The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic apparel, backed by independent certifications of the entire textile supply chain. This defines requirements to ensure organic status of textiles; from the harvesting of raw materials, to non-toxic dyes, to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, through labeling that provides a credible assurance to the end consumer. Without the GOTS certification on the garment, the “organic” t-shirt you are wearing is often saturated in toxic dyes or made in a factory that doesn’t meet the fair wage minimums, negating any of the positive steps taken by the farmers growing their organic cotton.
In the world of rampant greenwashing, make sure you demand that you suppliers show you their GOTS certification to ensure the “organic” product you are getting is in fact, organic. This can be referenced in the GOTS database.