The GOTS "Global Organic Textile Standard" label has existed since 2006 in the industrial and commercial sectors. It is recognized as a world reference. This is the most comprehensive certification for organic textiles.
It guarantees
Organic quality of textiles from the harvesting of raw materials to labeling to offer a reliable guarantee to the consumer
Environmentally responsible manufacturing
Production stages that respect and improve the social conditions of workers.
All GOTS certified products offer a guarantee of responsible textile production from a health, ecological and social point of view.
What does the GOTS label certify?
Health: The GOTS label certifies a culture of cotton, flax or hemp without insecticides, pesticides and GMOs. It guarantees the absence of allergenic, carcinogenic and health-hazardous products.
Ecology: A 50% reduction in water with organic cotton compared to conventional cotton throughout the production chain. A healthy ecological dye, without bleaching using heavy metals such as lead or chromium which represent a significant source of pollution for the planet.
Social: The GOTS label guarantees decent working conditions and wages for farmers and employees by promoting fair trade.;
The rules to follow
Environmental rules
Only textile products that contain at least 70% certified organic fibers can be certified with the GOTS label. They must be assessed and must comply with a number of rules on toxicity and biodegradability.
Social rules
Transformers and manufacturers in the textile industry must respect the social criteria set by the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO). This implies decent pay, decent working hours and even the formal ban on child labour.
Toxicity and biodegradability rules
All chemical materials must meet several environmental and toxicological criteria. Inputs such as aromatic or halogenated solvents, chlorophenol, detergents, formaldehyde, fungicides or biocides, functional nanoparticles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their enzymes are categorically prohibited. Heavy metals and azo dyes releasing carcinogenic amino compounds are banned. Printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited. Bleaching agents should be oxygen-based, not chlorine-based. PVC, nickel and chrome are prohibited. Since 2014, all polyesters must be recyclable. Regarding biodegradability, all actors in the supply chain must follow an environmental policy including objectives and procedures aimed at minimizing waste and releases. The materials used for packaging must in no case contain PVC. All paper and cardboard used in packaging or labels must be recyclable or FSC or PEFC certified.
Natural and organic fiber
What is a natural fiber?
A natural fiber is made from materials from nature: cotton, linen, hemp, wool, etc. A natural fiber is not necessarily an organic fiber as it may be subjected to chemical treatments in the manufacturing process.
What is an organic fiber?
An organic fiber is always composed of natural fiber. It is grown without insecticides, pesticides or GMOs. Compost or manure is used as organic fertilizer instead.
