When it comes to sustainability claims you can trust, nothing beats organic. Despite this, there aren’t enough organic options on the high street. Only 14% of the people we asked regularly see organic available when shopping for clothes.
We are the UK’s leading organic certification body, and we certify over 70% of the organic market, from textiles and fashion, to food, drink and beauty products. The Soil Association organic symbol is the most recognised and trusted organic symbol in the UK.
Why go organic?
Organic is good for business There is a growing demand for sustainable fashion and textiles from shoppers concerned about their impact on the planet. 88% want their fashion retailers to be more sustainable, and online searches for organic cotton were up 16% in 2018-19.
Organic certification also offers the assurance from a trusted third-party about the authenticity of products. With people increasingly looking for transparency in what they buy, certification is becoming essential for textile businesses. The organic market’s growth reflects this demand. Find out more about the benefits of organic for business.
Organic is better for people and the planet Organic textiles have huge environmental and social benefits when compared to non-organic. Organic farming works with nature to build healthy soils and help fight climate change. Organic production also means farmers aren't putting their health at risk to make our clothes.
Find out about the benefits of organic cotton
Non-organic cotton has been dubbed 'the world's dirtiest crop'. Organic cotton is a sustainable alternative, find out about the environmental benefits.
Organic wool - organic farming supports better animal welfare, which means organic sheep are reared, fed, sheltered and transported with consideration for their well being.
What you need to know about certification
Who is certification for?
Processors
Manufacturers (ginners, spinners, weavers)
Packers and labellers
Traders
Anyone distributing textiles
Brands and retailers
If you want to use the organic certification logo, you must apply for organic certification. To use the Soil Association logo on your product, you need to be certified by the Soil Association to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
What are organic standards?
If you want to label a product as certified organic, it must meet a set of standards. There are two independent organic standards in the UK, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard (OCS), we certify to both.
Read our report on organic textiles and the sustainable fashion market. Find out how organic certification can benefit your business, as well help people and the planet.
