Prevent Greenwashing with GOTS
- Shraddha Srivastava
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Summary:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the gold standard for truly organic, ethical, and eco-friendly textiles. It ensures at least 70–95% organic fibers, safe processing, fair labor, and low environmental impact. For fashion brands, GOTS certification builds trust, prevents greenwashing, and opens doors to eco-conscious markets worldwide.
Introduction: Why Your “Organic” T-Shirt Might Not Be Truly Organic
You stock a new collection, see “organic” proudly printed on the tags, and feel confident you’re offering customers something better for the planet. But here’s the catch, without strict standards, that “organic” label can be misleading. Some garments have only a small percentage of organic fiber, yet still market themselves as eco-friendly.
This is where GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) changes the game. Known as the gold standard in organic textiles, GOTS is trusted worldwide to ensure that fabrics are genuinely organic, processed safely, and made under ethical conditions, from the cotton field to the final stitch.
For fashion retailers, understanding and adopting GOTS-certified products isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about building trust, protecting your brand reputation, and meeting the growing demand for truly responsible fashion. In this blog, we’ll explore what GOTS is, why it matters for your business, and how it’s shaping the future of sustainable apparel retail.
What is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard is an internationally recognized certification that sets strict rules for how organic textiles are made. It covers:
Organic content – At least 70% certified organic fibers (or 95% for “organic” grade).
Chemical restrictions – No harmful dyes, bleaches, or toxic chemicals.
Social standards – Fair wages, safe working conditions, and no child labor.
Environmental protection – Sustainable water use, wastewater treatment, and reduced carbon footprint.
GOTS isn’t just about growing organic cotton, it ensures every step in the supply chain meets eco-friendly and ethical standards.
Why GOTS Matters in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. Here are some eye-opening facts:
20% of global wastewater comes from textile dyeing and treatment (UNEP, 2023).
Cotton farming alone uses 16% of the world’s pesticides, even though it’s grown on just 2.5% of agricultural land.
Over 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated each year.
GOTS helps tackle these problems by:
Reducing chemical pollution.
Encouraging sustainable farming practices.
Ensuring ethical treatment of workers.
It’s not just a label, it’s a promise.
The Key GOTS Requirements
GOTS certification is strict and covers every stage of production. Here’s what it demands:
A. Raw Material Stage
B. Processing Stage
No toxic heavy metals in dyes.
No azo dyes that release carcinogens.
Biodegradable or low-impact dyes preferred.
C. Manufacturing Stage
Wastewater must be treated before release.
Energy use should be monitored and reduced.
D. Social Responsibility
No child or forced labor (based on ILO conventions).
Safe, hygienic working environments.
Fair wages and legal working hours.
E. Final Product Labeling
“Organic” label = 95%+ organic fiber.
“Made with organic” label = 70–94% organic fiber.
GOTS vs. Other Textile Certifications
You might have seen other labels like OEKO-TEX, Fairtrade, or BCI (Better Cotton Initiative). Here’s how GOTS stands out:
Certification | Focus Area | Organic Requirement | Social Standards |
GOTS | Organic + Social + Environmental | 70–95% organic fibers | Yes |
OEKO-TEX | Chemical Safety | No minimum | No |
Fairtrade | Fair Wages + Community Support | Not always organic | Yes |
BCI | Better farming practices | Not always organic | No |
Why GOTS wins: It’s the most comprehensive, covering environment, social responsibility, and organic content all in one.
Why Brands Choose GOTS Certification
For brands, GOTS certification builds trust. In an era when 67% of global consumers say they want sustainable products (IBM Research, 2023), having GOTS on your label makes a strong statement.
GOTS-certified garments allow brands to:
Access eco-conscious markets.
Build a premium brand image.
Meet international export requirements.
Reduce environmental impact.
The Cost of Ignoring Standards
Without certifications like GOTS, brands risk:
Greenwashing accusations – damaging trust.
Export restrictions in certain countries.
Loss of market share to sustainable competitors.
In short, not having GOTS is becoming a bigger risk than the cost of getting certified.
Steps to Get GOTS Certification
If you’re a fashion brand or manufacturer, here’s how the process works:
Choose certified suppliers for organic fibers.
Comply with processing standards (no toxic chemicals, safe wastewater treatment).
Meet social criteria (fair wages, safe work).
Apply through an approved certifying body (like Control Union or ECOCERT).
Annual inspection to maintain certification.
Your Trusted Clothing Manufacturer in India with GOTS
At NoName, we’re not just another clothing manufacturer in India; we’re a sustainability-driven partner. We offer GOTS-certified fabrics, ensuring that every garment we produce meets the strictest organic, environmental, and ethical standards.
If you’re aiming to launch a sustainable fashion line, we provide:
Small order flexibility with our Flexi MOQ.
Expertise in eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
Transparent production and ethical labor practices.
End-to-end support from sampling to shipping.
Our mission? To help brands create fashion that’s good for the planet, the people, and your business.
Conclusion: The Future is Certified Organic
The Global Organic Textile Standard is more than a label, it’s a seal of trust for brands and consumers alike. In a time when fast fashion is under fire for pollution and exploitation, GOTS offers a way forward, proof that style, ethics, and sustainability can go hand in hand.
At NoName, we’re proud to offer GOTS-certified fabrics and clothing from India, ensuring every product we make supports a cleaner, fairer fashion industry.
Ready to launch your sustainable clothing line?
With NoName, the garment manufacturer in India trusted by eco-conscious brands worldwide. Let’s create fashion that’s as good for the planet as it is for your customers
Contact us today to start your GOTS-certified journey!
WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508
Email: hello@nonameglobal.com
Website: www.nonameglobal.com
Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet
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