What Is European Flax?
European Flax is a certification for linen made from flax grown in Western Europe: France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Since January 2025 it's called Masters of FLAX FIBRE. It traces the flax's European origin from the fiber to the finished product, and covers products that are at least 50% linen.
What European Flax checks
- European origin of the flax, grown in France, Belgium and the Netherlands
- GMO-free flax seed
- No irrigation, except for specific, justified needs
- Field retting with water retting banned, and fully mechanical scutching with no water or solvents
- Traceability through every certified company in the chain, with yearly independent audits
What European Flax doesn’t cover
- Dyeing and finishing chemistry
- Where the fabric was made. Spinning, weaving and sewing can happen outside Europe. The separate Masters of LINEN mark covers European processing.
- Working conditions
- Products that are less than 50% linen
How to check a European Flax certificate
The Alliance publishes a directory of every company certified under European Flax (Masters of FLAX FIBRE) and Masters of LINEN.
- Search the company. Look up the brand or its supplier in the certified companies directory.
- Check the dates. Each entry shows a certificate number, validity period and scope. Make sure the certificate is current and covers garments or the step you care about.
European Flax questions
Is European Flax the same as Masters of FLAX FIBRE?
Yes. The certification was called European Flax from 2012 and became Masters of FLAX FIBRE in January 2025. The older "European Flax certified" claim may be accepted until December 31, 2026.
Is European Flax linen organic?
Not necessarily. The flax is grown under integrated crop management, which allows fertilizer based on soil analyses and encourages biocontrol. Organic linen needs a separate organic certification.
What's the difference between European Flax and Masters of LINEN?
European Flax, now Masters of FLAX FIBRE, certifies where the flax was grown and traces it through the chain. Masters of LINEN adds a guarantee that every cultivation and processing step, through spinning and weaving, was done by European companies.