1. GOTS Certification: The Authoritative Benchmark for Global Organic Textiles

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a world-leading certification system for organic textiles managed by the non-profit organization Global Standard. It establishes strict dual standards (environmental and social) for the entire textile value chain, from fiber cultivation to finished product delivery. As the "gold standard" in the field of organic textiles, its core mission is to ensure a balance between ecological friendliness, human rights protection, and product credibility through standardized norms, providing a comprehensive solution for the sustainable development of the industry.

In terms of global coverage, as of 2023, 25 authorized certification bodies have provided GOTS certification services to 14,676 sites across 89 countries, representing an 8% growth compared to 2022. Among these, China ranks second globally with 2,000 certified sites, fully demonstrating GOTS’ wide international recognition and industrial influence.

2. Core Standards of GOTS Certification: Full-Chain, Dual-Dimension, and Dynamic Upgrading

1. Strict Full-Chain Control: Transparent Norms from Farm to Shelf

· Strict Selection of Raw Material Sources: Only organic fibers (such as organic cotton and organic wool) that comply with IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) standards are accepted. The use of genetically modified fibers and raw materials from land grabbing or labor violation projects is strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, clear regulations are set for the organic fiber content of products: for products labeled "organic", the proportion of additional fibers shall not exceed 5%; for products labeled "containing x% organic materials", the proportion of additional fibers shall not exceed 30%.

· Production Process Control: The use of chemicals such as pesticides and hazardous dyes is strictly restricted. Production enterprises are required to establish independent sewage treatment systems and chemical management systems, and only chemical substances listed in the GOTS positive list can be used. In addition, it is mandatory to fully isolate organic and conventional products during storage, transportation, and production, and establish a full-process management system to prevent pollution and mixing, so as to avoid cross-contamination.

· Innovative Traceability Technology: In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), AI satellite monitoring technology has been introduced, which enables automatic identification and yield assessment of cotton fields in major organic cotton-producing regions such as India. It can also accurately identify potential plots for organic cultivation, further enhancing the credibility and transparency of raw material traceability.

2. Dual-Dimension Coverage of Environmental and Social Responsibilities: Balancing Ecology and Humanity

· Environmental Requirements: In addition to restricting the emission of hazardous chemicals, strict standards are also formulated for packaging materials— the use of virgin plastic hangers is prohibited; recycled paper, bioplastics, and other sustainable packaging materials are preferred; and synthetic packaging shall not contain chlorinated plastics, so as to reduce environmental burden in details.

· Social Responsibilities: Enterprises are required to comply with the core standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), ensuring that workers receive reasonable wages, safe working conditions, and legal working hours. At the same time, a "six-step due diligence process" is adopted to proactively identify human rights risks (such as child labor and forced labor) in the supply chain, promoting the fair development of the textile industry.

3. Dynamic Upgrading of Standards: Adapting to Global Regulations and Market Demands

To keep up with industrial development and global compliance requirements, GOTS standards are continuously iterated: since March 1, 2024, the GOTS Standard Version 7.0 has been officially implemented, adding a supply chain due diligence manual to help enterprises comply with increasingly strict global supply chain regulations (such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive). The draft of Version 8.0, which is to be released in 2026 and take effect in 2027, further refines product traceability requirements and subcontractor management norms, continuing to lead the upgrading of standards in the organic textile industry.

3. Core Values of GOTS Certification for Enterprises: Competitiveness, Credibility, and Sustainability

1. Seizing the International Market and Enhancing Core Competitiveness

GOTS certification is a "passport" for enterprises to enter the global high-end organic textile market. At international industry events such as the Vietnam VIATT Exhibition, many enterprises have reported that this certification helps their products accurately connect with high-end brands and consumer groups that focus on sustainable development. Especially in the global market where the demand for organic products grows at an annual rate of 15%, it helps enterprises stand out in homogeneous competition and gain a market advantage.

2. Building Consumer Trust and Improving Brand Premium

Through global marketing campaigns such as #Behindtheseams, GOTS has attracted more than 21 million views, and its certification mark has become an important basis for consumers to identify "genuine organic textiles". After obtaining certification, enterprises can legally use the exclusive GOTS mark and labels, clearly conveying the brand concept of "environmental protection and responsibility" to the market, which effectively enhances consumer trust. According to research, the average premium of textiles with GOTS certification can reach 20%-30%.

3. Avoiding Compliance Risks and Achieving Long-Term Sustainable Development

GOTS standards are highly consistent with major global supply chain regulations (such as environmental and labor regulations in the EU, the United States, Japan, and other regions). Its built-in due diligence system helps enterprises proactively identify potential risks related to environmental emissions and labor rights, avoiding losses such as fines and market bans due to non-compliance. At the same time, measures required by the certification, such as energy conservation, consumption reduction, and chemical control, can reduce the long-term operating costs of enterprises, achieving a win-win situation between economic benefits and environmental benefits, and laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of enterprises.