Birth of the GOTS label
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was created in 2002 to establish a worldwide standard for the production of organic textiles. The founders, Organic Trade Association (OTA, USA); Internationaler Verband der Naturtextilwirtschaft (IVN, Germany); The Soil Association (UK) and Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA, Japan), shared the conviction that organic textiles should be produced with respect for people and the planet. The result is a voluntary certification system under which manufacturers of organic textiles are monitored and inspected to ensure that they meet strict environmental and labor standards.
What criteria must companies meet to obtain certification?
To obtain GOTS certification, companies must meet a series of criteria. These include using only certified organic fibers, 95% of the material must contain natural fibers that have been grown organically, while the remaining 5% must be strictly non-toxic, meeting social and environmental sustainability requirements, and following guidelines regarding the use of toxic chemicals throughout production. Companies must also keep records of all their operations so that they can be inspected by an independent certification body. In addition, companies are required to implement a waste management process that ensures the safe disposal of all waste materials. Finally, companies must adhere to strict labeling guidelines to ensure that organic textiles are correctly identified and marketed.
To be GOTS-certified, companies must demonstrate their commitment to the following principles:
- Promote environmentally-friendly practices in the production process, notably by limiting water use and reducing environmental pollution.
- Use organic raw materials such as cotton or hemp that are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers.
- Guarantee safe working conditions for workers involved in production, including regular health checks and access to health services.
- Ensure that by-products are managed sustainably and disposed of without causing damage to the environment.
What are the advantages of GOTS certification?
By obtaining GOTS certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. This certification offers a wide range of benefits for both producers and consumers. On the one hand, it helps producers maintain higher standards of quality, safety and traceability throughout production, while guaranteeing that their products are ethically sourced and manufactured. On the other hand, it gives consumers the assurance that they are buying sustainably produced organic textiles. Ultimately, GOTS certification is an effective tool for creating a sustainable environment in the textile industry.
GOTS certification is becoming increasingly important as consumers become more aware of the impact their purchasing decisions can have on the environment. By choosing GOTS-certified products, you can be sure that the materials used to manufacture them are produced with respect for the environment and people.