GOTS Certified
The Official Standard
All chemical inputs used during wet processing must meet certain criteria regarding toxicity and biodegradability.
The entire textile production must meet specified requirements for organic fibres, including ecological and social requirements.
On-site inspections are required at all levels of the supply chain.
What This Really Means
The **Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)** is the worldwide leading standard for processing organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. When you buy a product with the GOTS label, you can be certain it is made from fiber certified to an organic raw material standard such as USDA Organic for cotton.
GOTS is critically important for products like organic cotton pads, towels, and textile-based skincare tools because it closes a common loophole: a fabric can be grown organically but then processed using highly toxic dyes and chemical finishing agents. GOTS covers the entire downstream processing chain—from the farm to the finished garment—ensuring that organic fiber isn't contaminated during spinning, dyeing, or sewing.
The standard sets strict limits on allowed chemical inputs during wet processing and explicitly prohibits many hazardous substances, including azo dyes, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Beyond environmental criteria, GOTS also incorporates meaningful social criteria aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, covering safe working conditions, prohibition of child labor, and fair wages.
GOTS certification is issued only after an on-site inspection by an approved independent certification body, verifying compliance at every stage of production. This makes the GOTS label one of the most trustworthy and comprehensive textile certifications in the world.
Checklist for Verification
- ✓ A minimum of 70% certified organic fibers in the product.
- ✓ Strict limits on the use of synthetic chemicals in processing.
- ✓ Prohibition of hazardous substances including GMOs, heavy metals, formaldehyde.
- ✓ Social criteria including safe working conditions and fair wages.