Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

[YAGAY andSUN]

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is one of the leading certification standards for organic fibers, including both natural and synthetic fibers. It is an internationally recognized standard that covers the entire supply chain, from the processing of raw materials to the final product, ensuring that the textile products meet specific environmental and social criteria. GOTS aims to provide consumers with confidence that the textiles they are purchasing are genuinely organic and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Key Features of GOTS Certification:

1. Organic Fiber Content:
   • GOTS requires that at least 70% of the fiber content in a textile product be organic to be certified. If the product contains between 70% and 95% organic fiber, it can be labeled as "made with organic materials." If it contains over 95% organic fiber, it can be labeled as "organic."
2. Environmental Criteria:
   • Processing Requirements: All processes involved in the production of textiles, including dyeing, printing, and finishing, must adhere to strict environmental standards. This includes minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and reducing water and energy consumption.
   • Non-Toxic Chemicals: The GOTS certification ensures that no harmful chemicals, including Azo dyes, chlorinated bleaches, or other toxic substances, are used during manufacturing. Only approved chemicals that meet GOTS' stringent safety criteria are allowed.
   • Waste Management: The standard mandates the responsible management of waste generated during production, encouraging recycling and minimizing disposal into the environment.
3. Social Criteria:
   • GOTS certification also incorporates fair labor practices, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and have safe working conditions. It includes adherence to standards based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
   • Workers must have safe working conditions, be paid fair wages, and have the right to form unions. Child labor and forced labor are strictly prohibited.
4. Traceability and Transparency:
   • GOTS certification covers the entire supply chain, ensuring traceability from the raw material stage to the finished product. This helps verify that organic and ethical practices are followed at every stage.
   • GOTS-certified companies must maintain detailed records to ensure transparency, which allows the certification body to trace the product back through the entire production process.
5. Certification Bodies:
   • The certification is granted by accredited certification bodies that verify whether the production processes meet the GOTS requirements. These bodies regularly inspect facilities to ensure ongoing compliance.

Benefits of GOTS Certification:

1. Consumer Confidence:
   • Consumers can trust that a GOTS-certified product is made from organically grown materials, processed without harmful chemicals, and produced under fair working conditions. This certification provides a guarantee of authenticity and sustainability.
2. Marketability and Global Reach:
   • GOTS certification opens access to international markets, particularly those in the European Union, the United States, and other regions where organic and ethically produced textiles are in high demand.
   • As more consumers demand sustainable products, GOTS certification provides a competitive advantage to brands that market themselves as environmentally and socially responsible.
3. Environmental Impact:
   • By reducing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting environmentally-friendly practices, GOTS helps decrease the environmental footprint of textile production.
   • It encourages the use of organic cotton, wool, and other fibers that are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, leading to healthier ecosystems and reduced soil and water contamination.
4. Social Responsibility:
   • The inclusion of social criteria ensures that workers in the supply chain are treated fairly, providing better working conditions, improved wages, and more equitable labor practices.

Process to Obtain GOTS Certification:

1. Compliance with GOTS Requirements:
   • The company must meet all the environmental and social criteria set by GOTS in its entire supply chain. This includes sourcing organic raw materials, following ethical labor practices, and adhering to environmental standards in manufacturing processes.
2. Audit by Certification Body:
   • A GOTS-accredited certification body will conduct an audit of the company’s processes. This includes reviewing documentation, conducting on-site inspections, and verifying compliance with the GOTS criteria.
3. Certification Issuance:
   • If the company passes the audit and meets all GOTS requirements, the certification body will issue the GOTS certificate, allowing the company to use the GOTS logo on its products.
4. Ongoing Compliance and Re-certification:
   • GOTS certification is not a one-time event. Companies must undergo regular audits and demonstrate continuous compliance with the GOTS standards. The certification is typically valid for one year, and companies must be re-audited to maintain certification.

Conclusion:

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an essential certification for businesses in the textile industry that aim to produce organic, eco-friendly, and ethically-produced textiles. By ensuring organic fiber content, environmentally responsible production practices, and fair labor conditions, GOTS supports sustainability and transparency within the textile industry. As global awareness about environmental and social issues grows, GOTS certification helps companies cater to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and responsible textile products.