Global Organic Textile Standard: What does this really mean?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (or commonly referred to as GOTS) is a level of certification which covers several key areas across fabric production. GOTS certified textiles are:

• Organic

• Socially and responsibly made

• Environmentally friendly

• Traceable from field

• Third party certified

• Made only in factories which strictly adhere strictly to the GOTS criteria - from field to final product

• Free from harmful chemicals

Let’s explore what these really mean in the textile industry.

Organic

Organic fibers are natural fibers grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, or herbicides and GMOs according to the principles of organic agriculture. Organic agriculture is a production process that sustains the health of ecosystems, soils and people.

Socially & Responsibly Made

GOTS social criteria, based on the key norms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), must be met by all processors, manufacturers and traders.

Environmentally Friendly

In the processing of organically produced fibers, a clear separation from conventional materials is necessary to ensure the unequivocal identification of organic products. Stringent requirements are established for the use of chemical additives such as dyes and auxiliaries concerning their toxicity and biodegradability. Additionally, certain problematic additives are prohibited in this context.

Traceable From Field

Credit: GOTS

GOTS is a holistic standard, with comprehensive and strict requirements for the entire textile supply chain. This ensures full traceability from field to finished product starting with the raw material allowed and continuing through the next stages of processing; spinning, weaving and knitting, wet-processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, and trading, all the way to the final distribution of organic textile products. GOTS consists solely of mandatory criteria. For the end product to carry a GOTS label, every company that is part of the process must be certified.

Third Party Certified

On-site inspection and certification of processors, manufacturers and traders is performed by independent Third-Party GOTS accredited Certification Bodies and forms the basis of the GOTS monitoring system. It serves to provide a credible assurance for the integrity of GOTS certified textiles.

Made Only In Facilities Which Adhere To The Strict GOTS Criteria

The GOTS certification system begins with the cultivation of organic fibers and extends to cover all subsequent stages of processing, manufacturing, and trade in organic textiles. All aspects must be certified according to strict ecological and social criteria for the final product to bear the GOTS label. In this way, GOTS puts an end to "greenwashing."

Free From Chemicals
GOTS has strict criteria for the use and approval of chemicals aimed at protecting the health of workers along the supply chain, the environment, and the end consumer. To produce a final product free from harmful residue, GOTS prohibits all chemicals that don’t meet rigorous conditions, including flame retardants, PFAS and toxic dyes. Allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemical residues are also not allowed.

You can learn more about brands which are GOTS certified and where to find them on the BehindTheSeams website.