SUSTAINABILITY AT IU - OUR APPROACH AND VALUES
For us, sustainability is not just a trend – it is a conscious and responsible decision.
We are committed to using durable materials, ensuring fair production conditions, and implementing resource-efficient manufacturing processes. Every purchase is a step towards a sustainable future that we shape together.
Sustainability Matters – Even in Our Merchandise!
We place great importance on acting sustainably and actively contributing to environmental protection together with you.
We strive to operate as climate-friendly as possible. Measurements of our ecological footprint show that, due to our predominantly digital educational programs, we produce significantly less CO₂ per student than many traditional educational institutions. Each year, we support officially certified global climate protection projects that make a positive impact on the environment and improve living conditions for people in developing countries.
Our efforts are also recognized by independent organizations, such as TÜV and ClimatePartner. We are particularly proud of our B Corp certification – a certification that signifies high standards in social and environmental responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Learn more at bcorp.com
With our Tree Script Initiative, you can personally contribute to environmental protection: by choosing not to print course materials, you save resources and help plant trees. So far, more than 330,000 course materials have been used digitally, resulting in over 39,000 trees being planted.
You can find more information about our sustainability projects HERE.
For us, sustainability is a responsibility we share with all our students. Every decision counts – including your choice of IU merchandise.
Our approach to sustainable merchandise production
Durable Materials
Our products are made from high-quality fabrics that retain their shape and quality even after many washes.
Durable materials conserve resources
because they need to be replaced less frequently.
Recycled & Organic Fabrics
We use sustainable raw materials such as organic cotton
and recycled rPET from old plastic bottles.
These materials have a lower environmental impact
while still providing a high level of comfort.
Fair Working Conditions
Our partners operate under fair,
certified conditions and provide equitable
wages. In doing so, we promote social
responsibility throughout the entire supply chain.
Quality Comes with a Cost
Sustainable products come at a higher price – and for good reason. They are made from certified materials produced in an environmentally responsible manner and meet strict ecological standards. Fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains also contribute to the cost. We consciously avoid low-cost mass production in favor of respect, responsibility, and durability.
When you choose to buy sustainably, you are investing in quality rather than quantity.
With your purchase, you support not just a product, but a fair and environmentally responsible supply chain.
What our certifications stand for
Our products carry various sustainability certifications. Here, you can learn what each of them represents.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Certification
Guarantees that textiles are made from organically produced natural fibers and that both strict ecological criteria and high social standards are met throughout the entire supply chain.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Indicates that the product has been tested for over 300 harmful substances and is safe for human health.
Fairtrade (e.g., Fairtrade Cotton)
Ensures fair prices and working conditions for cotton producers and promotes sustainable development in the cultivation regions.
Fair Wear Foundation
Requires manufacturing companies to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and the strengthening of workers’ rights within the textile industry.
100% Organic Cotton – Certification / Badge
Denotes cotton from certified organic cultivation, free from synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and grown using resource-efficient farming methods.
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Recycled Polyester (rPET) – Badge
Made from recycled plastic bottles, it reduces the use of virgin materials and saves water and energy compared to conventional polyester.
Vegan - badge
Indicates products that have been manufactured without animal materials or ingredients and are therefore cruelty-free.
Made in Europe / Made in Germany
Indicates regional production with short transportation routes, high environmental and social standards, and transparent quality assurance. “Made in Germany” additionally signifies particularly strict quality standards and a tradition-conscious manufacturing approach.
Carbon Neutral – Badge
Indicates that the CO₂ emissions generated during production have been offset through avoidance, reduction, and certified compensation projects.
Durable / Reusable – Badge
Products are sturdy and long-lasting, thereby reducing the consumption of single-use items and the waste they generate.
Bio-Based Materials
Includes innovative raw materials derived from renewable sources such as bamboo fibers, PLA bioplastics, or cotton. They provide an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics and help conserve fossil resources.
Shaping a sustainable future together
Every purchase has an impact, and your choice matters. Choose consciously products that are fairly produced and manufactured with resource efficiency in mind. Together, we shape a future in which sustainability is the norm.