Coop Naturaline: Switzerland

Coop Naturaline is a product certification run by Coop Switzerland that applies to textiles and natural cosmetics made from organically grown cotton. To qualify, cotton must be cultivated under controlled biological conditions in accordance with either BIO Suisse or European Union organic farming guidelines. The certification covers the entire textile production chain, from raw material through to finished product, and includes additional contamination and pollution testing carried out by independent external laboratories as well as Coop's own quality and safety team.

Companies seeking Naturaline certification must meet the basic labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and hold at minimum a certification under the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), with the expectation that they will progress toward SA 8000 certification over the medium term. This means the program addresses both environmental and social compliance requirements throughout the supply chain.

The certification also includes a financial component for organic farmers: those supplying cotton receive a price premium of at least 20% above the market rate for raw cotton, and at least 10% above market rate for cotton derivatives. Naturaline is relevant to manufacturers and suppliers in the consumer goods and textile industries who produce goods intended for sale through Coop Switzerland and want to meet its organic and ethical sourcing standards.