Manufy adapts SANE certification to help brands communicate impact to conscious consumers

Amsterdam, October 17, 2024 – Circular clothing platform Manufy adopts the multi-stakeholder initiative (MSI) SANE Standard to help fashion brands certify their products for people and the planet while preparing for upcoming legislation.

With the holistic certification, fashion brands can authenticate their commitment to making more sustainable production choices. Meanwhile, the process, guided by the experts from SANE Standard, prepares brands for upcoming legislation until 2030.

Towardsa a sane fashion industry

The fashion industry has become inSANE: too fast, too much, too toxic. Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and is notorious for its exploitative treatment of textile workers. Certifications are a tool to help fashion brands move away from this broken system and into one that is responsible and transparent.

SANE certification process

To be certified as SANE, the product composition, material production, and manufacturing processes of eligible brands are thoroughly assessed. Brands can choose to certify one product, a specific line, or their entire collection. To ensure credibility, production facilities must be certified by an accredited third-party certifier unless they can prove compliance with SANE requirements upfront.

For an overview of all certifiable materials click here.

SANE Requirements: ambitious and achievable

SANE is a holistic certification for sustainable fashion products. The requirements cover the phases of a product's life cycle where environmental or human impacts are most harmful, and where brands can implement more sustainable processes.

The standard emphasizes low-impact materials, the chemical safety of final products (protecting consumer health), the environmental footprint of processing stages, and the working conditions and remuneration of workers.

While the requirements are high, they are also realistic and achievable for fashion brands of all sizes. SANE standards are already being met by successful brands such as Muntagnard and 1 People.

Easy access to sustainability data

SANE allows consumers to instantly recognize ethically made products and showcase their positive engagement with sustainable fashion. Certified brands receive a Certification QR code, which reveals the product’s full traceability and authenticity.  

Due diligence

Certification is the result of an in-depth process to analyze and assess the true impact of a product. Nout Knabben, founder of Manufy, explains why this process—also called due diligence—matters:

"Understanding where your products come from and under what conditions they were made is important. Equally important is communicating this effectively to your customer, so they’re equipped to make responsible purchasing decisions."

Mathilde Charpail from SANE adds, "A collaboration with Manufy made perfect sense for SANE Standard, as we both share the same goal of promoting ethical fashion production. It's rare to find a partner like Manufy that truly aligns with our vision."

Get ready for legislation

SANE is fully aligned with the EU Green Claims Directive, aimed at enhancing consumer trust in environmental claims. This directive requires businesses to substantiate their green claims with credible evidence, ensuring consumers receive accurate information about the environmental impact of products and services.

Not all certifications are the same

Certifications are not new—many universal standards and independent certification labels have existed for over a decade. SANE has been in use for more than five years. The effectiveness of a certification depends on its focus. Manufy’s values align closely with the SANE Standard, making this partnership an ideal addition to the platform.

SANE is not a standalone certification process. It recognizes existing certifications and involves third-party audits when necessary.

Manufy: a one-stop shop for circularity services

Integrating SANE’s services into Manufy enhances the platform's value by providing a seamless experience for brands on their sustainability journey. Since its relaunch in 2024, Manufy has expanded to offer a variety of circularity services, including deadstock fabrication, return forwarding, and circular design consultancy. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, simplifying the complex path to circularity and assisting brands in achieving their sustainability goals.

For more information and questions:

Contact Nout Knabben at nout@manufy.com

‍