the GOTS label
The Twenty Five Tee Shirts are all produced under the GOTS label.
GOTS for Global Organic Textile Standard, is a label that certifies not only dignified working conditions but also respect for the environment and certifies a product that does not affect the health of those who wear them.
Label identity card
| Certification body | 19 accredited independent organisations* |
| Control organism | 19 accredited independent organisations* |
| Frequency of checks | once a year |
| Paid certification | Yes |
Environmental requirements
Presence of certified organic fibers between 70% and 95%
To obtain the “organic” GOTS label, textile products must incorporate at least 95% certified organic fibres. Do not confuse with the label “composed of organic fibres” which certifies a product which contains at least 70% of certified organic fibres.
Prohibition of chemicals toxic to the environment
The following compounds are prohibited:
- Toxic heavy metals
- Formaldehyde
- Aromatic solvents
- Functional nanoparticles
- Plastisol
- Phthalates
- PVC
- Chlorine bleaches
These products are used in particular for coloring, bleaching, printing and for certain processing methods such as sizing (introduction of oil into the wool to facilitate combing after drying) or even during weaving.
These compounds are extremely polluting and can end up in water and soil, disrupting ecosystems due to their toxic and non-degradable characteristics.
For all the other compounds, they are analyzed and evaluated and must meet the basic requirements with regard to their toxicity, their biodegradability and their elimination.
GMO ban
The use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms), such as modified cotton and their enzymes, is strictly prohibited.
Waste minimization
Each operator must follow an environmental policy which takes into account the minimization of the waste and discharges it produces.
Wastewater
Wet processing units must maintain complete records of:
- the use of chemicals
- water consumption
- wastewater treatment
- sludge disposal
Recyclable packaging
All packaging, including paper, cardboard, labels must be recyclable or certified FSC (independent eco-sociolabel, Forest Stewardship Council in English or Forest Support Council) or PEFC (private forest certification, Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes in English or Program for the recognition of forest certifications).
Social demands
Compliance with the social criteria set by the ILO
The following list of conventions set by the ILO should serve as a basis for the establishment and evaluation of social criteria.
It includes in particular:
- Elimination of forced labor (C29, C105)
- Freedom of association and recognition of the right to collective bargaining (C87, C98, C135, C154)
- Improvement of working conditions (C155)
- Abolition of child labor (C138, C182)
- Adequacy of wages (C95, C131)
- Decent working hours (C1, C14, C30, C106)
- Abolition of discrimination (C100, C111)
- Regularity of employment (C158, C175, C177, C181)
- Abolition of brutal and inhumane treatment (C29, C105)
Requirement to implement a social responsibility policy
Each certificate holder must define the elements enabling the minimum social requirements to be met and apply them through a clear social responsibility policy.
Sanitary requirements
Prohibition of chemicals toxic to health
The following compounds are prohibited:
- Azo dye
- aromatic solvents
- Phthalates
- PVC
These compounds are used in particular for colorings or printing methods. They have been classified as carcinogenic or endocrine disruptors that can pass the skin barrier and enter cells, thus disrupting their functioning.
Strict limits are set in terms of the discharge of unwanted residues potentially produced throughout the processing chain from raw materials to finished product.
Technical quality of the finished product
The following technical qualities must be respected:
- Friction resistance
- Sweat resistance
- Colorfastness
- Wash resistance
- Shrink resistance
*19 approved certification bodies:
- Bio inspecta (Switzerland)
- Bioagricert (Italy)
- CCPB (Italy)
- CERES GmbH (Germany)
- Control Union (Holland)
- Control Union (Türkiye)
- Control Union (India)
- Ecocert (France)
- Ekotar (Türkiye)
- Etko (Türkiye)
- ICEA (Italy)
- IMO control (Switzerland)
- Kiwa BCS Oko-Garantie GmbH (Germany)
- LETIS (Argentina)
- OIA (Argentina)
- OneCert (India)
- Oregon Tilth (USA)
- Soil Association (Great Britain)
- USB (Türkiye)
About the GOTS organization
The GOTS group includes four organizations specializing in organic farming and responsible textile production, from an ecological and social point of view.
- 3 from the industrial sector: OTA, IVN, JOCA, located respectively in the United States, Germany and Japan
- 1 charitable association: the Soil Association, in Great Britain
The organization also works with stakeholders from international organizations or recognized as international experts.
Certification bodies
Their certification bodies are accredited in different countries according to the international standard (ISO Guide 65). This standard authorizes certain organizations to certify products.
For French companies, the certification bodies are Ecocert, GCL International LTD. and Control Union. They are all private organizations.
Funding
The GOTS organization is a self-funded program with the legal status of a non-profit organization.