IVN - who we are
The International Association of Natural Textiles (IVN e.V.)
Preserving our environment with its people, its animals and its plants is not merely a passing fashion. For IVN members, sustainability, respect and responsibility for our environment is a basic principle of life. Our common goal is to apply this principle to all stages of production and commerce and to communicate this to as many people as possible.
IVN awards two quality seals for ecologically produced products: NATURTEXTIL and NATURLEDER. For both seals, the association has defined parameters that have become a standard in the industry. In addition, the association is co-owner of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a standard recognized worldwide for the production of sustainable textiles on an industrial scale.
We are pioneers in the field and trend-setters as concerns natural textiles and natural leather for the press, the public, politics and the trade. As an business association, we represent and support individual protagonists from the areas of craft/trade, industry, commerce and service.
The association currently counts just under 100 members in the areas of craft/trade, industry and commerce. Our list of members includes suppliers, producers along the production chain, manufacturers and brands as well as retailers and service providers across the entire textile chain. As a result, we represent a comprehensive network of „green“ industry competence.
Values
As an association of pioneers, values such as tradition and responsibility are very important to us. Preserving nature and the environment, an abiding interest in the people that work for us and a responsibility towards the people who buy our products are central ethics.
Goals and Mission
IVN’s main goal is to create an awareness for ecology, social accountability, health issues and quality. To support businesses operating in sustainable manufacturing of textiles and leather goods is its primary mission.
What IVN offers
Whether it is consultation or networking, whether to organize a concerted effort or work towards the larger goal, the IVN team is a business association ready to work for you.
History
Since the discovery of synthetic fibres and the onset of mass production, there has always been opposition to sustainable development. 1989 marked the beginning of the first association of German manufacturers of natural textiles.
The Team
The IVN Team comprises several committees and the business office. The executive board, the guidelines committee, the supervisory committee and various committees work together on a non-fee basis to further the goals of the association.