Article: What Does GOTS Certified Mean – and Why Does It Matter?
What Does GOTS Certified Mean – and Why Does It Matter?
In the world of sustainable fashion, you keep coming across the term ‘GOTS certified’. But what exactly is behind this label? And what should you look out for next time you shop? In this article you will find the essentials about the Global Organic Textile Standard – GOTS for short – and what the label actually tells you.
GOTS – an overview of the textile standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed to set uniform requirements for processing textiles made from organically grown natural fibres. A product that is GOTS certified has been checked against the standard’s environmental and social criteria along the processing chain – from the fibre to the finished garment.
GOTS covers not only the organic origin of the fibres (e.g. organic cotton) but also social criteria based on the ILO core labour standards, rules on the chemicals used, and requirements for wastewater and environmental management at the processing facilities.
The key GOTS criteria at a glance
✅ Minimum organic fibre content: textiles labelled ‘organic’ must contain at least 95 % organically grown natural fibres; textiles labelled ‘made with x % organic materials’ must contain at least 70 %.
✅ Social criteria: among other things, the standard requires safe working conditions, prohibits child and forced labour, and protects freedom of association. Compliance is checked at the certified facilities.
✅ Chemicals: certain substances – such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde or azo dyes that can release harmful amines – are banned. Any dyes and auxiliaries used must meet GOTS requirements.
✅ Traceability: every processing stage must be certified, so that the path of the goods is documented.
GOTS certified – guidance for conscious shoppers
Amid the multitude of labels, GOTS offers transparent guidance: the criteria are publicly available, and compliance is regularly checked by independent, accredited certification bodies. The label is recognised internationally.
ORGANICATION & GOTS
At ORGANICATION we use certified materials – depending on the item, certified to GOTS, OCS, GRS, RCS or RWS. The certification that applies to a product is stated on its product page. Our GOTS-certified items are made, for example, from organic cotton that feels soft and comfortable on the skin. We focus on clean, minimalist design – for people who want to dress consciously and in a modern way.
You can find more about the labels we work with on our Certificates page.
How do I recognise GOTS-certified clothing when shopping?
Look out for the GOTS logo. Even more importantly, the label or product description should state the certification body and the company’s licence number. With this information you can check in the public GOTS database whether the certification is valid.
GOTS certified – a sign of verifiable standards
Choosing GOTS-certified clothing means making a conscious decision based on verifiable criteria. The label stands for clearly defined requirements for fibres, processing and working conditions – and goes well with style and quality.
Have a look around our online shop and find your new favourite pieces.
