Quality
For textiles and leather goods, quality is in the eye of the beholder. There are those who value fashion and those that value health aspects, comfort or a sustainable production whereas even others value products on their longevity.
Quality as a definition of value
Those who know IVN know that for us, “good” textiles and leather goods are those that have been produced fairly, in an environmentally friendly manner and that are conducive to health. But the guidelines for the IVN quality seals specify technical parameters for certified products as well. Especially clothing should have a long life. Customers that buy IVN certified products should be satisfied with their purchase.
Who hasn’t experienced a load of laundry that is discoloured or stained…what a shock when the machine is opened. A red sock winds up in a load of whites and all the office shirts have a pink tinge because the sock is not sufficiently colour fast. Jeans that have shrunk or toddlers with colourful tongues because they have sucked on their shoes or their comfort blanket – not altogether rare. It should be possible to forget a sweater in the car without worrying that it bleaches out or that white lines under the sleeves mark where the dye has been dissolved by sweat – not happy experiences.
Colour fastness to rubbing, to sweat, to light, shrinkage, colour fastness to saliva and colour fastness to washing are all verified for IVN certified textiles. Leather goods must in addition meet standards of tensile strength and water permeability.