RESPONSIBLE FLAX & LINEN STANDARDS
Responsible Flax & Linen Standards
Independent certification for responsible flax production, linen processing and traceable supply chains.
RFS and RLS bring crop-specific requirements for flax and linen into the Responsible Bast Standard framework — from field to finished product.
THE STANDARDS
One Crop. Two Standards. One Verified Supply Chain.
The Responsible Flax Standard (RFS) addresses flax production and fiber processing.
The Responsible Linen Standard (RLS) extends that framework through linen supply chains, helping maintain traceability as flax fiber becomes yarn, fabric and finished goods.
Together, RFS and RLS provide crop-specific requirements within the broader Responsible Bast Standard.
RFS — Responsible Flax Standard
For flax supply chains, from cultivation through primary fiber processing.
RLS — Responsible Linen Standard
For linen supply chains, covering the textile material derived from flax fiber through downstream processing and trade.
WHY RFS & RLS
Build Responsible Linen Supply Chains From the Field Up.
Flax and linen have a long history in global textiles. As demand grows for lower-impact natural fibers, responsible practices and credible traceability need to be built into the supply chain — not added after the fact.
RFS and RLS provide a consistent framework for growers, processors, mills, traders, manufacturers and brands to implement responsible practices, maintain traceability and support credible sourcing claims.
Responsible agricultural practices
Defined processing requirements
Chain-of-custody controls
Clear claims rules for certified material
What RFS & RLS Cover
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Flax Farming
Requirements for responsible cultivation, soil and nutrient management, pesticide use, worker protections and field practices.
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Retting & Primary Processing
Requirements for retting, scutching, decortication and other primary fiber-processing activities.
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Textile Processing
Requirements for spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and finishing where applicable to certified linen supply chains.
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Traceability & Claims
Chain-of-custody requirements that help maintain certified material identity and support accurate product claims.
HOW CERTIFIED MATERIAL MOVES
From Flax Field to Finished Linen.
Certified flax and linen move through multiple organizations and processing stages. RFS and RLS pair production and processing requirements with chain-of-custody controls so certified material can be followed through each stage.
01 — Farm. Flax is cultivated and harvested according to applicable agricultural requirements.
02 — Retting & Fiber Preparation. Stems are retted and prepared for fiber extraction.
03 — Primary Processing. Scutching, decortication and related processing separate and prepare flax fiber.
04 — Yarn & Fabric. Certified fiber moves into spinning, weaving, knitting and textile processing.
05 — Finished Product. Certified linen can move into apparel, home textiles and other finished goods under applicable chain-of-custody requirements.
Certification covers only the organizations and scope named on each certificate. Transaction certificates document certified material as it moves between certified organizations.
BUILT FOR FLAX & LINEN
Designed for the Flax & Linen Supply Chain
RFS and RLS are designed around the actual structure of flax and linen production, with requirements that reflect crop-specific agricultural and processing practices.
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Requirements addressing responsible flax cultivation, soil and nutrient management, crop protection and field practices.
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Requirements addressing retting and preparation of flax stems prior to primary fiber processing.
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Requirements for scutching, decortication and other processing used to separate and prepare flax fiber.
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Requirements addressing applicable textile processing activities and chemical controls within certified linen supply chains.
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Controls that help maintain certified material identity as flax and linen move between certified organizations.
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Defined requirements for product claims, labeling and use of certification marks.
INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION
Standards You Can Verify.
INCCert develops and administers RFS and RLS as part of the Responsible Bast Standard framework.
Independent audits and certification are conducted by Control Union, INCCert’s certification partner.
Separating standard-setting from certification helps support integrity, consistency and credibility across certified supply chains.
Who Can Participate
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Growers
Flax producers seeking to demonstrate responsible agricultural practices.
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Primary Processors
Retting, scutching, decortication and fiber-processing operations.
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Mills & Textile Manufacturers
Spinners, weavers, knitters, dyers, finishers and related textile processors.
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Traders & Brands
Organizations sourcing, trading or making claims about certified flax and linen.
Claims Backed by Evidence.
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Defined Practices
Published requirements for agricultural, processing and supply-chain activities.
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Documented Traceability
Chain-of-custody controls and transaction certificates record certified material as it changes hands.
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Clear Claims Rules
Certified organizations follow defined rules for product labeling, logo use and certified claims.
Build a More Transparent Flax & Linen Supply Chain.
Whether you grow flax, process fiber, manufacture textiles or source linen, RFS and RLS provide a clear pathway to responsible production and traceable sourcing.