Why GOTS?
How Consumers Benefit from the Global Organic Textile Standard
What is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognized as the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from certified organically produced raw materials. It includes strict environmental 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.
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 the 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 assessed to its strict criteria and 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.
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’ or ‘made with organic’), 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 our public data base. In many cases, only a company’s manufacturer will be listed in the database, so you will need to look up a different name than the brand name. In this case, ask the brand name company to send you a copy of their manufacturer’s certificate.
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.
Is GOTS an official standard in the United States?
This Global Organic standard is supported by the U.S. government which requires that textile products claiming to be organic in the U.S. be certified to the organic food standard or GOTS.
GOTS is a product certification meaning that finished products claiming to be GOTS certified must meet all GOTS criteria. In addition, all facilities involved in the production of such goods must be certified. The certification is undertaken by an independent GOTS-approved certification body and facilities are inspected regularly.
Watch the new less than 4-minute GOTS Simple Show Clip
For more information or to search the public database visit