What does GOTS-certified natural cotton mean?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international standard used for certifying natural fibers and includes ecological and social criteria. It consists of an independent certification system for the entire textile production chain.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

• Ban on the use of toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nanoparticles, GMOs and other enzymes.
• Ban on the use of chlorine-based bleaches.
• Ban on the use of azo dyes.
• Natural materials must be separated from conventional fiber products throughout the production process.
• All operators must comply with an environmental protection policy with specific objectives and procedures aimed at minimizing consumption and discharges.
• Wastewater from all wet processing units must be treated by a functional water treatment plant.

PRODUCTS TOXIC FOR HUMANS

Raw materials, semi-finished products and final textile products must not contain any type of toxic or harmful substances.

MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR SOCIAL COMMITMENT

All producers and those involved in the processing stages must meet minimum social requirements, as set out in the fundamental standards of the International Labour Organization.

• The work is chosen freely.
• Safe and hygienic working conditions.
• No exploitation of child labor.
• Adequate wages to ensure decent living conditions.
• Not excessive working hours.
• No discrimination.
• Regular forms of employment.
• No hostile or inhumane treatment.

GOTS-certified companies are inspected annually, in addition to undergoing spontaneous audits. This is why GOTS meets the strictest criteria for natural fibers.

We're not talking about luxury; natural cotton should be the norm. Unfortunately, this isn't the case, as cotton fields are sprayed with $2.6 billion worth of pesticides every year. These substances are harmful to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Many of these pesticides on the market, including a wide range of organophosphates and carbamates, are used on cotton fields (Source: Pesticide Action Network).