Summary
Details
- Global
GOTS certification can be applied by all companies involved in the textile supply chain, including farms, processors, manufacturers, traders, and brands, provided they handle certified organic fibres and comply with the standard’s requirements.
Deep dive
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Overview
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is widely recognised as the leading certification for organic textiles worldwide. It was developed by international organisations in the organic sector to establish consistent requirements for environmentally and socially responsible textile production.
The standard applies across the full lifecycle of textile products—from fibre production to finished goods—and requires third-party certification of all processing stages.
To qualify, products must contain a minimum percentage of certified organic fibres (typically at least 70%), ensuring that the organic claim applies to the full product rather than just individual components.
Methodology and Verification
GOTS combines practice-based environmental requirements with full supply chain certification. All entities involved in processing and trading certified textiles must comply with the standard, ensuring consistency from fibre to finished product.
GOTS places strong emphasis on reducing environmental impacts at each stage of the textile value chain, particularly in raw material production and processing. In manufacturing, GOTS requires environmental management systems, including wastewater treatment and measures to reduce energy and resource use. Facilities must monitor and manage their environmental footprint, particularly regarding water pollution and processing impacts.
Certification is carried out by independent third-party bodies through on-site inspections, documentation review, and ongoing audits.
Current Status
GOTS is widely adopted across global textile supply chains and is considered the benchmark certification for organic textiles. The standard continues to evolve, with recent updates (e.g. Version 8.0 released in 2026) strengthening supply chain accountability and environmental requirements. Its broad recognition across major markets makes it a key tool for brands and manufacturers seeking to demonstrate verified environmental performance in textile production.
Resources
GOTS standard and criteria: https://global-standard.org/the-standard
Certification guidance: https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling
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