Glossary

Carcinogens are substances whereby a causal relationship has been established in the scientific literature between exposure to the agent and human cancer.

A determination made by a certifying agency that a product or manufacturing/handling process is in compliance with a particular standard or legislation. These regulations are documented by a certificate of operation.

A Certifying agent is any entity accredited by a governing body (such as IFOAM/ISO 65) for the purpose of certifying a product a product or production process as a certified operation or product.

The physical contact between unpackaged organically produced and non-organically produced textile fibres during production, transportation, handling or storage as determined by a certifying agent.

A compostable material is one that is capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the material is not visually distinguishable and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds.

The conversion period is the time between the start of organic management and the certification of crops and/or animal husbandry as organic. Note: these conversion periods differ between NOP and the EU 2092/91 and JAS legislation.

CSR is an acronym for corporate and social responsibility which details the recognition and implementation of environmental and social strategy within companies. Sometimes manifests as a budget to support those working with sympathetic issues, such as social enterprises or environmental groups and projects.