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SFA – Sustainable Fibre Alliance

The Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) establishes a global standard for cashmere and other animal fibres, ensuring responsible production practices. This sustainable fashion certification addresses environmental impact, animal welfare, and social responsibility for businesses in the textile supply chain. Control Union offers certification services to support organisations in meeting the SFA standard and demonstrating their commitment to quality and sustainability.

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    What is SFA?

    The SFA standard was developed in response to growing consumer and regulatory pressure for transparency in the textile industry’s sustainability efforts. It provides a holistic framework for producing high-quality animal fibres, connecting herders with the global fashion industry. SFA certification enables organisations to make credible claims about their products, providing market assurance and ensuring supply chain integrity. The framework includes a global chain of custody certification to trace certified fibres from herder to retailer, ensuring product quality and responsible sourcing.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner

    Bringing trust and values to the supply chain

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Benefits of being SFA certified

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    1.

    Effective management

    Promotes responsible operational practices for sustainable fibre production and long-term viability.

    2.

    Decent work

    Safeguards the livelihoods of herders and ensures fair working conditions throughout the supply chain.

    3.

    Biodiversity and land use

    Minimises environmental impact by promoting responsible grazing and preserving fragile ecosystems.

    4.

    Animal welfare certification

    Upholds high animal welfare standards, ensuring ethical treatment and care for all animals.

    5.

    Fibre quality improvement

    Links sustainable practices directly to the quality of the final fibre, enhancing product value.

    The Future of Textiles is Circular

    Essential information for every professional in the textile chain. Read all about the new regulations, targets, and market opportunities for 2025-2030.

    Download the ‘Policy Programme for circular textile 2025-2030′
    Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard
    Control Union – Sustainable materials
    With our strong Dutch team and a worldwide network, we help brands and traders to move effectively and with impact in the sustainability of textiles — independent, expert, and ready for the EU regulations of tomorrow.”
    Lonneke de Kort – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Sustainable materials

    Request SFA or discuss without obligation?

    We are ready to assist you. Contact us using the form below or call us at +31 38 42 60 103

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    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Read more about our customised solutions
    Control Union - supply chain