What does GOTS Certified Mean?

Many of the children's clothing brands that we carry are GOTS Certified, but if you are anything like me you hear or see that and think 'well, that sounds good but what on earth does it mean???

Ever see the logo below and wonder what on earth it means? 

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard and it is an internationally recognized certification (read more about it here - disclosure, their website is fairly terrible). The certification can apply to either products or to the entire company, or to both.

Companies seeking this certification have to meet a number of different requirements for criteria covering “production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, exportation, importation and distribution of all natural fibre products.”

I found this great summary over at Crafting a Green World and have included it below.

• The material must be at least 95% organic, as certified by “recognized international or national standards.” If the material is 70% organic, it can be labeled as “made with organic.”
• The material needs to be processed separately from conventionally-grown fiber.
• Inputs like dyes and oils need to be biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals like phthalates, PVC, synthetic sizing agents, and chlorine bleach, and they must keep full records of any chemical inputs to their manufacturing process.
• The fiber cannot come from a genetically modified organism.
• Facilities must maintain minimum fair labor practices from the International Labor Organization.
• Farmers and producers need to be certified, and those certifiers have to be accredited GOTS or hold an internationally recognized accreditation.
• Fabric and products must meet high standards for residue testing.

Notice that there's an intersection between the organic materials, sustainable production (clean water, etc.), and fair labour practices. 

Are you looking for some brands where both the clothes AND the company are GOTS Certified? Check out DUNS Sweden and Maxomorra!

What's important to you when you think about clothing manufacturing and best practices?