Sustainability at LIVING CRAFTS – Responsibility by Conviction Since 1985

Sustainable fashion is not a trend for us, but the origin of our story. Since 1985, LIVING CRAFTS has stood for ecological textiles, fair production, and long-lasting quality. What began as a small garage project has grown into one of Europe’s defining brands for sustainable fashion – developed in Selbitz, Upper Franconia, and worn far beyond.
As part of the dennree family, we make sustainable living accessible to everyone: with GOTS-certified clothing, transparent supply chains, and climate-compensated products. Our goal has always been clear: to create fair fashion made from high-quality natural materials that lasts and remains affordable.

Our 5 Pillars of Sustainability

At LIVING CRAFTS, sustainability is not a single promise but a holistic commitment. Our responsibility is built on five clearly defined pillars: Quality, Transparency, Ecology, Social Responsibility, and Climate. They form the foundation of everything we do – since 1985.

Quality – Durable Fashion Instead of Disposable Trends

“Made for life.”
For us, sustainability begins with quality. Our clothing should feel good, look good, and accompany you for many years. That is why we primarily use organic cotton, linen, wool, and innovative natural fibers such as TENCEL™.
Timeless cuts, durable workmanship, and functional details ensure that our products do not need to be replaced after just one season. Slow fashion instead of fast fashion means two collections per year, long-lasting materials, and designs that endure.
At LIVING CRAFTS, quality means honest, resilient, and responsibly produced fashion.

Transparency – Making Sustainable Supply Chains Visible

“We show who’s behind it.”
Transparency is the foundation of conscious purchasing decisions. That is why we make visible how our clothing is made – from fiber to finished product.
Many of our items are already traceable back to the production facilities. In our online shop, the respective manufacturer is displayed, and selected products will soon show the complete supply chain from raw material to shipping.
We work with around 20 long-standing partners, primarily in India – where much of our organic cotton is grown. Short distances between cultivation and processing help reduce transport emissions. At the same time, we collaborate with producers in Lithuania, Turkey, other European countries, and partners in Germany.
We communicate openly about where we stand – and where we continue to improve.

Ecology – GOTS-Certified Natural Fashion

“Natural down to the fiber.”
We have been continuously GOTS-certified since 2009. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the strictest certifications worldwide for ecological and socially responsible textile production.
Our products consist predominantly of organically grown natural fibers. Organic farming avoids toxic pesticides, protects soil and water resources, and improves working conditions for farmers.
In processing, we rely on environmentally friendly methods without harmful chemicals. Water and energy consumption are kept as low as possible. For us, sustainable fashion means respecting resources and preserving natural cycles.

Social Responsibility – Fair Working Conditions Along the Entire Supply Chain

“Fair. Human. Responsible.”
Sustainability is always social. We carefully select our production partners and maintain long-term, trust-based collaborations. Fair wages, safe working conditions, and regular audits in accordance with international standards are essential to us.
We also live social responsibility at our headquarters in Germany – with family-friendly working models and a culture of respect. For us, every person along the value chain matters.

Climate – Reducing and Offsetting CO₂

“Together for tomorrow.”
We approach climate protection holistically. Our carbon footprint is measured along the entire supply chain – from raw material cultivation and production to transport and shipping.
Wherever possible, we actively reduce emissions through climate-friendly materials, optimized logistics, and the avoidance of unnecessary packaging. Emissions that cannot yet be avoided are offset through international climate protection projects. Many of our products are ClimatePartner-certified.
This allows conscious consumption with a positive impact – for today and for future generations.

Sustainable Fashion with a Clear Attitude

LIVING CRAFTS combines ecological materials, fair production, transparency, and climate responsibility with timeless design.
Our mission: sustainable clothing made from organic cotton and natural fibers that is durable, fairly produced, and suitable for everyday life as well as special moments.
Sustainability from experience – since 1985.

Our Certifications & Memberships at a Glance

“Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)”

(1) GOTS Certification – Our standard for real sustainability
At LIVING CRAFTS, sustainability has always been at the centre of everything we do. That’s why we have been continuously GOTS-certified since 2009 – and thus set the highest ecological and social standards in textile production.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s leading standard for the processing of textiles from organically produced natural fibres. It guarantees a sustainable manufacturing chain – from raw material to finished product.
Our story with GOTS
LIVING CRAFTS was part of the movement for environmentally friendly and fair textiles from the very beginning: we were one of the first companies in the natural textiles sector and are a founding member of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) – one of the four organisations that jointly launched GOTS. In 2002, the “International Working Group on GOTS (IWG)” was formed with these four founding institutions:

International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN), Germany
Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA), Japan
Organic Trade Association (OTA), USA
Soil Association (SA), United Kingdom
The first official version of the GOTS standard was published in 2006. Since then, LIVING CRAFTS has stood by the strict GOTS criteria – year after year, collection after collection.

What GOTS means
The GOTS defines uniform, transparent criteria worldwide for the entire textile supply chain – from the harvesting of organic fibres to the finished product on the shelf.
Ecological Criteria

Certified fibres: at least 70% of the fibres come from organic farming, for GOTS-label products at least 95%.
Ban on harmful chemicals: PFAS, formaldehyde, chlorinated bleaches and heavy metal use are prohibited.
Sustainable packaging: no PVC; paper and cardboard come from recycled material or certified sources (FSC®, PEFC™).
Social Criteria & Human Rights
Compliance with core ILO labour standards: no use of child or forced labour, prohibition of discrimination and right to freedom of association.
Fair wages: implementation of plans to ensure a living income.
Due diligence: companies must examine their supply chains for risks according to UN and OECD guidelines.
Chemical Management & Environment
Environmentally friendly production: stringent rules for the handling of chemicals and wastewater treatment.
Protection of humans and nature: reduction of hazardous substances and introduction of comprehensive environmental management systems.
Traceability & Control
Transparent supply chain: every stage – from field to spinning mill, weaving/embroidery and textile finishing such as dyeing to the production facility – is audited by independent, accredited certification bodies.
Quality management: an effective system for continuous improvement is mandatory.

New: GOTS Version 7.0 (valid from March 2024)
The new Version 7.0 strengthens the standard further – with stricter requirements on environment, human rights and transparency:

Stricter criteria for organic starting material
Ban on additional harmful substances like quinoline
Limitation of recycled synthetic fibres (due to microplastic)
Allowance of recycled GOTS textile waste to promote circular economy
Revision of social criteria: certified facilities are now obliged to respect internationally recognised human rights protocols including the International Bill of Human Rights and other treaties
Commitment to living wages
Application of environmental and safety criteria also to subcontractors
The full implementation manual can be found here: Manual for Implementation of GOTS V7.1 (DE)

Our Promise
At LIVING CRAFTS, sustainability is not just on the label – it is in every detail. We guarantee:

100% transparency about materials and origin
Fair and safe working conditions throughout the entire supply chain
Strict ecological standards according to GOTS
Responsibility towards people, animals and the environment

Since 2009 LIVING CRAFTS has been continuously GOTS-certified – and has been a pioneer in the natural textiles industry since 1985. Our goal remains clear: to create fashion that looks good, feels good and does good. Discover our GOTS-certified collections – sustainable, fair and naturally beautiful.
Our GOTS Scope Certificate
Our GOTS Scope Certificate GRS & RWS
The GOTS standard: https://global-standard.org/de/der-standard
Certification: https://global-standard.org/de/zertifizierung-und-labelling

“RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) Certified”

(2) RWS & GRS: Our responsibility continues to grow
Since July 2025, we have further extended our responsibility and added the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certifications.
This ensures that our wool products are also produced with animal welfare in mind and our recycled materials are transparent and environmentally friendly. Learn more:

“WE ARE CLIMATEPARTNER CERTIFIED”

(3) ClimatePartner – Our contribution to real climate protection
Sustainability is not a trend for us but an attitude. That is why we are ClimatePartner-certified and take responsibility for our CO₂ footprint. With the support of ClimatePartner, a globally recognised company for climate protection solutions, we regularly record our emissions, actively reduce them and offset unavoidable emissions through certified climate protection projects.
Each measure is transparently traceable via our individual Climate-ID: Our products & Our company
This way you can see exactly:
• Where we act.
• How we reduce emissions.
• Which projects we support.
Why this is important
When you shop with us, you are not only supporting fair and sustainable production—you are actively contributing to real climate protection.
Because:
• Our products are climate neutral—through reduction and compensation.
• We take responsibility for the entire supply chain, from raw materials to shipping.
• Transparency instead of greenwashing: Each Climate ID shows you exactly where our climate contributions go.
With your purchase, you are not only choosing high-quality textiles, but also a consciously sustainable future.
What is behind ClimatePartner certification?
ClimatePartner supports companies worldwide in achieving their climate goals:
•    CO₂ accounting: Recording all emissions along the entire value chain.
•    Reduction: Developing concrete measures, e.g., through renewable energies or energy-saving processes.
•    Compensation: Support for projects certified according to international standards such as Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
•    Transparency: Each certification can be tracked online via its own Climate ID.
Climate targets in Germany
Germany has made a legal commitment to become climate neutral by 2045.
The most important milestones:
•    –65% CO₂ reduction by 2030
•    –88% by 2040
•    Net zero by 2045
With our commitment, we are doing our part to achieve these goals – step by step, collection by collection.
Our promise
We stand for:
•      Durable, high-quality textiles
•      Fair and environmentally conscious production
•      Transparent climate protection measures with ClimatePartner
•      Our current projects:

LIVING CRAFTS has been certified as a “ClimatePartner Certified Company” by ClimatePartner since 2020.
This certification confirms our ongoing commitment to climate protection, transparency, and responsibility—from production to delivery.
Every purchase you make from us is a statement for sustainable consumption—and for a future in which fashion and responsibility go hand in hand. Discover our climate-neutral collections and experience sustainable fashion with a clear conscience.

“WE ARE A MEMBER OF FAIR BAND”

(4) New since July 2025: Member of FAIR BAND
We are proud to be part of FAIR BAND – because fairness is more than just a word. As a sustainable fashion company, we care not only about the environment, but above all about the people behind our products.
In the FAIR BAND – Bundesverband für fairen Import und Vertrieb e.V. (Federal Association for Fair Import and Distribution) – we actively work to continually question our trading practices and make them even fairer. Regular monitoring according to the ten WFTO principles helps us to live genuine transparency and grow continuously.
Together, we are committed to fashion that builds trust, does good, and is changing the industry step by step.
Sustainability Report 2024
Countries of origin