GOTS guarantee for sustainable clothing
In my previous blog, I wrote about the importance of certificates to ensure a sustainable purchase. After all, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry.
One of the strictest and most reliable labels for organic textile production is the GOTS certificate (Global Organic Textile Standard).
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What is the GOTS certificate?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a globally recognized label that guarantees textiles are made from organically grown fibers and produced according to strict environmentally friendly and social standards. This certificate applies not only to the final product but also to the entire production chain: from harvesting the raw materials to processing, manufacturing, and labeling.
100% organic and environmentally friendly
Clothing with a GOTS certificate is made from organically grown materials, such as organic cotton or wool. This means that no synthetic pesticides, insecticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were used. Furthermore, strict rules are applied during processing for the use of water, energy, and chemicals.
Fair working conditions
In addition to environmental criteria, GOTS also sets social requirements. This means that workers throughout the production chain work under fair and safe conditions. Child labor and forced labor are prohibited, and employees receive a fair wage and reasonable working hours.
Free from harmful substances
GOTS-certified clothing is free from toxic and harmful chemicals. This is better for both the people making the clothes and the consumers wearing them. This makes GOTS-certified clothing ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
The two levels of GOTS certification
A GOTS certificate requires a minimum of 95% organic fibers. The first question that might come to mind is why not 100%. The 5 percent allows room to add elastic materials like elastic or, for example, recycled polyester in sportswear to increase durability.
The second level of GOTS certification is ‘GOTS made with organic’. This requires a minimum of 70% organic fibers; the remaining 30% may consist of non-organic but responsible materials.
An additional certificate is the ‘GOTS in conversion’ certificate. This means a product is in transition to full GOTS certification. This implies that cotton farmers and producers are switching to organic farming but do not yet fully meet all requirements. This process usually takes 2-3 years, as the soil and crops need time to become free of chemical residues from conventional farming. I wrote about this earlier in my blog cotton in conversion.
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