Diving into the GOTS 7.0

 If I say certifications, I’ll bet that GOTS will pop into your mind as one of the first things – if not the first thing – and that is not strange at all. And in March 2024 GOTS 7.0 was released, making GOTS even more ambitious ..

GOTS, short for Global Organic Textile Standard, may be the most well-known of all certifications worldwide.

What is GOTS? 

GOTS is a textile processing standard for organic fibers backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. 

The standard has both strict ecological and social criteria that all steps within the processing, manufacturing and trading stage must comply with in order to claim the certification and its logo. 

In 2005, the first GOTS standard became a reality, and an updated version has been presented every third year ever since. 

 

GOTS 7.0 and its requirements

The GOTS 7.0 version, which was released in March 2023, became effective on 1 March 2024. 

Let’s have a look at some of the most particular updates seen from a brand-perspective: 

  • Implementation of a Due Diligence Procedure based on the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the OECD guidelines.

  • Implementation of Environmental and Chemical Management Policy. 

  • Revision of social criteria to include a broader human rights-focused approach including e.g. topics such as the living wage and equality in management.

  • Implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS). 

  • Stricter criteria for material and fiber content, e.g. prohibition of PFAS and Quinoline and reduction of the permitted quantity of recycled synthetic fibers.

  • Stricter requirements for applied GOTS signs and care labels. 

  • Extended requirements on packaging, e.g. prohibition of PVC in plastic packaging, and paper and cardboards must be made of either recycled content, FSC- or PEFC-certified content or similar to that. 

Keep track on the GOTS-requirements

If the GOTS standard is new to you, or if you just need to catch up on the requirements, you can read the GOTS 7.0 version right here. 

For some, the GOTS standard is tough reading, and becoming GOTS certified requires a lot of time and resources.

Luckily, the help is near.  

Reach out to us to hear how we can help you keep track on the requirements, get you through the certification or assist you in the work towards becoming GOTS-certified. 

ESG, Materials, SustainabilityANNE KATRINE BLIRUPGOTS