How can you align your textile sourcing with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

If you are a fashion designer who cares about the environmental and social impacts of your textile sourcing, you might want to consider aligning your practices with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is a voluntary certification that covers the entire textile supply chain, from farming to processing to manufacturing, and ensures that the fabrics you use are organic, safe, and ethical. In this article, you will learn what GOTS is, why it matters, and how you can source GOTS-certified textiles for your fashion projects.

1 What is GOTS?

GOTS is a certification system that verifies that textiles are made from at least 70% organic fibers, and that they meet strict criteria for environmental and social responsibility. GOTS covers all stages of the textile production, from the cultivation of the raw materials to the dyeing, printing, finishing, and labeling of the final products. GOTS also prohibits the use of harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, and azo dyes, and requires that wastewater is treated before discharge. Additionally, GOTS ensures that workers are treated fairly, with respect for their rights, health, and safety.

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2 Why does GOTS matter?

GOTS matters because it helps you to make informed choices about the textiles you use for your fashion design projects, and to communicate your values to your customers and stakeholders. By sourcing GOTS-certified textiles, you are supporting organic farming, which reduces the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and water, and preserves the soil quality and biodiversity. You are also reducing the environmental impact of textile processing, which can generate toxic emissions, waste, and pollution. Moreover, you are contributing to the social welfare of the workers involved in the textile supply chain, who often face low wages, long hours, and unsafe conditions.

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3 How can you source GOTS-certified textiles?

Sourcing GOTS-certified textiles can be easier than you think, as there are many suppliers and manufacturers who offer a wide range of fabrics and products that comply with the standard. You can find them online, by searching for GOTS-certified textile directories, or by visiting trade fairs and exhibitions that showcase organic and sustainable textiles. You can also contact GOTS directly, and ask for their assistance in finding suitable partners for your needs. When you source GOTS-certified textiles, you should always check the labels and certificates, and verify that they are valid and authentic.

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4 What are the benefits of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

Sourcing GOTS-certified textiles can bring many benefits to fashion design projects and brands, such as creating high-quality and durable products that are comfortable, breathable, and skin-friendly. It can also help differentiate from competitors and attract customers who value organic and ethical fashion. Moreover, it can improve reputation and credibility, demonstrating commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Additionally, it can reduce environmental footprint and comply with regulations and standards applicable to the market.

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Muhammad Abdullah

Project Manager- Pakistan at LRQA: |Sustainability||ESG||Supply Chain & Digital Traceability||due diligence||
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there are many benefits of sourcing the GOTS certified textiles like 1-Social responsibility, it promotes the labor practices and all decent work issues in field. 2-Transparency: focus on transparent and traceability of supply chain 3-Reduce Environmental impact: it promote the best practices like less water, less chemicals and less amount of energy 4-Consumer satisfaction: it gives satisfaction about sustainable and Eco-friendly products. 5-Market demand: more demand due to implementation of best practices with higher monitory benefits 6-OHS : health and safety issues also catered while producing GOTS certified textiles like chemical exposure, hazardous work while all production stages. 7-Quality standards: quality standards maintained

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5 What are the challenges of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

Sourcing GOTS-certified textiles can present some challenges, especially for those new to the concept or with limited resources. For instance, you may have to pay higher prices due to additional costs and efforts required for production and certification. Additionally, you may need to adjust your design process and timeline, as GOTS-certified textiles may have less availability and variety than conventional textiles. Moreover, you must educate yourself and your team about the requirements and specifications of GOTS, and ensure that they are followed throughout your production and distribution. Lastly, it is important to communicate clearly and transparently with customers and stakeholders in order to explain the value of GOTS-certified textiles.

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Muhammad Abdullah

Project Manager- Pakistan at LRQA: |Sustainability||ESG||Supply Chain & Digital Traceability||due diligence||
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Challenges of sourcing GOTS certified textiles 1-Higher Costs: organic textiles production often have more more labor intensive and sustainable practices that covers high cost. 2-contamination issues: in conventional cotton and organic cotton fields, a contamination can be accrued because of high demand of pesticides in conventional cotton 3-Capacity building and awareness: organic textiles needs more awareness and capacity building session for all key supply chain actors in each phase Availability: availability of GOTS textiles have limited availability due to strict standards parameters that is also leading to higher cost of textiles products. cultivation area is also very less as compared to conventional textiles.

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6 How can you overcome the challenges of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

Sourcing GOTS-certified textiles can be rewarding and worthwhile, if you are willing to overcome the challenges and embrace the opportunities. To succeed, it is essential to plan ahead and budget accordingly, taking into account the long-term benefits of investing in GOTS-certified textiles. Additionally, you should research and network with reliable and reputable suppliers and manufacturers, striving to establish long-term relationships with them. Moreover, be creative and flexible when exploring the possibilities of GOTS-certified textiles for your fashion design projects. Finally, educate and engage your customers and stakeholders, informing them of the story and impact of your GOTS-certified textiles.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Muhammad Abdullah

Project Manager- Pakistan at LRQA: |Sustainability||ESG||Supply Chain & Digital Traceability||due diligence||
Report contribution
many brands are working to produce organic textile to gain more business reputation and to minimize business risk. organic textiles are getting more demands and customer attention because of sustainability and customer trust level.

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How can you align your textile sourcing with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

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1 What is GOTS?

2 Why does GOTS matter?

3 How can you source GOTS-certified textiles?

4 What are the benefits of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

5 What are the challenges of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

6 How can you overcome the challenges of sourcing GOTS-certified textiles?

7 Here’s what else to consider

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