Got questions about GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)?

First things first...What is an organic fiber?

Organic fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, flax (linen), and other natural fibers grown according to national organic standards without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetic engineering. Accredited third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only permissible methods and materials in organic production.

How can consumers identify a correctly GOTS-certified and labeled product?

Consumers should look for on-product labeling. GOTS labeling must be applied on the product in such a way that it is visible to the consumer at the time of purchase (e.g., on the packaging and/or hangtag and/or a label)

And..what is GOTS?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading textile processing standard for organic fibers,

including ecological and social criteria, backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

The aim of the standard is to define globally recognized requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing all the way to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. Textile processors and manufacturers should be able to export their organic fabrics and garments with one certification accepted in all major markets.

1. Contain more than 70% of organic fiber

2. Not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances

3. Be colored with nontoxic dyes

4. Be produced in a mill that enforces strict social and environmental standards, treating their employees and the earth with deep respect. GOTS certification means that our products meet the very highest standards.

"At Do.Better, our goal is to provide safe, ethical, and 100% environmentally-friendly outsourced manufacture. We walk side by side with our clients their road into sustainability, providing all data and support so that they're able to produce their apparel lines with certified fibers like organic cotton and organic pima cotton certified by Global Organic Textile Standard also called as GOTS."

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What are the criteria to qualify for GOTS?

The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. The final products may include but are not limited to fiber products and yarns.

Fiber Production

Organic certification of fibers on the basis of recognized international or national standards (e.g. EEC 834/2007, USDA NOP)

- Certification of fibers from the conversion period is possible if the applicable farming standard permits such certification

- A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade ‘organic’ must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers whereas a product with the label grade ‘made with organic’ must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers

Environmental Criteria

- At all processing stages, organic fiber products must be separated from conventional fiber products and must be clearly identified

- All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries, and process chemicals) must be evaluated and meet basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability/limit ability

- Ban on critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes

- The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals

- Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching)

- Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited

- Discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited

- Restrictions for accessories (e.g. no PVC, nickel or chrome permitted, all polyester must be post-consumer recycled from 2014 onwards)

- All operators must have an environmental policy including target goals and procedures to minimize waste and discharges

- Wet processing units must keep full records of the use of chemicals, energy, water consumption, and wastewater treatment, including the disposal of sludge. The wastewater from all wet-processing units must be treated in a functional wastewater treatment plant

- Packaging material must not contain PVC. From 1 January 2014 onwards, any paper or cardboard used in packaging material, hang tags, swing tags, etc. must be post-consumer recycled or certified in accordance with FSC or PEFC

Technical Quality and Human Toxicity Criteria

- Technical quality parameters must be met (such as rubbing, perspiration, light and washing fastness and shrinkage values)

- Raw materials, intermediates, final textile products as well as accessories must meet stringent limits in regard to unwanted residues

Social Criteria

All processors and manufacturers must meet minimum social criteria based on the key norms of the International Labour Organization (ILO). They must implement social compliance management with defined elements to ensure that the social criteria can be met.

All this being said, let's value all the work and care that's involved behind a certification, is not just a badge, it involves human beings, fair trade, fair price, and caring for our environment.

Source: Global-Standard.org, Ota.com

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