What exactly is GOTS certification?

All Quat'rues clothing is made from 100% organically grown cotton. They carry the GOTS label, a reference standard for the organic and sustainable textile industry.
But what exactly does this label certify? Here are a few explanations.

Definition

The GOTS certification, or Global Organic Textile Standard, is an international certification applied to organic textiles: clothing, hygiene products, household linen, bedding, furnishing fabrics, etc. It is a benchmark standard that guarantees that products are made from organic fibres while complying with strict social and environmental criteria. Checks are carried out by independent bodies.
Developed in the early 2000s by international organisations, GOTS is based on environmental and social standards throughout the production chain and aims to provide a complete guarantee of the organic textile manufacturing process. Strict specifications are applied from fibre production through to final processing, including manufacturing and packaging.

Organic farming and limited environmental impact

GOTS certification is only for natural fibres such as linen, wool, hemp or cotton (the latter being the only material used by Quat'rues).
This certification guarantees that the textile fibres come from organic farming that complies with precise environmental standards. These fibres must be grown without chemicals or pesticides, and GMOs must not be used, in order to preserve biodiversity and the soil.

The ban on the use of chemical pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, aromatic solvents, plastisol inks, phthalates, PVC, etc.) throughout the manufacturing process is a key aspect of GOTS certification.
These products not only have a harmful impact on the environment, but also on humans (allergens, endocrine disruptors, carcinogenic substances).

In addition, the standards impose criteria for the responsible use of resources (limiting water and energy consumption, restricting waste water disposal) and waste management (limiting waste production, imposing recyclable packaging).
All the players in the production chain must comply with the specifications before a textile can be certified, and every stage of processing is involved: spinning, weaving, washing, colouring, dyeing and screen printing.

A GOTS-labelled fabric follows a sustainable and respectful manufacturing process, using natural raw materials from organic farming and grown without products that are harmful to human health or the environment.

Social and sustainability criteria

In addition to environmental requirements, GOTS certification also focuses on dignified working conditions for employees in textile supply chains.
As well as banning the exposure of workers to harmful chemicals, the certification ensures ethical working conditions, including a ban on child labour, social minimums for wages, controlled working hours, labour agreements, compliance with health and safety standards, and the absence of discrimination.

Finally, in addition to these environmental and human criteria, there are quality and sustainability criteria. The quality of the finished product is also taken into account, and tests of resistance - to rubbing, perspiration, washing and drying, exposure to light, colours - are also part of the GOTS certification process.

A cleaner, more ethical and sustainable textile industry

GOTS certification represents a major step forward in the textile industry, combining respect for the environment, social responsibility and product quality. It is one of the most internationally recognised and respected certifications.
It is a guarantee of transparency and quality for consumers concerned about the impact of their purchases, making it easier to choose sustainable and ethical products that respect the environment and are socially responsible.