Why Our Certifications Matter—and What They Mean for You
At The Sox Factory, we don’t just make socks—we build products with purpose. Whether we’re producing for our own brand, Sox Footwear, or manufacturing on behalf of other brands, companies, or sports teams, we hold ourselves to the same high standards of quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
That’s why our materials and manufacturing processes are backed by some of the world’s most respected certifications. These aren’t just industry requirements—they’re proof of our commitment to ethical production, product safety, and a greener future.
We proudly manufacture in South Africa, using raw materials imported from highly certified global suppliers. Here’s what our certifications mean, and why they matter to the people who wear our socks—and the brands that trust us to make them.
Our Yarn: For Socks Engineered for Performance and Responsibility
At The Sox Factory, we’ve developed a unique sock composition that delivers outstanding comfort, fit, and durability. By carefully balancing elastic, spandex, and yarn ratios, we’ve created a product that performs exceptionally well across a range of uses—from everyday wear to athletic performance.
But beyond performance, our material choices reflect our commitment to sustainability and safety. The yarns we use are sourced from certified, ethical suppliers who share our values.
OEKO-TEX® Certification
All the yarns we use at The Sox Factory are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning they’re tested for harmful substances and declared safe for direct contact with human skin. From adults to children, wearers can trust that our socks meet strict international safety standards.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
We are also proud to use yarns that meet the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This certification confirms that the recycled content in our products is genuine, traceable, and produced under ethical and environmentally conscious conditions.
GRS certification looks beyond materials—it also evaluates social responsibility, chemical use, and environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain. By choosing GRS-certified yarns, we help reduce industrial waste, conserve natural resources, and support a circular economy. For you, that means your socks are made with integrity—from start to finish.
USB Certification
Some of the products we manufacture include USB-enabled components, often for packaging or tech-integrated features. These components are USB-certified, meaning they meet strict international standards for safety, quality, and device compatibility. As with everything we produce, these features are tested and reliable, built to meet modern performance needs.
The Sox Factory is certified by OEKO-TEX, Global Recycling Standard, USC and the factory runs according to the ISO 9001 standards
Our Factory: Committed to Global Quality Standards
Our production facility is certified under ISO 9001, the international benchmark for quality management systems. This means that whether we’re producing a new design for Sox Footwear or fulfilling an order for a partner brand, the same standards apply—every time.
ISO 9001 certification ensures that we manage production through well-documented, repeatable systems. We minimise waste, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent product quality across the board. It also means our team operates in a safe, well-organised environment that supports ongoing training and innovation.
Environmental Practices: Built Into Every Step
Manufacturing in South Africa gives us access to one of the country’s most powerful natural resources—sunshine. Our factory is currently powered by 75% solar energy, with a goal to be 100% off-grid by 2026. This major step toward energy independence helps reduce our carbon footprint and demonstrates our commitment to clean energy.
We’ve also created a community recycling point outside our factory. It’s where we responsibly dispose of all recyclable production waste—and it’s open to local households and businesses who want to contribute their own recyclables. This simple initiative reflects our belief in shared responsibility and local impact.
Why These Certifications Matter
Our certifications—including OEKO-TEX®, GRS, USB, and ISO 9001—are not just technical achievements. They are a reflection of who we are as a company. They represent our values: transparency, quality, and sustainability. And they’re built into everything we do—from yarn selection to the final stitch.
Whether you’re wearing a pair of socks from Sox Footwear, collaborating with us on a new collection, or stocking your team with high-performance gear, you can be confident that the products we manufacture are safe, sustainable, and made with care.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re looking for a manufacturing partner who takes quality and responsibility seriously, The Sox Factory is ready to deliver. We support our own brand and those of our partners with the same passion and precision—so you can offer products that truly stand out.
Get in touch with us to learn how our certified processes can help bring your next idea to life.