Certification program and requirements for products

Transparent processes, structured documents, independent review

The Path to Green Shape® Certification

Certification under the Green Shape® Standard is carried out through a clearly defined, multi-step process. The goal is to provide a thorough evaluation and recognition of environmentally friendly products and product development processes.

The process at a glance:

Application to Green Shape e.V.
Companies submit an application including a self-assessment.
Application review & License agreement
After a positive decision, a license agreement is concluded.
Select certification body & apply for audit
The certification body is freely chosen - it must comply with ISO/IEC 17065 and for the Green Shape Standard approved for the Green Shape Standard.
Audit and evaluation
The product development processes and product selection are by the certification body for conformity with the test program.
Certification decision
If the examination is successful, a certificate valid for three years is issued.
Monitoring & recertification
Annual audits ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements. Recertification takes place after expiry-audit.

All steps are carried out in accordance with the specifications of the Green Shape GS3.1 certification program.

Requirements for products and processes

Making sustainability measurable - with clear criteria for product and development

The Green Shape® standard is based on a comprehensive testing program that sets requirements for products and their development processes. It is grounded in a holistic approach that encompasses all phases of the product life cycle—from design to recycling.

What is checked?

The requirements cover the following areas:

Product designAre ease of repair, recyclability and low-maintenance use already taken into account in the design process?
MaterialsAre certified recycled or renewable materials used? Are environmental and chemical standards complied with?
ProductionAre there environmentally sound processes along the supply chain? Are existing standards in manufacturing (Tier 1) and in material production (tier 2) recognized?
Material efficiencyIs the consumption of materials planned and implemented in a way that conserves resources?

All these aspects influence how environmentally friendly a product actually is - and how credible an environmental claim can be.

Holistic life cycle approach

Green Shape® not only tests the finished product, but also takes into account the various factors throughout the entire product development process. This includes, among other things:

Selection and proportion of sustainable materials
Processing, finishing and chemical-related requirements
Manufactured by certified companies with recognized standards (e.g. bluesign®, GOTS)
Services & offers from the company for the repair and regulated disposal of the product
Constructive design for long service life and recyclability

In the audit, proof is provided for each product that the test criteria are fulfilled in the relevant life cycle phases. This evidence is set out in the audit program and must be actively submitted.

What counts - and what doesn't?

Non-textile components such as zippers or press studs are not taken into account when calculating recycled or renewable material content: The focus is on textile product components.

When calculating certified minimum percentages, main and lining materials as well as ingredients (including non-textile) are taken into account.

Recognition of other standards: The meta-seal approach

The Green Shape® Standard incorporates existing, credible sustainability certifications—provided they have been recognized according to transparent criteria. Examples:

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
bluesign®
Responsible Down / Wool Standard for animal materials

Green Shape® does not replace these standards but supplements them with its own requirements. This creates a consistent, robust environmental assessment system without redundancies for companies with certified supply chains—existing certifications are leveraged.

Proof & responsibility

Compliance with the requirements is evidenced by test certificates. Companies must demonstrate in the audit process that they: