Product label: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is a global standard for natural textiles.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed by leading standard setters to define globally recognized requirements for organic textiles. From the harvesting of raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible production and labeling, GOTS-certified textiles offer credible safety for consumers.
Award criteria for the GOTS product label
- The certified textiles are made from organic fibers.
- Ecological and social standards must be observed in textile production.
- All processing stages are included
- Certification is carried out by independent certification companies.
You can find more detailed information on the individual points here on the GOTS website.
GOTS: Certification body
The GOTS certification body is an independent organization that monitors compliance with the GOTS guidelines worldwide. You can view the official list of accredited certification bodies on the GOTS website to find the one closest to you. Click here to go directly to the certification bodies.
Costs for the GOTS label
The costs for certification depend on the number of company locations, the size and type of company and the product range that is to be processed or traded within the scope of certification. As a rough estimate, companies with one business location can expect annual certification costs of between 1,200 and 3,000 euros. The approved certification bodies are happy to inform companies about which company data is required for an individual cost estimate.
Additional costs: In addition to the certification fee that the companies pay to the certification body, the following additional costs are incurred: Each certified company pays a license fee per calendar year.
This amounts to 150 euros for each operating site. The license fee must be paid to the approved certification company, which forwards the fees to GOTS and verifies receipt of payment.
The GOTS label is suitable for the following product groups:
- Fiber products
- Yarns
- Fabrics
- Clothing
- Home textiles
- Mattresses
- Body care products
- Textiles with food contact (e.g. cheesecloth)
Is the GOTS label mandatory?
The “GOTS” (Global Organic Textile Standard) label is not legally binding, but a voluntary certification for textiles that must fulfill certain ecological and social criteria. It is used to label products made from organically produced natural fibers and to ensure that they have been produced in an environmentally friendly manner and under fair working conditions along the entire supply chain.
Recognition of the GOTS label for certification systems
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label is recognized by various certification systems and organizations.
Here are some examples:
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DGNB: The DGNB recognizes GOTS and promotes the use of GOTS-certified textiles in sustainable building projects.
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LEED: LEED is a widely used certification system for environmentally friendly construction that can include the use of GOTS-certified textiles in its criteria.
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BREEAM: BREEAM also recognizes GOTS as a sustainability standard for textiles and allows points to be awarded in corresponding categories.