European Flax – Linen Certification

It is a certification system for 100% plant-based flax fiber, cultivated exclusively in Western Europe (France, Belgium, and the Netherlands). The certificate is granted by the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC).
Foundation: 2012
Sector: Textile

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Objective

Flax® fiber is characterized by its quality and responsible production. It has specific features such as comfort, thermoregulation, hypoallergenic properties, and good moisture management.
Always associated with social responsibility, ethics, and respect for the environment, its production is carried out without irrigation, without waste, and without genetically modified organisms, and the fiber extraction is achieved through 100% mechanical processes.

The main objectives of this certification are:
• To invest in innovation to create new uses for flax fiber;
• To demonstrate the sustainable development of the fiber, presenting ecological finishes;
• To encourage companies to invest in the use of this fiber, valuing the know-how of companies in the flax sector.

Created by the European Flax and Hemp Alliance, the European Flax™ certification guarantees flax fiber originating from Western Europe (France, Belgium, Netherlands) and its traceability throughout the value chain. Whether you are a sculptor, processor, trader, or a brand/retailer, below you will find the requirements to obtain this certification.

Eligibility
European fiber producers are committed through the European Flax™ Charter, a set of criteria to be respected regarding origin and responsible practices. All processing hubs in Western Europe have signed the Charter and are listed on the certified companies page.

The European Flax™ certification guarantees the traceability of flax products based on the Chain of Custody principle. This principle means that each link in the value chain that owns the certified material is certified, up to the last transaction between companies.

Subcontractors, not being owners of the certified material, are declared within the certification scope of their client and are therefore verified, but do not need to be certified.