STAPLE Co certifications - and what they actually mean

We Did the Work. Here's the Proof.

A note from Vanessa, Founder of STAPLE Co

When I started STAPLE Co, I made myself a promise: every claim we make would be backed by evidence. Not a vague commitment to "sustainability." Not a pretty graphic on a website. Actual, independently verified proof.

Here's what that looks like in practice.

It starts in a field in Gujarat

Our organic cotton is grown by a cooperative of 475 small-scale farmers in the Paddhari region of Rajkot, Gujarat, family farms growing non-GMO, pesticide-free cotton certified under India's National Programme for Organic Production. Every season, their cotton is independently tested for 186 pesticide residues and six GMO markers. Every result: not detected.

I hold those lab reports on file. If you ever want to see them, ask.

The certifications — and what they actually mean

GOTS Version 7.0: The most widely respected organic textile certification in the world, covering the entire production chain and independently audited.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Product Class I: Every finished garment is tested against 100+ harmful substances. Class I is the highest level, this is the standard required for baby products.

Fairtrade International & Fair Trade USA: Fairtrade premiums go directly to worker-led committees who direct funds toward wage bonuses, healthcare, and training. Workers earn approximately 25% above local minimum wage benchmarks.

Organic Content Standard Version 3.0 & SA8000: Independent verification that our organic content is genuine, and that the people making our clothes work in safe, fair conditions.

Where we're going next - Regenerative Organic Certified

We've already begun transitioning to Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) cotton, a standard that goes beyond organic to actively restoring soil health, ecosystems and farming communities. We'll be phasing ROC into our range progressively alongside our existing certified organic line. We are currently in the process of getting our certification finalised with the team at the Regenerative Organic Alliance. 

Why I'm telling you all of this

Because transparency is a form of respect. You're spending your money with us and you deserve to know whether the claims on our labels are real. Every certificate we hold is independently audited and available on request.

That's the STAPLE Co promise. Proven, not just promised.

Shop the range at https://stapleco.com.au, or reach out if you have questions about our supply chain. We love talking about this stuff: vanessa@stapleco.com.au