Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
General Information and links to standards and resources for fiber certification.
Fiber Program Overview
The OTCO fiber program certifies to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is dedicated specifically for Fiber & Textile Handling and production. GOTS is a project of the International Working Group, who developed these consensus-based standards over many years of discussion and deliberation. The aim of the standard is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. The standards work to expand the potential organic supply chain and further developing global organic fiber and textile infrastructure.
Each phase of organic fiber and textile production will require certification, in a system similar to the current organic food and feed organic certification process under the National Organic Program (NOP). The process of textile manufacturing goes through many diverse phases, often in different facilities, before it reaches its terminal industrial or consumer product. Consequently, all phases of production require evaluation by an organic certifier for trace ability and compliance with organic standards.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the new tool for an international common understanding of environmental friendly production systems and social accountability in the organic textile sector.
| Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) |
pdf |
| Manual for Implementation of GOTS |
pdf |
| GOTS Labeling Guide |
pdf |
| GOTS Application Form |
doc |
| OTCO Fiber and Textile Brochure |
pdf |
| Notice from IWG regarding use of GOTS logo and certification (9.23.09) |
pdf |
Links and Resources specific to Fiber and Textiles
| International Working Group |
The website for the Global Organic Standards Implementation and accreditation |
| Untangling Organic Textile Certification |
A very informative article from the September / October edition of our newsletter, In Good Tilth, this article highlights the pros and cons of GOTS, and provides a summary of requirements for certification. |
| The Organic Exchange |
The Organic Exchange brings together brands and retailers with their
business partners and key stakeholders to learn more about the social
and environmental benefits of organic agriculture, and to develop new
business models and tools that support greater use of organic inputs
such as organic cotton. |
| Organic Trade Association |
OTA plays an integral role in development and promotion of organic fiber and textiles in the USA. Get involved in their task forces and member forums . |
