GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognized standard for organic textiles. It was developed by leading standard-setting organizations in the organic textile industry to ensure that textiles made from organic fibers are produced in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
The GOTS standard covers the entire supply chain of textiles, from the harvesting of raw materials to the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of the final product. To be certified as GOTS-compliant, a textile product must contain at least 95% organic fibers and meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout the production process.
Some of the key criteria covered by the GOTS standard include:
Prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals, including pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, in the cultivation of organic fibers Ensuring that all workers involved in the production process are treated fairly and have access to safe working conditions and fair wages Requiring the use of environmentally friendly production methods, such as minimizing waste and energy consumption, and using renewable energy sources where possible Requiring strict water treatment standards to minimize pollution and protect local ecosystems Ensuring that products are labeled accurately and transparently, so that consumers can make informed choices about the products they buy.
This is a benchmark to help companies understand which standards should be part of a sustainable procurement plan. Further, the benchmark allows standard setting schemes, i.e. "Standard Owners", to benchmark their performance versus industry peers.
