A Quick Guide to GOTS Certification: Why Everyone Should Go Organic?

In the textile industry, it is imperative that the fibres used to make your textiles are sourced sustainably and ethically. There are several certifications for materials that you can go for to ensure the quality and sustainability of your products. One of them is GOTS certification which stands for the authorization of Global Organic Textile Standard.

What is GOTS?

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.

The GOTS certification is fundamental if you sell organic clothing because it ensures that all the processes involved in making your textile are done with a certain standard in mind.

This includes growing and harvesting the plants used to make your fabric, bleaching and dyeing the fibres, manufacturing the material, and even packaging and labelling the final product.

The standard is managed by an international group of stakeholders, including representatives from all areas of the industry: producers, manufacturers, retailers and certifiers.

The aim is to protect consumer health, preserve resources and promote socially responsible practices in all aspects of production.

GOTS certification means that our clothes are safe, sustainable and planet-friendly.

All GOTS certifications are independently audited and traceable to their source.

For these reasons, businesses in the textile industry must understand how certification works and why it’s so important.

Why is GOTS Certification Necessary?

We’ve become so accustomed to synthetic, chemical-based products that we tend to take their safety for granted. We don’t question the fact that they may contain hazardous chemicals but simply trust that they are safe.

Harmful Effects on Human Health

This trust is misguided, however. Hazardous chemicals in consumer products are widespread and a serious health risk. These chemicals can be absorbed by the body when used or ingested and can have lasting effects on human health.

While an essential step in the right direction, the use of organic materials alone is not enough. When using organically produced materials, farmworkers and the environment are protected. When manufactured without using hazardous chemicals, factory workers and the environment are covered, too. When there are no harmful residues in the end-product, consumers are protected as well.

Untold Negative Ecological Impact

The textile manufacturing industry has significant negative impacts on the environment. From the production of raw materials to the final product, each step faces its own set of environmental issues. These issues can be separated into three major categories: water, air and solid waste pollution.

The good news is that many companies are now making safer products without harmful chemicals. They use ingredients derived from plants and minerals rather than from petrochemicals. Some companies even go further by using organic ingredients; that is, ingredients are grown without pesticides and herbicides.

We seek to find the most sustainable solution for every product we create. It’s the commitment from our designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to use materials that are safe for humans, animals and the environment.

Baby clothes are an essential part of a child’s early years and that’s why it’s important to make sure they are made of the safest materials possible. It’s just as crucial for parents to feel reassured that the products they buy for them are safe, healthy and sustainable. This is why baby clothes should be GOTS certified.

Our branded baby rompers are made out of 100% organic cotton. Organic cotton is a specific type of fibre that is grown to meet specific standards.

They contain no chemical additives and are therefore better for the environment. On top of that, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions in babies, who have sensitive skin and may be easily irritated by chemicals used during manufacturing processes such as bleaching or dying.

Sizes are available for 0-24 months old babies. Product code ODM-3916

A baby romper is a piece of comfortable clothing for babies and small children that is all in one piece and covers their whole body.

Synonyms: jumpsuit, bodysuit, onesies, overalls

What Are Earth Friendly Textiles?

Organic Textiles

Organic textiles are grown by farmers who don’t use chemicals or synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in their fields but instead use natural methods to encourage plant growth. All stages of the production chain have to adhere to strict social and environmental criteria to ensure that they are grown in controlled and constantly monitored conditions.

Eco-Friendly Textiles

Eco-friendly textiles are produced in a sustainable manner, with minimal impact on the environment. They are naturally organic without any monitoring or controlled conditions. These fibres are grown in places where you do not need fertilizers or pesticides.

The production of eco-friendly textiles ensures that resources like water and energy are used responsibly and that waste is reduced to a minimum. It also means that production workers have good working conditions and that animal welfare is taken into consideration.

Here are some of the best examples of earth-friendly textiles (organic and eco-friendly).

What is the Standard Material for GOTS-Certified Products?

The standard addresses fibre production, manufacturing, processing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles must contain at least 70 per cent (label grade ‘made with organic’) or a minimum of 95 per cent (label grade ‘organic’) certified organic raw fibres. For the balance of 30 per cent (or 5 per cent), accepted other threads can be used.

How Do Companies Become GOTS-Certified?

The GOTS certification process involves inspection and testing at every stage of production: from pre-production (fibre processing) to spinning, weaving or knitting, dyeing and finishing.

The entire supply chain must meet strict environmental and social criteria as outlined in the GOTS standard. At each step of production, samples are also tested for toxins or banned substances in accordance.

You can learn more here: GOTS Certification and Labelling

Why Should You Go Organic?

Consumers are now more aware than ever of the importance of organic products. Sustainable and socially responsible brands and products are skyrocketing in popularity. As a result, the demand for organic textiles is proliferating.

Manufacturers and companies who want to stay ahead of the curve should aim for GOTS certification not just for establishing their name in the marketplace but also to protect their consumers and our environment.

The GOTS certification is proof that a brand practices what they preach and is committed to ethical and sustainable production.

What is the Role of ODM?

Sustainability is a core value at ODM. As a company that values transparency in everything we do, the ODM Group has always been committed to using sustainable materials and processes as much as possible. We’re proud to be a partner to GOTS-certified manufacturers, who have strict standards for eco-friendly production.

The ODM Group, together with its POS design agency, Mindsparkz, strives to be the world’s most transparent and trusted partner for consumer product design. We’re committed to helping our clients design better products that are made sustainably and responsibly.

We also encourage you to look at our Sustainable Marketing page where we highlight a wide range of eco-friendly merchandise and materials to help power your business in an environmental and socially responsible way.