What is GOTS Organic Cotton?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, backed by independent certifications of the entire textile supply chain. The aim of the standard is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles; from the harvesting of raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, through labeling that provides a credible assurance to the end consumer.

The GOTS certification is accepted in all major markets, giving certified goods the assurance of global adherence and standardization with their organic standards.

As a continuation of our commitment to sustainability and traceability, Original Favorites has completed the most comprehensive organic certification process in the industry.

What is the Difference Between OCS and GOTS?

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a standard that is used to confirm the amount of organic and raw materials in a final product and is certified by a trusted third-party institution. Their goal is to encourage organically prodcued agriculture. The GOTS Certification also works towards encouraging organic, natural means to produce garments, but it includes additional processing requirements as well as requiring a 70% minimum content percentage and restrictions on the fibers that can be blended. This is why it is important for us to be GOTS certified; the extra precautions it takes to certify the true organic nature of the garment are more thorough and trusted.

"The word 'organic' means that the fiber used to produce the garment is grown organically. This does not guarantee that a responsible process has been used to produce the entire garment. The only guarantee is through certification."

Certification of the Entire Supply Chain

From the harvesting of the raw materials to the labelling, this certification is a credible assurance to the end consumer of an organically produced product. The sad reality is that without these types of certifications businesses and brands get away with rampant greenwashing tactics and it is especially bad in the apparel industry. As a society we should demand transparency, authentication, and certification from our suppliers. It is the very reason we went through this laborious and thorough process for our clients.

Who needs to be certified?

Farm

Farms must be GOTS certified organic farms through third-party certifiers like IFOAM Family Standards.

Gin

Ginning is the first processing stage where seeds are removed from cotton bolls. This phase must be organically certified.

Yarn

In the fabric production stage, all sizing and fabric agents used must be organically certified.

Fabric

Since organic and conventional yarns look the same, separation and identification of organic bales vs. non-organic is of utmost importance.

Garment

Labelling and final packaging of manufactured GOTS Goods are also covered at this step.

Customer

All goods sold to the customer under the GOTS certification are the customer's guarantee that a good is organic.

Farm

Farms are the start of the garment process. The farms must meet an accepted IFOAM standards.

Gin

Ginning is a processing stage where seeds are removed from cotton bolls. Every step starting here is certified to GOTS and are verified by a traceable Transaction Certificates.

Yarn

Since organic and conventional yarns look the same, separation and identification of organic bales vs. non-organic is of utmost importance.

Fabric

In the fabric production stage, all sizing and fabric agents must be allowed by the GOTS regulations.

Garment

Labelling and final packaging of manufactured GOTS Goods are also covered at this step.

Customer

All goods sold to the customer under the GOTS certification are the customer's guarantee that a good is organic.

Explore Our Organic Cotton Clothing

GOTS Explained

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

The aim of the standard is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles; from the harvesting of raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, through labelling that provides a credible assurance to the end consumer.

This certification is accepted in all major markets, giving certified goods the assurance of global adherence and standardization with their organic standards.

Benefits of Using GOTS Organic Blanks

Products carrying GOTS logos contain the credible assurance of organic origin of the product, as well as environmentally and socially responsible processing.

When you choose GOTS organic products, you choose to support the protection of health, safety and rights of all employees involved in production. Only low impact GOTS Approved Chemical Only inputs that are free from hazardous substances are allowed to be used for the processing of GOTS Goods.

In addition, GOTS goods meet all technical quality parameters such as colorfastness and shrinkage.

Key Features of GOTS Certification

Fiber Production

The GOTS certification means that products are made with organic materials under strict environmental and social conditions included in the certification.

Organic fiber production is not directly covered by the GOTS certification system, as GOTS itself does not set standards for organic fiber cultivation. Instead, the cultivation of organic fibers is under the scope of organic farming standards, many of them defined by national governments - such as the IFOAM Family of Standards.

Social & Environmental Criteria

GOTS evaluates the processing and manufacturing of textiles on the basis of both, environmental and social criteria. This means assessing everything from the chemical inputs being used to the ethical treatment of workers. To become GOTS certified, it is mandatory to meet all of the criteria.

All Processing Stages

The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles carrying a GOTS certification. All must be certified to strict ecological and social criteria in order for the product to carry the GOTS label. In this way, GOTS puts an end to greenwashing.

Third Party Certifications

On-site inspection and certification of processors, manufacturers and traders is performed by independent Third-Party GOTS accredited Certification Bodies and forms the basis of the GOTS monitoring system. It serves to provide a credible assurance for the integrity of GOTS certified textiles.

Shop GOTS Certified Organic Clothing

Our French Terry Sweats

Our Hooded Sweatshirts

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