The abbreviation GOTS stands for "Global Organic Textile Standard." The goal of its development was to create a framework that would make the world of work, working conditions themselves, and the impact on the environment and animals as sustainable as possible.
This is how GOTS was created
It all began with a working group agreed upon by four organizations 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
Combined, the expertise of these participants regarding sustainable, ecological, and socially responsible textile production is considerable and forms the basis for the development of the GOTS. As a non-profit organization with the legal form of a limited liability company (GmbH), the IWG is responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the standards and the associated certifications and licensing with the GOTS seal.
Control is essential for the GOTS label
The "premier class" of the quality seal is the controlled organic cultivation of fibers and other products, as well as controlled organic animal husbandry, abbreviated as kbA or kbT. To qualify for the GOTS seal, textiles must be at least 70 percent certified organic. Products that even reach 95 percent are only awarded the abbreviations kbA/kbT. This stands for high-quality, sustainable fabrics and the garments made from them, but also for compliance with GOTS standards along the entire supply chain – and this must be transparent. This affects not only the direct manufacturers, but also the transport and logistics partners and other participants and users.
GOTS: What criteria are applied?
The GOTS label encompasses all stages of the textile value chain—except for leather or fur products. The criteria include the following areas:
Environment
- chemical additives
- No 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 materials/substances in question
Social compatibility
- Application of the basic principles of the International Labour Organization
What does a product with the GOTS label mean for the consumer?
For consumers who purchase a certified product, GOTS means safety for themselves and their families, protection from unforeseeable contamination with substances harmful to health and the environment – and a clear conscience thanks to the strict requirements for the entire value chain 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 actively implement requirements for a better living and working situation for their employees and demonstrate sustainable environmental practices. This doesn't make GOTS products cheap at first glance – but when you consider the associated benefits, they are beneficial for everyone involved in the long run.
NIKIN is also GOTS certified
We at NIKIN have also been GOTS certified since the beginning of 2019, and parts of our product range have been since the middle of the same year. Approximately 50% of our cotton items have a GOTS label, and the materials for other products are also GOTS-certified. We are striving to improve these values and are pursuing further certifications. If you are interested in our commitment to sustainability, discover our sustainability values, which we adhere to in our production processes, and our complete list of materials and fabrics !
