Why is GOTS certification a true guarantee of safety?
The GOTS certification is 20 years old! During this time, consumer and manufacturer awareness regarding the environmental and social costs of textile production has grown significantly. While many changes have been introduced to improve workers' living conditions and minimize environmental damage, it is still not enough. Companies continue to strip workers of their dignity, generate massive amounts of waste, and have a destructive impact on the environment surrounding their factories—and, by extension, on the people living nearby. The operations of the ultra-fast-fashion retailer Temu serve as an example of these appalling practices. Popular clothing chains—such as Zara (owned by Inditex S.A.) and the brands within the H&M Group—have been compelled to adopt eco-friendly and socially responsible measures, yet they still overproduce and lack sufficient transparency. Moreover, even luxury brands—which charge high prices that could easily cover the costs of sustainable production—often prioritize profit maximization and frequently manufacture their goods in a highly irresponsible manner.
In our view, true luxury means high quality and safety, not just a famous logo. In this article, we aim to explain what the GOTS certification is, how the certification process look like, and why it is worth looking for such certifications when buying clothes or blankets. If you would like to learn more about this modern definition of luxury, we invite you to read our previous post: Quiet Luxury in Practice.
What is the GOTS certificate, and how does the certification process look like?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a globally recognized standard confirming the organic nature—meaning a natural, plant-based, or animal-based composition—of textile products, as well as a sustainable production method that ensures worker safety and fair wages, minimizes waste, and promotes energy efficiency.
To obtain or renew GOTS certification, an applicant company must undergo an annual audit conducted by Control Union, a GOTS-affiliated inspection body. When the entire production process is to be certified—as is the case with Martello Sp. z o.o.—every stage of production undergoes detailed analysis. This includes verifying the composition of all materials and substances used (such as dyes, oils, and machine lubricants) and checking for FSC certification on cardboard packaging (indicating that all paper-based packaging is made from responsibly sourced paper). Additionally, workplace contamination tests are conducted, and the production facility’s energy and water management systems are analyzed. Only 38 companies in Poland hold this certificate—and Martello is one of them! You can find our certificate number in the About Us section.
How can you identify GOTS-certified products?
Most commonly, you will encounter products made from GOTS-certified fabric. If a product is labeled as being made from GOTS-certified materials, it means it contains natural fibers and that no harmful substances were used in the production of the fabric or knitwear. Choosing such products is a wise decision, as the risk of contamination with harmful substances is highest at this stage of production. However, an even better choice is to purchase textiles that are manufactured in compliance with the standard throughout the entire process—meaning that the highest quality requirements are met during sewing, washing, and packaging as well, ensuring the final product is 99% safe for your health. If a product bears the GOTS logo, it indicates that it is certified regarding both its composition and the entire manufacturing process. Unfortunately, some manufacturers may incorrectly label their products as GOTS-certified. To verify the validity of such a claim, you should ask for the certificate number or the manufacturer's name and look it up in the GOTS database.
Is GOTS certification necessary given that EU safety standards are in place?
While goods sold in the EU must meet safety standards to be approved for sale, the measures currently taken do not sufficiently mitigate the risk of adverse health effects. There have been instances where products were approved for sale but subsequently recalled after carcinogenic substances were detected in them (Salerno-Kochan, Kowalski, 2020). Unfortunately, more rigorous inspections—such as those conducted by Control Union—are not the industry norm. They are also costly and require extensive documentation, which can deter businesses engaged in sustainable production from seeking certification if they lack the financial resources or time to undergo a GOTS audit. In our view, safety is paramount, especially for children's products; therefore, all our blankets, throws, and garments are manufactured in compliance with GOTS requirements, and all our cotton products are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
References:
https://global-standards.org/suppliers/certified-suppliers?page=1
http://gots.pl/certyfikat-gots/
Salerno-Kochan, R, Kowalski, M. (2020). Safety Management of Textile Products in the European Union and Estimation of its Efficiency. Part 2. FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 3(141), s. 12-17. https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles/233332.pdf