Whether in agriculture, food or textiles, the number of labels is staggering. It's enough to make you tear your hair out. To save you the trouble, we've decided to take a look at one of the most important labels in the clothing industry. Yes, I'm talking about the GOTS label, of course.

 

First and foremost, GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard.

This certification is used to market organic textiles worldwide.

 

It guarantees that the transformation and production processes used are environmentally friendly, and that companies respect and improve working conditions. It also promotes the use of natural and organic fibers, and prohibits the use of hazardous agents such as heavy metals or aromatic solvents...

 

GOTS is a valid certification for products made from fibers (such as organic cotton), as well as for wools, garments and upholstery fabrics. Only leather is not included in this list.

 

The label is intended for raw material producers, transporters, textile manufacturers, distributors, importers, exporters, brands and all those involved in the textile industry. Consumers are assured of controls throughout the transformation process.

 

To benefit from the GOTS logo on labels, there are two levels of certification. These are provided by Ecovert, GCL International LTD and Control Union for the French territory. 

 

Level 2 corresponds to textiles composed of X% organic fibers, with more than 70% certified organic fibers and less than 30% non-organic fibers, including up to 10% synthetic fibers. For certain models, such as socks, long johns and sportswear, this level of certification authorizes 25% synthetic fibers.

 

It also discloses whether raw materials are certified organic, from sustainable forest management programs or recycled.

 

Level 1 corresponds to organic textiles, with more than 95% certified organic fibres and less than 5% synthetic artificial fibres.

For those wishing to obtain one of these certifications, chemical and environmentally toxic products must not be used.

 

These products are generally used in the dyeing, bleaching and printing stages.

 

The list of products that should not be used includes

 

Toxic heavy metals

Aromatic solvents

PVCs

Chlorine bleaching agents

Plastisol

Functional nanoparticles

Phthalates

Formaldehyde

GMOs

 

In addition, the label prohibits non-recyclable, non-FSC(Forest Stewardship Council ) and non-PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) certified packaging. It also verifies water consumption, wastewater treatment and sludge disposal. 

 

Even with all its restrictions, the GOTS label doesn't just focus on the organic aspect of textiles, but also on the social cause. Because behind the clothes lie workers who are often exploited, mistreated and poorly paid. That's why GOTS requires companies wishing to benefit from this certification to invest in the health and well-being of their employees.

 

Social requirements include the following criteria:

 

Eliminating forced labor

Improving working conditions

Abolish child labor

Abolish discrimination

Regulating employment

Abolish brutal and inhuman treatment

Ensuring salary adequacy

 

Ensuring freedom of association and recognition of the right to collective bargaining

If any of the criteria are not met or verified, then the brand will not qualify for GOTS certification. GOTS certification is difficult to obtain, which is understandable given the number of requirements. But it does provide real transparency on product origin, processing and production methods .

 

Now you have a clearer idea of what the GOTS label is and what it really means! GOTS is a comprehensive certification system, from both environmental and social points of view. GOTS fights against pollution, against the degradation of the planet and against miserable working conditions in certain countries or companies.

 

And that's what this label really stands for and fights against! We hope this has helped you, and that you're less likely to make a mistake or get your paws mixed up with another label! 

If you'd like to find out more about another label, we suggest you take a look at our article "What is the Oeko-Tex label and what is it for?"