Topics such as sustainability, fair working conditions, and organic quality have become increasingly important and relevant in recent years. This is precisely why many people are increasingly paying attention to the so-called GOTS certification when purchasing clothing and textiles. But what exactly is behind this well-known seal? And is GOTS-certified clothing really the better and more sustainable choice? We'll explore these questions in more detail in this article.
What does GOTS certification stand for?
The Global Organic Textile Standard seal, or GOTS for short, is a recognized certification designed to make textile production more ecological and manageable. To obtain GOTS certification, various requirements must be met and the product must be tested by an independent testing body. The most fundamental requirement is that the tested textiles contain at least 70% certified organic fibers. However, other factors are also examined during testing that can influence whether the seal can be used. We'll introduce you to the GOTS certification criteria in more detail here.
Textiles made from organic natural fibers
Perhaps the most important aspect of GOTS certification is the type of material used. To be certified, textiles must be made of at least 75% organic natural fibers. Appropriate documentation must be provided to prove this. Acceptable materials include cotton, merino wool, linen, or wool. Ideally, the proportion of certified organic natural fibers should be as high as possible. Textiles with a proportion of 75% or more can receive the "GOTS made with" label, and those with a proportion of 95% or more can receive the coveted "GOTS organic" label.
Free from harmful substances
Pesticides and other chemicals are used during the production of many textiles, which can harm both the environment and our health. The use of these harmful substances is prohibited in textiles with GOTS certification. This applies not only to the finished product, but also during cultivation and the entire manufacturing process, right up to delivery of the textiles. In this case, it must be proven that no harmful chemicals, pesticides, or other harmful substances were used during harvesting, care, processing, dyeing, printing, or cleaning.
Sustainable cultivation
Strict regulations apply not only to the processing of textiles, but also to the cultivation of raw materials. Only materials and raw materials from certified organic farming (kbA) are accepted. In addition, proof of mixed-crop farming is required. If materials of animal origin are used, such as wool, these must also come from certified organic livestock farming (kbT).
Fair conditions
Of course, GOTS certification requires more than just the right agricultural and environmental factors. The conditions for the people involved in production and manufacturing must also be demonstrably fair. This means fair wages, fair trade, social working conditions, and, of course, no child or forced labor. These standards apply to the entire supply chain and must be fully met for certification to be awarded.
GOTS certification for greater sustainability
Especially in today's world, where constantly new trends and fast fashion are putting a lot of pressure on the textile industry, more and more consumers are looking for sustainable alternatives. GOTS certification is awarded by the International Working Group (IWG) on Global Organic Textile Standards. This certification was founded with the aim of making the textile industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly and making verifiably organic and environmentally friendly products recognizable as such.
Sustainable baby clothes from Cosy Roots
At Cosy Roots, we also believe that sustainable textiles are the future—not only for us, but especially for our little ones. This isn't just about protecting our health, but also about leaving a better and greener world for our little ones and creating a greater awareness of environmental protection from an early age. For this reason, we consciously focus on sustainability in our textiles and received our GOTS Organic certification in October 2021. With this, we not only want to set an example but also demonstrate that quality and sustainability are our top priorities.
The fact that our baby clothes are GOTS-certified naturally also means that we adhere to the strict requirements and standards of the IWG, both in the materials we use and in the production of our clothes. We rely on organic natural fibers from sustainable cultivation and production entirely without harmful chemicals. At the same time, we ensure that all our materials are cultivated and processed sustainably and fairly: in the cultivation of the seeds, in the harvest, in the further processing – and, of course, by us.
