Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

September 10, 2024

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The Gold Standard for Sustainable Fashion

Are you passionate about sustainable fashion? Then you need to know about GOTS. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is revolutionising the textile industry. It's setting the bar high for environmental and social responsibility.

"The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) logo used in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. This blog is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified by GOTS. The use of the GOTS logo does not imply any product certification or labeling. For official information about GOTS certification and labeling, please visit the official GOTS website at www.global-standard.org."

What is GOTS?

GOTS is the world's leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. It covers both ecological and social criteria.

From harvesting raw materials to labelling, GOTS ensures sustainability at every step.

Why GOTS Matters In today's fast-fashion world, GOTS is a beacon of hope.

It guarantees that your clothes are truly organic and ethically made. Here's why it's crucial:

1. Environmental Protection: GOTS prohibits harmful chemicals and promotes water conservation.

2. Worker Welfare: Fair wages and safe working conditions are mandatory.

3. Quality Assurance: GOTS-certified products meet high-quality standards.

4. Transparency: The entire supply chain is traceable.

The GOTS Certification Process

Getting GOTS certified isn't easy.

It's a rigorous process that ensures only the best make the cut.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Companies start by evaluating their practices against GOTS criteria.

This helps identify areas for improvement.

Step 2: Choosing a Certification Body

Next, they select a GOTS-approved certification body.

These independent organisations conduct audits and issue certificates.

Step 3: On-Site Inspection

Auditors visit facilities to check compliance.

They examine everything from raw materials to working conditions.

Step 4: Corrective Actions

If any issues are found, companies must address them.

Only then can they proceed.

Step 5: Certification

Once all criteria are met, the company receives GOTS certification.

This is valid for one year.

Step 6: Annual Renewal

To maintain certification, companies undergo annual inspections.

This ensures ongoing compliance.

GOTS Criteria: A Closer Look

GOTS sets strict standards across the board.

Let's dive into the key areas:

Organic Fibre Content

For the 'organic' label, products must contain at least 95% certified organic fibres.

The 'made with organic' label requires a minimum of 70%.

Chemical Inputs

GOTS restricts the use of chemicals.

Only low-impact, biodegradable substances are allowed.

This protects both workers and the environment.

Water Treatment

Proper wastewater treatment is mandatory.

GOTS-certified facilities must meet strict parameters for water purification.

Social Criteria

Workers' rights are paramount.

GOTS ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and prohibits child labour.

Animal Welfare

For animal-derived fibres, GOTS mandates humane treatment.

Mulesing, for instance, is strictly forbidden.

The Impact of GOTS

GOTS is making waves in the fashion industry.

Here's how:

1. Consumer Trust: The GOTS label assures buyers of a product's sustainability.

2. Industry Standards: GOTS is raising the bar for the entire textile sector.

3. Environmental Protection: By promoting organic farming and clean processing, GOTS is helping combat climate change.

4. Social Progress: GOTS is improving working conditions for millions in the textile industry.

The Role of GOTS in the UK

The UK is embracing GOTS.

More British brands are seeking certification.

Consumers are increasingly looking for the GOTS label. It's a win-win for business and sustainability.

How to Spot GOTS-Certified Products

Look for the GOTS logo on product labels.It comes in two versions: 1. 'organic': For products with 95%+ organic fibres. 2. 'made with organic': For products with 70%+ organic fibres.
The label also includes the certifier's name and the licence number. This allows for full traceability.

Beyond Fashion: GOTS in Home Textiles

GOTS isn't just a certification that applies to clothes.

In fact, it can cover all organic textiles used to produce a variety of other fabric-based products.

This may include examples as below:

Bed linens
Towels
Carpets
Upholstery fabrics

Essentially, by choosing GOTS-certified home textiles, you're making your entire living space more sustainable.

The Future of GOTS

GOTS as an organisation is continually evolving. It's adapting to new challenges and technologies.

Future versions may include:

Stricter environmental criteria
Enhanced traceability through blockchain

How You Can Support GOTS

As a consumer, your choices matter.

Here's how you can back GOTS:

1. Buy GOTS-certified products

2. Ask your favourite brands about GOTS certification

3. Spread awareness about GOTS on social media

4. Support policies that promote sustainable textiles

Challenges and Criticisms

While GOTS is widely respected, it's not without challenges:

1. Cost: Certification can be expensive, especially for small businesses.

2. Complexity: The standards are comprehensive but can be daunting.

3. Availability: GOTS-certified products aren't always easy to find. However, as demand grows, these issues are likely to diminish.

GOTS vs Other Standards

GOTS isn't the only textile standard out there.

How does it compare to similar textile certification fashion brands can aim to claim?

Oeko-Tex

Focuses mainly on harmful substances in textiles.

Fairtrade Textile Standard

Emphasises fair wages and working conditions.

Organic Content Standard (OCS)

Verifies organic content but doesn't cover processing.

GOTS stands out for its comprehensive approach.

It covers both environmental and social aspects across the entire supply chain.

Success Stories of GOTS in UK-based Fashion Companies

GOTS in Action Let's look at some UK brands embracing GOTS:

1. People Tree

A pioneer in sustainable fashion, all their organic cotton is GOTS certified.

2. Frugi

This children's wear brand uses GOTS-certified organic cotton for its adorable designs.

3. Thought Clothing

Known for their sustainable ethos, they offer a wide range of GOTS-certified garments.

These brands prove that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.

The Role of Retailers UK retailers are key in promoting GOTS.

Many are increasing their GOTS-certified offerings:

Marks & Spencer: Offers GOTS-certified bedding and clothing.

John Lewis: Stocks a variety of GOTS-certified products.

ASOS: Features GOTS-certified items in its Responsible Edit.

By stocking GOTS products, these retailers are making sustainable choices more accessible.

GOTS & Circular Economy

GOTS aligns well with circular economy principles.

It promotes:

Durability: GOTS-certified products are made to last.
Recyclability: The use of mono-materials makes recycling easier.
Biodegradability: Natural fibres break down more easily at end-of-life.

This approach helps reduce textile waste, a major environmental issue.

Education & Awareness

GOTS is more than a certification.

It's also an educational tool.

The organisation provides resources to help consumers understand sustainable textiles.

They also work with schools and universities to promote textile sustainability.

GOTS & Climate Change

By promoting organic agriculture and cleaner processing, GOTS helps combat climate change.

Organic farming uses less energy and sequesters more carbon.

Restricted chemical use reduces pollution. It's a powerful tool in the fight against global warming.

The Global Impact of GOTS: It is truly international.

It's improving lives and environments worldwide.

From cotton fields in India to factories in Bangladesh, GOTS is making a difference.

By choosing GOTS-certified products, UK consumers are supporting global sustainability.

Conclusion

GOTS is more than just a label.

It's a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

As UK consumers, we have the power to drive this change.

By understanding and supporting GOTS, we can make a real difference.

Let's choose wisely and dress for a better future.

If you would like to learn more about Sustainable Solutions in Fashion, keep browsing our blog.

However, should you like to explore our eco-friendly Vintage Home & Clothing collections, visit our Shop.

References

Global Organic Textile Standard, 2023. *How to get certified*. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 September 2024].

Global Organic Textile Standard, 2023. *Certification*. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 September 2024].

Global Organic Textile Standard, 2023. *How to become a Certification Body*. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 September 2024].

Global Organic Textile Standard, 2023. *All Processing Stages*. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 September 2024].

Global Organic Textile Standard, 2023. *First processing stages*. [online] Available at: [Accessed 10 September 2024]. Citations:

[1] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/how-to-get-certified

[2] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/certification

[3] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/how-to-become-a-certification-body

[4] https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/all-processing-stages

[5] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/who-needs-to-be-certified/first-processing-stages

[6] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling

[7] https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/who-needs-to-be-certified/manufacturing [8] https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features/ecological-and-social-criteria

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