GOTS Certificate: What it is and what it is for 2024

Nowadays, one of the main concerns of consumers is sustainability and the environmental impact of their purchases. Increasingly, people are looking for products that are not only high quality, but also respect the environment and human rights . In the world of fashion, the GOTS Certificate, or Global Organic Textile Standard, has positioned itself as one of the most reliable seals that clothing can have. If you are interested in learning more about ethical fashion or sustainable fashion, continue reading.

What is a GOTS certificate?

The GOTS certification is an international certification awarded to textile products that meet rigorous standards related to organic matter, the environment and working conditions. This standard, established in 2006, has become the most important reference for the sustainable textile industry, covering everything from the production of organic fibers to the final manufacturing of the products.

GOTS is based on social and ecological criteria that guarantee ethical treatment for both the environment and the workers involved in the production process. By obtaining this certification, brands demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and responsible practices at all levels of their supply chain.

Companies wishing to obtain GOTS certification must meet a number of requirements, from the use of organic fibres, the elimination of toxic and hazardous chemicals, to respecting labour rights and compliance with environmental and social criteria . If you want to know more, read this article on how to reduce your pollution and environmental impact .

What is the GOTS certificate for?

The GOTS certification plays a fundamental role in verifying the traceability process of the fabric, that is, tracing from the origin of the fiber, through cultivation, the dyeing process, finishing, packaging, labeling, to the marketing and distribution of textile products. Products that have this certification are made in a sustainable and responsible way, which is essential for the protection of the planet and the preservation of natural resources . GOTS certification offers multiple benefits for both consumers and brands. On the one hand, it promotes transparency , allowing consumers to be better informed about the origin of the products they purchase, which helps them make more conscious decisions. Companies that are certified disclose relevant information about their production process and their suppliers, thus promoting a more responsible fashion industry.

In addition to this, by having an internationally recognised seal, brands can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, which translates into increased consumer trust . For these companies, being GOTS certified also gives them access to new markets , especially to a growing segment of customers interested in sustainable products. Furthermore, GOTS certification includes social standards that safeguard workers' rights, contributing to the improvement of working conditions within the textile industry.

It is also important to note that GOTS sets clear standards for resource use and waste management, resulting in a minimization of environmental impact during production, thereby reducing the ecological footprint of the textile industry. The use of organic fibers not only supports the preservation of the environment, but also helps reduce the carbon footprint related to the fashion industry.

What does GOTS certification guarantee?

GOTS certification guarantees a number of important aspects in textile production that address both environmental and social concerns:

• Organic origin : Ensures that at least 70% of the fibers must come from organic crops, that is, free of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which is important to protect the health of workers, biodiversity and the environment.
• Sustainable production process : Criteria are established for responsible management of water, renewable energy, waste treatment and reduction of emissions throughout the production process.
• Working conditions : Respect for workers' rights is required, prohibiting forced labor and child labor, and guaranteeing safe and fair working conditions.
• Ban on harmful substances : GOTS prohibits the use of harmful chemicals in production and throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that the final product is safe for consumers. Certified companies must comply with safety standards, ensuring that textile products do not contain toxic or hazardous substances that may endanger the health of consumers.
• Transparency in the supply chain : Companies must have a clear record of their entire production chain, from the farm to the store, which improves product traceability.

Advantages of GOTS certification

Choosing products that bear the GOTS certification brings with it a series of advantages for both brands and consumers. Some of them are:

Credibility

GOTS is recognized worldwide as a reference standard for organic textile products, which adds credibility to the brands that carry it.

Increase in consumer loyalty

Consumers are increasingly loyal to brands that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability, and the GOTS certification is a letter of introduction in this regard.

Differentiation in the market

Brands that have GOTS can position themselves as sustainability leaders, which differentiates them in a saturated market.

Legal risk reduction

Complying with the environmental and labour regulations required by GOTS can help companies avoid legal problems and penalties related to rights violations.

Participation in sustainability initiatives

Certified brands can participate in international networks and receive support in initiatives that seek to promote more responsible textile production.

Who needs to have a GOTS certificate?

GOTS certification is relevant to a range of entities within the textile industry , ranging from cotton and other fibre producers to fashion brands and retailers. Firstly, those who grow organic fibres must obtain certification to ensure that their products meet the strict standards required by this regulation. Likewise, textile manufacturers, who process or produce goods such as yarn, fabrics and clothing, are required to have this certification to ensure responsible and sustainable production. Fashion brands looking to stand out in the market and attract increasingly sustainability-conscious consumers should also opt for GOTS certification, as it allows them to offer products that meet high environmental and social standards. Finally, retailers and distributors who handle textile products can benefit from collaborating with certified companies, as this not only reinforces their own commitment to sustainability, but also gives them a competitive advantage in a market that increasingly values ​​environmental responsibility. Overall, obtaining the GOTS certification becomes a crucial step for all these actors who wish to contribute to a more sustainable future within the textile industry.

GOTS Certification Process

The process to obtain GOTS certification involves several steps that ensure that both companies and their products meet the certification's rigorous standards. These steps include:

1. Self-assessment : Companies should review their internal processes and practices to ensure they meet the criteria set out by GOTS.

2. Selecting a certifying body : it is necessary to choose an accredited entity that assesses the conformity of processes and products.

3. Compliance audit : The selected body will carry out a full audit, reviewing documentation and visiting production facilities to ensure that everything is in compliance with regulations.

4. Issuance of the certificate : If the company meets the established criteria, it will be awarded the GOTS certificate, which will be valid for a certain period (usually one year).

5. Continuous monitoring : Companies must undergo periodic audits to ensure that they maintain the required standards over time.

How to recognize GOTS certified products?

To ensure that you are purchasing properly certified products, it is important to know how to identify them. Products bearing the GOTS certificate usually have a label that includes:

The GOTS logo

This logo is usually accompanied by the registration number of the certifying company, which allows the authenticity of the certification to be verified.

Content statements

Labels also inform about the content of the product, specifying the percentage of certified organic fibers in the garment. If they have 95% certified organic fibers, they are classified as “organic.” Likewise, if they have a minimum of 70% organic fibers, they carry the label “made with organic material.”

Details on the certification process

Some labels include additional information about the process and standards that have been followed for production.

It is advisable to go to stores and brands with a commitment to sustainability, where you are more likely to find garments with this certification. Fitplanet is a high-quality sustainable clothing store in Spain, and its garments are made with recycled materials from the Mediterranean Sea. It offers sustainable clothing for women , from women's yoga sets to clothing for any other sport.

Conclusion

The GOTS Certificate has become a fundamental pillar in the search for a more sustainable and responsible textile industry. By choosing products that have this certification, you are not only choosing quality and design, but you are also participating in a movement towards more conscious and responsible consumption. At our Fitplanet store, we are committed to offering you clothing that not only makes you look good, but also respects the planet and the people who inhabit it. So, when selecting your next garments, remember that every choice counts and that, with the GOTS Certificate, you can be sure that your purchase is backed by solid values ​​of sustainability and ethics.