Is Your “Organic” Labeled Dress Really Organic?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile-processing standard for organic fibers. The standard’s aim is to define worldwide requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles.

A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade “organic” must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers, while products with the label grade “made with organic” must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers.

Organic fiber products must be separated from conventional fiber products to be clearly identified and all chemical inputs must be evaluated. Inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes are prohibited.

Wet processing units must keep full records of the use of chemicals, energy, water consumption, and waste-water treatment, including the disposal of sludge. Packaging material must not contain PVC. There must be a certification of the entire textile supply chain including fiber producers and operators from post-harvest handling up to garment making. There are stringent limit values for unwanted residues.

Social criteria based on the key norms of the International Labor Organization must be met by all processors and manufacturers.

Traders have to undergo an onsite annual inspection cycle and must hold a valid GOTS scope certificate. Certifiers of processors, manufacturers, and traders must be internationally accredited. Only textiles produced and certified according to the provisions of the standard can carry the GOTS label.