Our sustainability certifications: What they are and why we have them
3 min read timeSustainability certifications are the difference between saying something is sustainable and...
Eco-Friendly
5 Minute Read
Written by Weavabel, published 15/10/21 09:00
GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard, is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, meaning every step of the supply chain is accounted for. It isn't always easy to get GOTS certification, but it helps ensure cotton is sourced in the most sustainable way, from seed to stitch.
Here’s everything you need to know about GOTS:
Like any other certification, GOTS certification is a way to show consumers and stakeholders that your offering is reputable in the eyes of an expert. In this case, the experts would be those offering the accreditation, such as The Soil Association, the UK’s largest organic certification body.
The Global Textile Standard considers several environmental and social factors that organisations need to possess to receive a certification. This includes things such as:
Instantly, a GOTS certification adds some weight to any environmental or social claims your brand makes. In turn, making your offering more trustworthy and appealing to conscious customers.
As such, getting a GOTS certification is a great step, especially if you have decided to switch to organic cotton anyway. Why? Your efforts can be supported by independent certification of the entire supply chain, solidifying what you already know to be true to others.
The GOTS certification has many benefits, the most obvious and overarching benefit being the social proof gained from having the world standard under your belt.
Resulting from this comes many other benefits, including:
GOTS says:
“Having one common standard means textile processors and manufacturers can export their fabrics and garments with one organic certification that is accepted in all major markets. This transparency also gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from green supply chains.”
An initial request and application for a GOTS certification needs to be addressed to a GOTS Approved Certification Body. The certifiers are assigned with the fulfilment of the GOTS quality assurance system and can answer all of your questions related to the inspection and certification procedure.
For GOTS to certify a product, the entire textile process from start to finish is monitored closely. It starts with the seed, ensuring nothing is genetically modified and no chemicals or pesticides are involved.
As well as processing and manufacturing criteria, GOTS also has social criteria you must meet to become certified. Working conditions must be safe and ethical business practices are also essential. Accreditation can be applied according to one of, a combination of or all of the following GOTS scopes:
Finally, materials are also considered and monitored. For example, packaging must not contain PVC and all cardboard, papers and swing tags must be recycled, biodegradable or certified accordingly.
You should aim to work with a manufacturer that uses certified processes and invests time and money to source sustainable materials. Find one that uses all the right practices in their eco packaging and garment branding range to create high-quality, sustainable products that consistently deliver the right results for businesses anywhere, of any size – just like we do.
But that — and the GOT certification as a whole — is only a small piece of the sustainability puzzle...
Certifications, innovative packaging solutions and a more mindful approach to sustainability all assist in being a greener brand. But that isn't the only thing that should be on your mind when improving your environmental image.
Use our sustainable tip sheet to see what other items you should consider and make sure you cover all bases when it comes to being better at looking after the planet. Get access to the checklist below.
Want to keep up to date with industry developments, trends, product launches and more? Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest delivered to your inbox.