GOTS

The Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS for short, is an internationally recognized certification system for textiles that sets standards for ecological and social production of clothing.

This seal guarantees that the clothing is made from organically grown fibers and is produced according to strict environmental and social standards.

GOTS was launched in 2002 by various international textile industry organizations. The goal was to create a global standard for ecological and social criteria in textile production. The first version of GOTS was released in 2006, and since then the certification system has been revised and improved several times.

The aim of GOTS is to provide reliable guidance to consumers worldwide and to motivate companies to establish more sustainable practices in the textile industry. GOTS sets high standards for the environmental compatibility of the products as well as the social conditions in the production facilities. The goal is to create a more sustainable and fair textile industry.

The GOTS seal guarantees that a product has been manufactured according to strict ecological and social criteria and thus enables consumers to make responsible purchasing decisions.

If a textile product has been awarded the GOTS seal, this means that it was made from organically grown fibers and that all production steps, from harvesting to processing and assembly, were carried out according to ecological and social criteria.

The seal places high demands on companies and products. Companies must adhere to strict guidelines and be regularly independently audited. Products must consist of at least 70% organically grown fibers and must not contain harmful chemicals or other toxic substances. The social conditions in the production facilities are also checked and must meet international standards. These include, among other things, fair working conditions, appropriate wages and working hours and the ban on child labor.

GOTS carries out regular checks to ensure that companies and products meet high standards. Both independent certification bodies and internal inspectors are used. These check, among other things, compliance with environmental and social standards as well as the traceability of the products. Companies that violate the requirements will be excluded from the program.

GOTS sets strict requirements for the materials used to make textiles. This particularly includes the organically grown fibers from which the fabrics are made. These must come from certified, ecologically and socially sustainable sources.

The use of chemicals in the production of materials is also strictly regulated at GOTS. Only approved and harmless substances may be used. These must be biodegradable and must not pollute the environment. At the same time, the use of problematic chemicals such as formaldehyde, heavy metals or chlorinated solvents is prohibited.

In addition to environmental aspects, GOTS also attaches great importance to socially acceptable working conditions in production. Companies must ensure that workers receive fair wages and work in safe and hygienic conditions. The ban on child labor and forced labor as well as the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are also part of the GOTS requirements.

The GOTS certificate confirms that a product meets the requirements of the standard. It serves as proof of the ecologically and socially sustainable production of textiles and gives consumers the certainty that they are purchasing an environmentally and socially responsible product.

In order to receive certification, companies must meet a variety of requirements. These include, for example, the use of organically grown fibers, the avoidance of harmful chemicals and compliance with minimum social standards. Companies must also go through a comprehensive verification process that examines the entire supply chain, from raw material extraction to the finished product.

The cost of GOTS certification can vary depending on the size of the company and the complexity of the supply chain. However, it is common knowledge that certification can be very complex and expensive.

In summary, it can be said that the GOTS certificate is important proof of the environmentally and socially responsible production of textiles. The requirements for certification are high and the certification process is complex and expensive.

The GOTS seal sets high standards for the use of chemicals in the production of textiles. There are limit values ​​for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides and formaldehyde that must not be exceeded in the production of GOTS-certified products.

These regulations are intended to protect consumer health and the environment.

The GOTS seal has many advantages, but also some disadvantages. One of the biggest benefits is that it gives consumers a certain level of assurance that the textiles they buy have been produced in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The GOTS seal places high demands on the entire supply chain and requires a comprehensive review of production conditions.

Another advantage of GOTS is that it helps reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the textile industry and protects the environment. It also strengthens the rights of workers in the textile industry and promotes socially acceptable working conditions.

Criticism of GOTS

However, there are also disadvantages to GOTS. The high requirements and checks can be very complex and costly for companies. This can make it difficult for smaller companies to obtain certification. In addition, GOTS regulation can hinder innovation in the textile industry and lead to higher costs for consumers.

The GOTS seal does not directly stand for organically grown materials, but rather for ecologically sustainable manufacturing processes. However, the requirements of GOTS regarding the use of chemicals and the use of water and energy are similar to the requirements of organic labels.

However, there is a difference between GOTS and organic seals. While organic labels are primarily aimed at the cultivation of raw materials such as cotton and wool, GOTS covers the entire supply chain from raw material production to manufacturing. This means that GOTS also places demands on the processing, dyeing and finishing of textiles.

Although the GOTS seal does not directly represent organically grown raw materials, it is a good choice for consumers looking for environmentally friendly textiles. The GOTS seal guarantees ecologically and socially sustainable production conditions and ensures that textiles are free of harmful chemicals.

GOTS aims to minimize the environmental impact of textile production and create socially fair working conditions. For this reason, GOTS is considered an important seal for sustainable fashion. By adhering to strict environmental and social standards, GOTS helps reduce the ecological footprint of textiles.

However, there is also criticism of GOTS. Some critics complain that the costs of certification are too high, especially for small and medium-sized companies. There is also debate as to whether the GOTS standards are sufficient to minimize the environmental impact of textile production. Another point of criticism concerns the fact that GOTS can only be applied to products that consist of at least 70% organically grown fibers. This excludes many synthetic materials, which could potentially be less harmful to the environment than cotton.

Despite these criticisms, GOTS is widely seen as an important step towards a more sustainable textile industry. The seal ensures that companies that carry it produce in an ecologically and socially responsible manner and offer consumers an opportunity to shop more consciously and sustainably.

The GOTS seal is awarded by independent certification bodies accredited by the Global Organic Textile Standard International Working Group (IWG). The certification bodies examine and monitor companies to ensure that they meet GOTS requirements and therefore deserve the seal.

There are various certification bodies that award the GOTS seal. These include, for example, Control Union Certifications, Ecocert Greenlife and IMOswiss AG. Each certification body has its own focus and requirements, so the examination processes may differ between different bodies.

Regardless of the certification body, all companies wishing to receive the GOTS seal must meet the same requirements and undergo regular controls and audits. This ensures that the seal remains a consistent and trustworthy identifier for sustainable textiles.

The GOTS seal covers all stages of textile production, from raw material extraction to the finished product. These include, among others:

Raw material extraction: This includes, for example, the cultivation of cotton or the extraction of wool.

Dyeing and printing: The use of chemicals in these production steps is highly regulated and limited.

Manufacturing: This is where the textiles are cut, sewn and processed.

Packaging and labeling: These production steps must also meet GOTS requirements.

Throughout production, companies must meet the previously mentioned requirements to receive the GOTS seal.