers intensified since the introduction of the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label?
As a vertically integrated facility, we carry out all process steps in our own company. However, the introduction of the label has strengthened us internally. We are proud of having obtained the label and the awareness in our joint cooperation has been strengthened as a result. It was a team project in which everyone pulled together.
About InterArt of Cashmere World AG
Owners (from left): Adrian Knezovic, Jana Knezovic, Jutta Knezovic and Andreas Knezovic
OEKO-TEX® certificates: STANDARD 100 and STeP
Location: Switzerland
Website: shop.ftc-cashmere.com