Sustainability has become a crucial factor in the fashion industry in recent years. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their clothing choices on the environment and the working conditions of workers in the textile industry. As a result, there is a growing demand for clothing that is produced in a responsible and sustainable way. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has played an important role in promoting sustainable fashion.

What are the objectives of GOTS?

The main goal of GOTS is to promote sustainability in the textile industry through independent certification. Some specific objectives of GOTS are:

Milieubehoud: GOTS strives to reduce the impact of the textile industry on the environment. This includes limiting the use of harmful chemicals, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting water quality.

Social responsibility: GOTS recognises the importance of decent working conditions throughout the supply chain. They work to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and the right to trade union freedom for workers.

Consumer protection: GOTS strives to provide consumers with reliable information about the sustainability of textile products. The GOTS label makes it easy for consumers to identify clothing that meets strict sustainability standards.

Why a Global Organic Textile Standard?

GOTS' vision is to be recognized worldwide as the leading standard for sustainable textile production. They want to bring about positive change across the textile industry and ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of the business operations of all stakeholders. GOTS strives to make consumers aware of sustainable choices and to enable them to make informed decisions when buying clothing.

What makes GOTS so good?

GOTS' mission is to promote sustainable textile production through their rigorous certification process. They want to create a world where organically grown fibers are the norm and where the entire supply chain operates ethically and ecologically. GOTS is committed to continuous improvement and education to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including producers, retailers, brands and consumers. Their mission includes the following aspects:

1. Environmentally friendly: GOTS certification requires that the fibers used are organically produced, meaning no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used during cultivation. In addition, restrictions are placed on the use of harmful chemicals during the further processing of the fibers into textiles, such as dyes and finishing agents. This ensures less pollution of water and soil and contributes to reducing the impact on the environment.
2. Durable: By using organic fibers and setting social standards for the working conditions of workers in the textile industry, GOTS promotes sustainable textile production. GOTS certification helps companies to reduce their ecological and social footprint, and ensures that consumers can choose sustainable products that are produced with respect for people and the environment.
3. Transparency: GOTS certification requires companies to be transparent about their production processes and to be audited by independent bodies. This means that consumers can be confident that the products they buy are actually produced sustainably, and that companies adhere to the GOTS standards for textile production.They require all parties in the chain, from farmers to manufacturers, to provide documented evidence that they comply with GOTS standards. This helps consumers make informed choices and promotes accountability and trust within the industry.
4. Education and awareness:GOTS sees education and awareness as crucial elements to promote sustainability transformation in the textile industry. They aim to inform producers, workers, consumers and other stakeholders about sustainable practices and their benefits. Through training, workshops and campaigns, they want to create a broader understanding of sustainability and the importance of GOTS certification.
5. Continuous improvement:GOTS is committed to constantly evolving and honing their standards to meet the changing needs of the industry. They work with stakeholders to identify best practices and develop new solutions that improve sustainability performance. By constantly innovating, GOTS remains relevant and effective in their mission to promote sustainable textile production.

In short, the GOTS label is good because it contributes to sustainable textile production, less pollution of the environment, and it gives consumers the opportunity to consciously choose sustainable and healthy products.

What should you pay attention to with a GOTS label?

1. Every product with a GOTS label has one unique certification number, which refers to the certification process and the specific factory where the product was produced. If there is no certification number on the label, or if the number is incorrect or unclear, this could be a sign of a fake GOTS label.
2. Unrealistic Prices: Producing organic textiles according to GOTS standards requires additional costs and investments in the production chain. If a product with a GOTS label is priced abnormally low, this may be an indication that the label is not authentic.
3. Incorrect statements: A fake GOTS label can also contain statements that do not comply with GOTS standards, such as mentioning synthetic materials or non-organically grown fibres. It is important to read the label carefully and check whether it corresponds to GOTS standards.
4. Lack of traceability: Companies that produce GOTS certified products must be transparent about their production processes and the chain of suppliers and manufacturers involved in the production. If a product with a GOTS label is not traceable, or if information about the production chain is not available, this could be a sign of a fake GOTS label.

Conclusion:

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a leading certification for sustainable textile production. GOTS plays a crucial role in transforming the clothing industry into a more sustainable and ethically responsible sector.

As consumers, we can show our support for GOTS-certified brands and products by consciously shopping and choosing clothing that meets their strict sustainability standards. It is very important to pay attention to the 4 tips described above to know for sure whether you are buying a real GOTS Certified garment!

In case of doubt, it is always a good idea to contact the GOTS organization toverify that a label is authenticis of niet.