Organic, Recycled, Certified – How to Identify Truly Sustainable Yarns

07/07/2025

Sustainability is trending – but what does it really mean when it comes to yarn? Words like organic, eco, or recycled sound great, but not all green labels are what they seem. In this post, we take a closer look at what makes yarn truly sustainable – and how you can make better choices with confidence.

🌱 What Makes a Yarn Sustainable?

A sustainable yarn typically meets one or more of the following criteria:

🌿 Made from organic fibers (e.g. organic cotton)
🔄 Includes recycled materials (pre- or post-consumer)
♻️ Manufactured with reduced environmental impact
🌍 Produced under ethical labor conditions with transparent sourcing

💡 Note: "Natural" does not automatically mean sustainable. Even wool can be problematic depending on how it's sourced, processed, and transported.

🌾 Organic Cotton – Popular, But Not Always Perfect

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and usually involves water-saving methods and fairer labor practices.

✅ Benefits: soft, breathable, gentle on skin
⚠️ But: processing still requires water and it's not always locally produced

🎯 Tip: Look for the GOTS label – it ensures both environmental AND social standards.

♻️ Recycled Fibers – From Waste to Wonderful

There are two main categories:

Pre-Consumer Recycling
– Leftover production scraps (e.g. unused fiber, cutting waste)
– Usually high quality since fibers are unused
Post-Consumer Recycling
– Old clothing, PET bottles, etc.
– Slightly rougher, but very durable

💡 Blends (e.g. recycled cotton with polyester) may not be 100% eco – but still better than conventional options!

✅ Certifications & Eco-Labels Explained

Label | What it means

GOTS: Top-tier: organic fiber + ethical production
OEKO-TEX®: Free from harmful substances, not necessarily organic
GRS: Global Recycled Standard – ensures recycled content
IVN BEST: Even stricter than GOTS – high ecological standards

🎯 Warning: Buzzwords like "eco" or "natural" without proof = greenwashing!

🛒 What to Look For When Buying Yarn

📦 Origin: Where and how is it produced?
🔍 Fiber content: Organic, recycled, certified?
🧵 Processing: Is it colorfast, soft, durable?
🐑 Animal ethics: Is wool mulesing-free?

💚 My Tried-and-True Recommendations

These are yarns I've personally tested and recommend:

Kremke Soul Wool "Reborn Denim" – recycled cotton from jeans
Rosários 4 "Bio Love" – GOTS certified and soft
Rico Design "Essentials Organic Cotton" – great for beginners
BC Garn "Bio Shetland" – rustic wool with GOTS certification
Pro Lana "Recycling" – tough & ideal for crochet work

✨ My Conclusion: Sustainable Stitching with a Clear Conscience

Eco-friendly yarn doesn't mean compromise – it means thoughtful making. With just a little background knowledge, you can support the planet, fair labor, and your craft – one stitch at a time.

🌿 Got favorite eco yarns to share?

Let's swap ideas and tips in the Facebook Group – the more we learn, the more conscious our craft becomes!

#strickenimtrend #sustainableknitting #organicfiber #recycledyarn #ecoyarnlove

Because it concerns us all.

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶