GOTS

Introduction to GOTS Standards

According to the GOTS standards, The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is, therefore, the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. Furthermore, it includes ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Aim of the Standard

The aim of the standard is to, therefore, define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles. From harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling, it aims to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.

Certification Acceptance

Textile processors and manufacturers are, therefore, enabled to export their organic fabrics and garments with one certification accepted in all major markets.

Quality Assurance System (QAS)

Generally, a company participating in the GOTS certification scheme must, therefore, work in compliance with all criteria of the standard. Additionally, GOTS relies on a dual system to check compliance with the relevant criteria, consisting of on-site auditing and residue testing.

Fibre Production Criteria

Fibre Production key criteria for fibre production can be identified as:

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

Certification of fibres from the conversion period is possible if the applicable farming standard permits such certification.

Label Grades for Textile Products

A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade ‘organic’ must, therefore, contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres, whereas a product with the label grade ‘made with organic’ must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres.

Processing Key Criteria for Processing and Manufacturing Include:

At all stages throughout the processing, organic fibre products must, therefore, be separated from conventional fibre products. Furthermore, they must also be clearly identified.

Chemical Inputs Evaluation

All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries, and process chemicals) must, therefore, be evaluated to ensure that they meet the basic requirements regarding toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability.

Bleaching and Printing Methods

Moreover, bleaches must be based on oxygen, with no chlorine bleaching allowed. Additionally, discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastique printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited. Moreover, there are restrictions for accessories.

Environmental Policy and Records

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 and wastewater.

Technical and Social Criteria

Technical quality parameters must be met along with minimum social criteria based on the key norms of the International Labour Organization (ILO). These criteria must be met by all processors and manufacturers, covering local laws and the act of the country and internal social policies for labour.

Certification with Global Standards

Global Standards welcomes every organization willing for GOTS certification with open arms by implementing the full plan objectives and to get certified post the efficient and effective consultancy with no pain of extraordinary expenses. Furthermore, Global Standards assures fit and minimum requirement of application in your organization for this certification.

BENEFITS OF GOTS STANDARD

There are numerous ways in which companies benefit from becoming certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Below, we list the top five reasons how and why becoming certified to GOTS supports a company’s business case for sustainability.

Risk Reduction:

Firstly, GOTS is a comprehensive risk management instrument for your supply chain. It sets strict and extensive environmental and social criteria for the entire supply chain. Moreover, GOTS criteria are explicit.

Credibility:

Secondly, third-party certification serves as independent external verification versus self-claims. Additionally, certification includes dual quality assurance – onsite inspection and product testing. This certification provides the credibility and verification of claims that investors and the public expect.

Efficiency and Productivity:

Thirdly, GOTS’ wastewater management and other requirements result in improved eco-efficiency. Furthermore, GOTS’ social compliance management requirements result in improved socio-efficiency. GOTS certification facilitates sustainable supply chain management, thereby cutting companies’ costs as they do not need to trace the whole supply chain themselves.

Efficiency and Productivity:

Likewise, GOTS’ wastewater management and other requirements result in improved eco-efficiency. Moreover, GOTS’ social compliance management requirements result in improved socio-efficiency. Additionally, GOTS certification facilitates sustainable supply chain management, thus cutting companies’ costs as they do not need to trace the entire supply chain themselves.

Organic Organizations Worldwide:

Furthermore, sustainability innovation provides added value over conventional products.

Sustainable Market Development:

Lastly, it enables companies to be market drivers. It readies companies for the increasingly stringent regulatory climate.