The GOTS seal of approval is intended to make textiles more sustainable. At NIKIN , we also offer GOTS-certified products in part of our range. But what is behind the Global Organic Textile Standard and how do manufacturers obtain the coveted label?
The abbreviation GOTS refers to the "Global Organic Textile Standard". The aim of its development was to create a framework that would make the working world as sustainable as possible, the working conditions themselves and the impact on the environment and animals as favorable as possible.
How GOTS came about
It all started with a working group that four organizations agreed on in 2008 - the Global Organic Textile Standard International Working Group or IWG. It brings together participants from four countries:
- International association of the natural textile industry from Germany
- Organic Trade Association from the United States
- Soil Association from Great Britain
- Japan Organic Cotton Association
The combined expertise of these participants with regard to the sustainable, ecological and social production of textiles is considerable and forms the basis for the development of the GOTS. As a non-profit organization in the legal form of a limited liability company, the IWG is responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the standards and the associated certifications and licensing with the GOTS seal.
Control is a must for the GOTS label
The "top class" of the seal of approval is the controlled organic cultivation of fibers and other products, but also the controlled organic animal husbandry, abbreviated as kbA or kbT. To qualify for the GOTS seal, at least 70 percent of textiles must come from certified organic production. Products that even reach 95% are only awarded the abbreviations kbA/kbT. This stands for high-quality, sustainable fabrics and garments made from them, but also for compliance with the GOTS requirements along the entire supply chain - which must be correspondingly transparent. Not only the direct manufacturers are affected, but also the partners for transportation and logistics and other participants and users.
GOTS: Which criteria are applied?
The GOTS label covers all stages of the textile value chain - with the exception of products made from leather or fur. The criteria applied include the following areas:
Environment
- chemical additives
- No use of materials such as chrome, nickel, PVC
- Environmental protection program in all partner companies along the value chain
Technical quality
- Requirements for the technology used
- Protection against toxic/harmful substances
- Compliance with limit values for eligible materials/substances
Social compatibility
- Application of the basic standards of the International Labor Organization
What does a product with the GOTS label mean for the consumer?
For the consumer who buys a certified product, GOTS means safety for themselves and their family, protection against imponderable contamination with substances that are harmful to health and the environment - and a clear conscience thanks to the strict requirements for the entire value and supply chain. Manufacturers and sellers of textiles that receive the coveted GOTS seal not only strive to comply with passive exclusion criteria, but must also actively ensure the implementation of requirements for a better living and working situation for their employees and prove to be sustainable in their dealings with the environment. At first glance, this does not make GOTS goods cheap - but if you consider the associated advantages, they are beneficial for everyone involved in the long term.
NIKIN is also GOTS certified
We at NIKIN have also been GOTS-certified since the beginning of 2019 and parts of our product range since the middle of the same year. Around 50% of our cotton items have a GOTS label, and the materials used in other products are also GOTS-certified. We are trying to increase these values and are striving for further certifications. If you are interested in our commitment to sustainability, discovernow our sustainability values, according to which we produce and our complete list of materials and fabrics!
