GOTS certification: what is it?
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is a global standard for organic fibers, incorporating both environmental and social criteria. It relies on independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
What is GOTS certification?
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is an internationally recognized standard for organic fibers. It includes not only ecological but also social criteria and is based on independent verification throughout the entire textile supply chain.
The certification covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. It currently holds the most rigorous set of requirements in the industry.
There are two levels of GOTS certification:
- Level 1: Organic textiles : must be made of at least 95% certified organic fibers.
- Level 2: Made with organic textiles : must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers.
What Does GOTS Certification Include?
GOTS certification applies exclusively to natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, linen, etc., excluding leather and bamboo.
On the environmental level, GOTS ensures that textile fibers are sourced from organic farming. This means they are grown without chemical products or pesticides, and GMOs are strictly prohibited. Once harvested, the fibers must be processed and stored separately from conventional fibers.
A fabric labeled GOTS is therefore made from natural raw materials cultivated without harmful substances to human health or the environment.
The certification also ensures waste is minimized and properly managed, wastewater is treated, and packaging is recycled.
On the social level, GOTS prohibits forced labor, child labor, and discrimination. It supports freedom of association, employment security, and advocates for fair wages and decent working conditions.
Who can issue GOTS certification?
GOTS certification must be requested and paid for by the company (whether a finished goods manufacturer, fabric producer, or supplier) seeking to be certified.
It must be approved by an accredited certifying body such as Ecocert, Veritas, or Control Union and is subject to annual inspection. The label certifies that the entity meets the environmental, health, and social requirements at every stage of production.
Certification can be national or international and applies to textile raw materials, household products, cosmetics, and certain food items.
The cost of GOTS certification for each company depends mainly on the number of products, the product range involved, and the number of facilities to be certified. On average, expect to pay between €1,200 and €3,000 per year, plus an additional annual fee of €150 per inspected site.
What is the difference between GOTS certification and the Oeko-Tex label?
The Oeko-Tex label only ensures that a material or finished product is non-toxic to the person who manufactures or wears it. Its name, which sounds like “eco,” can be misleading, it does not guarantee the product is eco-friendly.
In contrast, GOTS certification guarantees the organic nature of a fiber, textile, or finished garment, as well as fair trade practices.
Beware of "fake labels", greenwashing, or supposedly ethical brands that only certify a tiny portion of their products to enhance their brand image through large-scale marketing campaigns.
Labels do not guarantee that an entire brand is ethical, but the absence of a label does not necessarily mean a product is unsustainable either.
At Facettes, we currently have two GOTS-certified products: the vest and trousers made from navy blue GOTS-certified linen canvas. In this case, it is the main fabric that is certified, not the finished product itself.Nonetheless, all our products are eco-responsible, made from deadstock fabrics, produced in small batches, and manufactured in France in a responsible workshop.
