Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Issuing Organization:
Global Organic Textile Standard International Working Group
Label purpose:
GOTS is a leading worldwide standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. It aims to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
Certification Criteria:
The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distributing of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibres. The criteria include environmental management and prohibiting hazardous inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nanoparticles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and their enzymes. Social criteria based on the fundamental norms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) must also be met.
Geographical Coverage:
The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distributing of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibres. The criteria include environmental management and prohibiting hazardous inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nanoparticles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and their enzymes. Social criteria based on the fundamental norms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) must also be met.
Target Industries/Segments:
GOTS certification applies to a wide range of textile products, including clothing, home textiles, and personal care items that contain a minimum of 70% organic fibres.
Certification Process:
To become GOTS certified, textile processors and manufacturers must undergo a rigorous onsite inspection and certification process conducted by a GOTS-approved independent certification body. This includes a review of the textile’s processing and manufacturing chain, chemical inputs, and social criteria.
Certificate Validity:
The certification must be renewed annually. This involves a review and onsite inspection to ensure ongoing compliance with the GOTS standard, including any updates to the criteria.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, the GOTS label provides a credible assurance of the organic status environmental and social responsibility throughout the production process of textile products. For producers, GOTS certification opens access to the growing global market for organic textiles, enhances brand reputation, and supports the development of sustainable and ethical supply chains.
Sustainability Impact:
GOTS promotes the use of organic fibres and aims to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing to labelling, to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. It significantly reduces harmful environmental impacts by prohibiting hazardous chemicals. It promotes responsible and ethical manufacturing practices, contributing to improving working conditions and promoting sustainable resource use in the textile industry.
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