THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION

Introduction

Third-party certification provides independent, credible verification that a particular product has passed a series of rigorous examinations to specific environmental and/or social standards, examinations provided by an unbiased third-party. For more information concerning third-party certification in general, please visit the FAQ's section).

In order for a third-party certification system to be in place for chain of custody practices, there must first be standards. In the apparel and fabrics industries, several internationally known groups have set comprehensive process-based environmental and social standards that address disparate aspects of this industry's chain of custody.

The LEAF Labeling program will work directly with the participating Standards Organizations to operate a comprehensive third-party certification affiliate program and collaborative labeling system for the US marketplace. The affiliate third-party certification programs will be announced this spring 2009.