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The Guide to OSC Certification

Learn what an OCS certification is and why it matters when choosing furniture for your home or office. 

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Studio Marlowe

Written by:

Christi Farrell, RA, Leed GA

Updated:

November 8, 2022

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Choosing furniture for your home or office can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to consider design and aesthetics, but you also need to make sure that the pieces you choose are safe and of high quality. That’s where OCS (Organic Content Standard) certification comes in. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what an OCS certification is and why it matters when choosing furniture for your home or office. 

What is OCS Certification? 

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a voluntary international standard that requires third-party certification of certified organic input and chain of custody to promote organic agriculture.

When a product has OCS certification, it means that the cotton used in its manufacturing was grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring that harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or heavy metals were not used.

Additionally, OCS certified products enforce strict labor standards and fair wages for workers in the supply chain, promoting social responsibility. This helps to ensure that furniture is free from substances that can cause health problems, such as allergic reactions or respiratory illnesses.

OCS certification also guarantees that the manufacturing process meets certain environmental standards, such as requirements for water use, waste management, and energy efficiency. Therefore, OCS certified furniture is safe for use and produced in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability in the textile industry, developed the OCS in response to the growing demand for organic cotton products and the need for a reliable standard for certifying organic cotton.

The Textile Exchange designed the OCS to be flexible and adaptable to different supply chains and production systems while maintaining a consistent level of integrity and transparency. It was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including organic farmers, textile manufacturers, retailers, and consumer groups.

Since its introduction in 2013, the OCS has been revised to its current version, OCS 2.0. The Textile Exchange has provided a valuable tool for consumers, manufacturers, and retailers to support more sustainable and responsible practices in the textile industry by developing the OCS.

Why OCS-Certified Furniture is Worth Your Attention

Opting for furniture with an OCS certification has numerous benefits, the foremost being the peace of mind it provides. Such furniture is made using materials free from potentially harmful substances, which ensures that you and your loved ones are not exposed to any health risks from the furniture.

Moreover, OCS certification confirms that the piece of furniture was produced sustainably with minimal negative impact on the environment. This helps you make an informed decision about the environmental impact of your purchase and aligns with your values of responsible consumption.

Besides, having a third party certify a piece of furniture is an indicator of its quality. The certification provides assurance to buyers that their investment is well-spent on a durable and reliable piece of furniture.

When it comes to furnishing your home or office, there is more to consider than just style and function. Safety is equally important, and an OCS certification assures you that your furniture meets the necessary safety standards.

In summary, OCS certification provides peace of mind, ensures sustainable production, guarantees quality, and prioritizes safety. Investing in OCS-certified furniture is a responsible and wise decision that benefits both you and the environment.

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Contributor / Co-Founder
Christi Farrell
Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.
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