1. Understanding GOTS

The Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS, is the world's leading certification for organic textiles, ensuring environmental and social responsibility throughout the entire textile production chain. GOTS certification is recognized globally, and consumers trust products bearing the GOTS label for their authenticity, quality, and adherence to sustainable practices. In this blog, we’ll explore what GOTS is, its certification process, its benefits, and its impact on the textile industry.

GOTS was developed in 2006 by international standards organizations to unify organic textile standards under a single, globally recognized certification. The GOTS label on a textile product guarantees that the production process—from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and packaging—meets strict environmental and social criteria. Independent third-party certifiers oversee this certification to ensure objectivity and transparency.

• Promote sustainable textile production.
• Minimize environmental impact.
• Ensure social responsibility throughout the supply chain.

GOTS certification is available for a range of products, including clothing, fabrics, bedding, and even personal care products. Products can be certified at either the “organic” or “made with organic” level, each with specific requirements.

2. The Two Levels of GOTS Certification

GOTS certification is structured into two levels based on the percentage of organic fibers used:

• GOTS Organic: This label applies to textiles with at least 95% certified organic fibers.
• GOTS Made with Organic Materials: This label is for products containing at least 70% certified organic fibers.

The certification requires strict adherence to guidelines at both levels, including the use of eco-friendly dyes, responsible chemical usage, and wastewater treatment.

3. Certification Process

The certification process is detailed and involves multiple steps. Manufacturers and suppliers who wish to obtain GOTS certification must undergo rigorous inspections and meet several criteria across various stages of production:

• Initial Application: Companies must apply to a GOTS-accredited certification body, outlining their compliance with GOTS standards.
• Inspection and Auditing: Certification bodies conduct a thorough audit of each facility, evaluating everything from the raw materials used to working conditions.
• Product Testing: Samples are analyzed to ensure they meet the organic composition and chemical usage standards.
• Labeling and Traceability: GOTS requires labeling to maintain transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Annual Renewal: Companies must renew their GOTS certification annually, which involves a follow-up inspection to confirm continued compliance.

4. Environmental Criteria of GOTS

GOTS is known for its rigorous environmental standards, which address the following aspects:

• Fiber Sourcing: Certified products must contain a minimum percentage of organic fibers, as outlined by the two levels of GOTS certification. Cotton, wool, and other fibers must be cultivated organically without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
• Chemical Restrictions: The use of toxic chemicals is restricted, and substances like heavy metals, formaldehyde, and azo dyes are banned. This helps reduce water pollution, improve soil health, and protect workers’ health.
• Wastewater Treatment: Textile production generates significant wastewater, often containing pollutants. GOTS requires facilities to implement effective wastewater treatment protocols, reducing the release of contaminants into the environment.
• Biodegradability: GOTS mandates that all inputs (such as dyes, auxiliaries, and other chemicals) should be biodegradable and eco-friendly, ensuring that the textile remains safe for disposal.

5. Social Criteria of GOTS

Alongside environmental standards, GOTS places a strong emphasis on social responsibility:

• Safe Working Conditions: GOTS-certified facilities must ensure a safe working environment with regulated working hours and fair wages.
• No Forced or Child Labor: The GOTS standard strictly prohibits child labor and forced labor in any part of the supply chain.
• Fair Wages and Benefits: Certified facilities are required to pay workers fairly and provide benefits as per local regulations. This contributes to improved livelihoods for workers in textile-producing regions.
• Right to Unionize: Workers must have the freedom to form or join unions, and discrimination against union members is not allowed.

6. Benefits of GOTS Certification

The GOTS label is trusted globally, bringing a range of benefits for both consumers and businesses.

For Consumers:

• Assurance of Quality: The GOTS label guarantees that the product is made using high-quality organic materials, free from harmful chemicals, and produced under ethical conditions.
• Transparency: The GOTS certification provides a high level of transparency, allowing consumers to trace the origin of the materials.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Choosing GOTS-certified textiles supports sustainable practices and reduces environmental pollution.

For Businesses:

• Competitive Advantage: GOTS certification enhances brand reputation and appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
• Access to Global Markets: Many retailers prefer or exclusively sell GOTS-certified products, providing greater access to global markets.
• Legal Compliance: Compliance with GOTS standards helps companies meet increasingly stringent regulations in various countries regarding sustainability and social responsibility.

7. GOTS and the Sustainable Fashion Movement

With the fashion industry under scrutiny for its environmental impact, GOTS certification has emerged as a critical tool in driving sustainability. The demand for organic cotton and sustainable textile practices has been fueled by growing awareness of environmental issues such as water scarcity, pesticide pollution, and carbon emissions.

Reducing the Fashion Industry’s Carbon Footprint:

GOTS-certified products help mitigate the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. By promoting organic farming, GOTS reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, organic cotton cultivation requires less water than conventional cotton, further conserving natural resources.

Influence on Other Certifications and Standards:

The success of GOTS has influenced other certifications to adopt similar environmental and social criteria. For example, the Textile Exchange and OEKO-TEX standards have integrated sustainable practices inspired by GOTS.