Have you heard of GOTS-certified fabrics? It's the gold standard for eco-friendly textiles, which you've probably seen on some ethical trade labels or, if you're in the textile industry, on some fabrics. At Elisa Muresan, our eco-friendly clothing store , we use organic cotton with this certification to ensure that a series of very important requirements for our way of understanding fashion are met: from respect for the environment to, of course, labor rights throughout the entire production chain. In this article, we discuss what these requirements are.
What is the GOTS certification?
The GOTS ( Global Organic Textile Standard ) certification is a standard that guarantees the organic nature of textile products. Its parameters include obtaining raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible production. Brands with the GOTS certification receive a label so that the recipient of the final product can have a series of guarantees about this textile, made with at least 70% certified organic natural fibers . You can find more information on the certification's official website .
The objective of the GOTS organic product certification is to define the globally recognized requirements for organic textiles and provide a credible guarantee to the consumer.
Key aspects certified by the GOTS label
1. The requirements of organic fiber
In this sense, two types of products can be differentiated that may be marketed and labeled as follows:
Organic or organic in conversion
They must contain 95% or more certified organic or "in-conversion" fiber. The remaining 5% may be non-organic fibers, which are listed in the standard as "additional fibers."
Made with a percentage of organic material (or organic material in conversion)
This term applies to products that contain at least 70% organic or in-conversion fiber. The "additional fiber" content can therefore be higher, up to 30%.
2. Requirements for chemical inputs
The standard establishes requirements for chemicals at all stages of textile processing, including some that are prohibited or restricted for environmental or toxicological reasons.
3. Analysis parameters throughout the production process
In addition, various analyses are carried out throughout the entire process: separation, sizing and weaving, dyeing, printing, finishing, environmental management, effluent (waste liquid) treatment, etc. For each of these stages, the standard details specific requirements, for example, that packaging cannot be made with plastics and that the paper and cardboard used for GOTS products must be recycled or certified according to other standards.
4. Social criteria in production
An important aspect of GOTS-certified fabrics is that not only environmental criteria but also social criteria are taken into account in all processes where employees are involved. This includes the following minimum requirements:
- Employment must be freely chosen
- Respect for freedom of association
- Prohibition of child labor
- There should be no discrimination
- Safe and hygienic working conditions
- Fair remuneration
- Guarantee of regular employment
- Prohibition of violent or inhuman treatment
- Compliance with social criteria
- Ethical business conduct
5. Annual inspection to renew the seal
Once GOTS certification is obtained, manufacturers or retailers undergo an annual inspection at their plant or factory and are subject to unannounced inspections to verify that the organic product certification is still valid.
How can I get GOTS certification?
The GOTS eco-friendly textile certification is awarded when all stages meet the criteria: from the initial processing stages to trade, through weaving and spinning, and through wet processing and manufacturing.
To obtain this distinction, an accredited independent certification body must verify that the product or its manufacturer meets the demanding GOTS criteria.
The textile industry players who can apply for this certification are highly diverse, ranging from processors and manufacturers to marketers and wholesalers. Regarding materials, it applies to fibers, wools, textiles, and upholstery fabrics, excluding leather.
GOTS-certified organic cotton: our choice
One of the most commonly used textiles in our store is GOTS-certified cotton. This way, we not only ensure that it's eco-friendly, but also that the labor rights of the people who produce it are guaranteed. We love this type of soft and breathable fabric because it prevents allergies and dermatitis. Furthermore, by having this GOTS guarantee, which we consider the most rigorous standard today, we ensure that the cultivation, production, and dyeing process are free of harmful substances, both for your health and that of our workers and the ecosystem.
Discover our eco-friendly t-shirts or sustainable dresses and join an ethical approach to fashion!
