Important fact to start! Since Ocay is also GOTS certified! What is behind the certification and what it means for the clothing, you will learn in this article.

General
Behind the GOTS seal is the Global Standard GmbH, founded in 2002. GOTS stands for “Global Organic Textile Standard” and is one of the best-known sustainability seals worldwide, along with the Fair Wear Foundation, Blue Angel and Fairtrade. The bottom line is that all certificates contribute to
making the fashion world a little “slower” and “fairer”. The goal is a globally uniform, controllable, social and ecological standard that covers the entire production chain of textiles.

The special thing about GOTS is the regular revision and adaptation of its own standards – meanwhile
already in the 6th version. Here, above all, the experiences of international steakholders from the
fields of textile processing, textile chemistry, agriculture and NGOs are incorporated.

GOTS and raw materials
If you see the GOTS seal on your clothing, you can be sure that the garment was made from at least
70% organically grown raw fibers. With the small addition “organic” it must even be at least 95%. But
what does that mean exactly?

Organically grown raw fibers are:
– Natural fibers
– Without the use of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides
– Organically grown to preserve the health of ecosystems, soils and people.

GOTS and processing
The selection of raw materials are a first step towards sustainable fashion, but they are not enough.
Therefore, the GOTS seal also checks the processing of raw materials. Only selected and approved chemicals may be used, in order to protect above all the workers* and the environment. There are also strict requirements for water and energy consumption, as well as for wastewater treatment.

To protect employees, the principles of the International Labor Organization (ILO) must be observed.
These include:
– Safe working conditions
– No discrimination
– No child labor

GOTS and controls
In order to maintain the high standards, regular inspections are carried out. Independent certifiers
check every company involved in textile production, from production to processing to wholesale.
Only then does your garment receive the GOTS seal. The certified companies are listed in a database
for the public – I have linked it here.

Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is getting more and more attention and has also arrived at the global players of the textile and fashion industry. But there is a fine line between “real” eco-fair fashion and pure greed for profit – “greenwashing” is on everyone’s lips…

That’s why sustainability seals like GOTS are enormously important. They help us to trace the entire
production process of our clothing. Only in this way can we be sure that we are making the fashion
industry a bit more sustainable with the purchase of our clothing and creating fair circumstances for
all involved.