ECOLOGICAL TEXTILES IS A GOTS-CERTIFIED COMPANY. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
GOTS and Ecological Textiles
Ecological Textiles is a GOTS-certificated company, with more than hundred certified fabrics in its collection. GOTS is the leading standard for organic textiles, and fabrics carrying the GOTS label (a white shirt on a round green background) represent the ultimate in ecological and sustainable production. It assures you that the fibres from which the fabrics or other products are made, were grown organically, without using insecticides or pesticides. In addition it is your assurance that the most ecological and socially responsible methods have been used throughout the entire production process. This means amongst (many) other things:
- no GMO
- no harmful chemicals
- no child labour
- no dyes or inks that have been classified as allergenic
Ecological Textiles being a GOTS-certified company, gives you the possibility to make your collection GOTS certified, provided that you work with GOTS certified fabrics and that your own company is GOTS certified as well. Here is where you can find our GOTS-CERTIFICATE, and here is a link to the GOTS site.
What is GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles (clothing, home textiles, and personal care products) made from certified organically produced raw materials. It includes strict environmental, human rights and social criteria for operations along the entire textile supply chain. GOTS is recognized in all markets around the globe and the numbers are growing; in 2022 more than 13.549 facilities worldwide were certified to GOTS.
What is the problem with textile processing?
Textile processing results in the often inadequately treated discharge of toxic chemicals into the air and water, as well as hazardous workplace situations. We all “live downstream” and share the same water and air, and workers making products for us deserve our respect. GOTS prohibits the use of those kinds of chemicals commonly used in textile processing that can cause cancer, birth defects and other serious illnesses. Chemicals, like persistent hormone-disrupting substances, also destroy eco-systems and biodiversity on an international scale. GOTS requires that all dyes and auxiliaries are assessed to its strict criteria and are approved prior to their usage.
Why is certification to GOTS a good idea?
While an important step in the right direction, the use of organic materials alone is not enough. When using organically produced materials, farm workers and environment are protected. When manufactured without using hazardous chemicals, factory workers and the environment are protected. When there are no harmful residues in the end product, consumers are protected.
What are organic raw materials?
Organic is a system of production with national standards for environmental protection and animal welfare. Organic raw materials include organic cotton, silk, flax (linen) and wool.
Can only organic raw materials be used in GOTS-certified products?
As a textile processing standard, GOTS does not set its own criteria for organic farming but rather requires that the materials used must be of certified organic origin according to a recognized farming standard. Only textile products made from at least 70 percent (label grade “made with organic” or 95 percent (label grade “organic”) certified organic raw materials become GOTS.
If I see the GOTS-logo on a product, what does it mean?
To be sure a product really is GOTS-certified, you should be able to see reference to the GOTS label grade (‘organic’. ‘made with organic’ or ‘(made with) organic in conversion’), the reference to the independent certification body, and the license number of the certified entity. Consumers can trace the certified company by entering the license number (or company name) provided on the GOTS labelling in the ‘free text field’ of the GOTS public database. Look for the label – don’t accept self-claims.
What about a statement that the yarn (or fabric) in a finished product is GOTS certified?
This is only a self-claim as only finished products may be certified to GOTS (see above). Thus, you cannot be sure this claim is true.
What kinds of worker-oriented provisions are in GOTS?
Workers are not exposed to toxic chemicals when working with GOTS-certified inputs and practices. In addition, the GOTS social criteria are based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) key conventions which include a ban on child and forced labor and include provisions such as having systems in place to prove they are addressing social concerns, such as grievances. Furthermore, GOTS requires fire prevention training and evacuation drills.
How does GOTS address animal husbandry?
As it is a textile processing standard, GOTS does not set its own criteria for organic farming. Rather it requires that at least 70% of the fibres used must be of organically-certified materials that would have to be managed to organic animal husbandry standards.