STANDARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

The Certifications That Make MADE FREE Different

At MADE FREE, every detail matters—from the people who craft your bags to the standards we stand by. If you're on the hunt for brands that don’t just talk about ethics but truly live them, you're in good company. Here’s what our certifications say, in real, un-beige terms:

World Fair Trade Icon

1. World Fair Trade Certified: Jobs That Set You Free

We don’t just meet standards—we exceed them. All MADE FREE factories meet or exceed World Fair Trade Organization standards. That means:

  • Makers earn livable wages, often above market rate

  • Workplaces are safe and dignified

  • Communities benefit from development programs, reducing exploitation and freeing people from cycles of poverty and trafficking.

  • Why it matters: When you choose MADE FREE, you’re choosing freedom—for real people living real lives. It’s not charity; it’s empowerment through dignified, fair work.

Global Organic Textile Standard Icon

2. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ethical from Seed to Stitch

"Sustainable" can be wishy-washy. Not here.

Our GOTS certification guarantees:

  • 100% organic fibers, verified from farm to final textile

  • Fabric constructed using only safe, respectful chemicals

  • Producer conditions that respect both people and the planet.

Why you should care: These aren’t just clothes—they’re aligned with your values: safer, cleaner, and made with integrity.

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3. Hand Made by Free Women: Jobs That Change Lives

With over 70% of those in modern slavery being female, MADE FREE champions the empowerment of women at its root level.

We don't just empower women—we free them. Through fair jobs and dignified compensation, these makers build stability and reclaim their future. 

Why it matters: This isn’t empowerment for optics—it’s purposeful employment that changes entire communities.

Biodegradable Veg-Tanned Leather Icon

4. Biodegradable Veg-Tanned Leather: Beauty That Leaves No Mark

We’re proud to redefine luxury without compromise.

Our leather is:

  • Vegetable-tanned, without use the hazardous chemicals.
  • Biodegradable in the right conditions
  • A waste product from the meat industry that would otherwise be discarded.
  • Ethically handcrafted, durable, and planet-conscious.

Why you’ll love it: Classic style, crafted responsibly. Durable while you have it. Easy on the earth later.

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5. Recycled Materials: Plastic Bottles Never Looked This Good

We take plastic pollution personally—especially when ocean-bound bottles become gorgeous goods.

That’s why our bags often feature:

  • Fabrics made from recycled PET

  • Manufacturing that uses less energy than virgin polyester

  • Strength and design built to last.

Why it matters: These bags aren’t just for you—they give plastic a better next life.

Why MADE FREE Is Different—and Why It Matters to You

At MADE FREE, sustainable materials and certifications are just part of the story.

  • Every purchase contributes to freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through fair, sustainable jobs. 

  • We’re building 1 million self-sustaining job opportunities, one bag at a time. 

  • We promise craftsmanship, durability, and a lifetime guarantee that promotes longevity—and less waste. 

Looking for Certified Brands That Deliver?

Turn attention into action.
If you’re vetting brands or searching for sustainable picks, ask yourself:

  • Do they pay fair wages?

  • Are their materials certified and transparent?

  • Do they reinvest in people, not shareholders?

At MADE FREE, every standard is part of a bigger purpose—freedom, dignity, and ethical impact.