This blog series looks at various quality labels and tries to give you an understanding of what each label actually says.
In this way, we want to help you distinguish between reputable quality labels and simply invented labels. Because the fact is that many companies bluntly conjure up fictitious seals out of a hat. This is intended to make consumers believe that the labeled product is a sustainable product. Such false seals often imitate the symbols and design language of reputable quality seals and thus advertise a green product, although in reality there are no serious quality standards behind them.
This week we take a closer look at the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) quality label.
Philosophy behind the Global Organic Textile Standard
The vision of the non-profit organization GOTS is to contribute to a future in which organic textiles become an essential part of everyday life, for the benefit of nature and people.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognized standard that regulates the production of textiles from organically produced natural fibres.
The philosophy of the GOTS is based on several fundamental principles. Firstly, it strives for environmental compatibility along the entire production chain. This means that no harmful chemicals may be used in the production of organic fibres in order to minimize the environmental impact. Furthermore, the GOTS attaches great importance to social responsibility. This includes fair working conditions and wages, the prohibition of child and forced labor as well as compliance with labor rights and protection for all workers involved in the supply chain. Quality assurance is another key element of the standard. Products that comply with the GOTS guidelines must meet strict quality standards, both in terms of the raw materials used and the manufacturing process. Finally, the GOTS emphasizes transparency and labeling. Products that meet the standard must be clearly labeled to allow consumers to make conscious and informed choices. Overall, the GOTS aims to promote a sustainable textile industry that is both environmentally friendly and socially just, thus minimizing the industry’s negative impact on the environment and society.
Key criteria
GOTS certification is characterized by four distinctive features.
- The certified textiles are made from organically produced fibers
- Both ecological and social standards must be met during textile production
- The certification covers all processing stages
- Independent certification companies carry out the certification
Assessment of the Greenpeace Quality Seal Check
In the available Greenpeace test report, the results of the review of various quality marks were published with regard to their trustworthiness.
The GOTS label was rated by Greenpeace as trustworthy (grade 2) on a scale of 1 to 5 (1= very trustworthy, 5= absolutely not trustworthy).
To read the exact results, just click HERE to go directly to the Greenpeace page. Here you can download the quality label guide for clothing and read more details for yourself.
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