Organic Textile Week // 13-19 May

Organic cotton in Tanzania. Credit: GOTS

Organic Textile Week UK celebrates and promotes organic textile certifications and certified organic textile products to empower consumers and industry professionals to make informed decisions. Taking place between 13th - 19th May, Organic Textiles Week is an awareness campaign which has been brought together by the UK ORGANIC with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), their partners and members, including certifying bodies, industry experts, manufacturers, and retailers. Together, we can stop greenwashing!

The main goals of Organic Textile Week are to communicate the importance of obtaining credible certification for organic textile products (GOTS), and to inform industry professionals and consumers on the benefits of organic textile production for people and nature.

Credit: GOTS

This year’s theme is “Time to Find Better”, which aims to build a community of like-minded individuals, business professionals and consumers to increase awareness of organic textiles in the UK. Certified organic textiles can help make a positive impact on the environment, workers, animals and our personal wellbeing.

Organic Textile Week was launched by UK Organic in partnership with the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and the Soil Association Certification, and includes brands from children and adult clothing, personal care and home textiles including My Little Green Wardrobe, Bamford, de le Cuona, Greenfibres, Organyc and Natracare.

What are Organic Textiles?

Organic textiles are made from natural organic plant or animal fibres, such as cotton, linen, wool and are certified to organic standards. These fibres are grown, processed, and manufactured into various textile products following strict rules concerning nature, people, animals and business practices.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) regulations include limited usage of fertilisers and potentially toxic pesticides, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, soil and water health. Workers’ rights and health are protected, and animal welfare standards are much higher at certified organic farms and facilities, with auditors inspecting premises on an annual basis. Overall, organic textiles are made in a way that is kinder and more considerate to nature and people. Organic textile products include clothing (adult and children), home textiles (towels, bed linen, upholstery, curtains, etc.), and personal care (wipes, baby care, period products, etc.).

Looking to get involved? Head to the Organic Textile Week website and learn more about the importance of the Global Organic Standard (GOTS) certification.