What certifications really mean
For clients who want to substantiate sustainability or safety claims at product label level, certifications are critical. Below we explain which we offer, what they mean, and when you need them.
Textile certifications
These concern the garment itself — not our printing. They’re requested and tested by the textile manufacturer.
GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
What: strict standard for organic cotton across the production chain, including social criteria for workers. When relevant: when claiming “100% organic” or “genuinely sustainable”. Examples in our range: Stanley/Stella.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
What: test for harmful substances in textile — no pesticide residues, heavy metals, allergens. When relevant: for textile in direct skin contact, especially children’s clothing. Examples: broadly present in our catalogue (B&C, Mantis, Fruit of the Loom etc.).
Fair Wear Foundation
What: social standard for fair labour conditions in textile production. When relevant: for brands and companies wanting fair-trade claims at garment level. Examples: Stanley/Stella is a Fair Wear Foundation member.
Cradle to Cradle Certified
What: circularity standard — clothing that is fully recyclable. When relevant: for brands focusing on circular economy. Examples: specific collections.
Safety certifications for workwear
EN ISO 20471 — High-visibility clothing
What: European standard for high-vis apparel (orange/yellow/fluorescent colours with retroreflective bands). Required for: road workers, landscapers, construction workers in public spaces. Class 1, 2 or 3: depending on visibility requirements — class 3 is highest level. Examples: B&C Pro, Blåkläder, specific workwear models.
EN ISO 11611 — Welding clothing
What: standard for textile resistant to welding spatter. Required for: industrial welders. Available on request via our workwear suppliers.
EN 14058 — Cold-resistant clothing
What: standard for textile resistant to cold environments. Required for: cold/freezer storage, outdoor winter work. Available on request.
Our printing and embroidery processes
These are within our control:
Water-based and PVC-free inks
What: alternative to traditional plastisol inks — no plasticisers, no phthalates. When relevant: for children’s clothing (EN 71-3 compliance), for clients with strict chemicals requirements. At Visualprint: standard available for screen printing.
REACH-compliant
What: European chemicals legislation on substance restrictions. At Visualprint: all inks and transfers we use are REACH-compliant.
EN 71-3 — Toy safety
What: restrictions on heavy metals for textile used by children. At Visualprint: available with specific water-based ink choices.
How to know which certification you need?
Important: a certification on the garment applies only to that garment — not automatically to the printing. For a full claim you need both: certified textile + REACH/EN 71-3 inks.
Questions about certifications for your project?
Send us your requirements — e.g. “I have a tender for municipality X requiring OEKO-TEX and Fair Wear, for 200 polos” — and we’ll come back with a suitable combination of textile + printing.
Why Visualprint
Honest advice
Advice on materials and techniques or processes — without preference for one specific technique.
Everything in-house
Screen printing, embroidery, DTF, discharge, sublimation and our specialties. From Pantone colours in direct screen printing to up to 15 colours in embroidery.
Our own R&D
We actively develop our own specials and explore new formulations. Got a special wish? Just ask.
45+ years of experience
Family business with short lines and a wealth of in-house knowledge. Since 1980 in Leidschendam-Voorburg.
Ready to start?
We’re happy to think along — from technique to textile to delivery. Send your request and we’ll reply within one working day.