Fashion & Textiles

When it comes to sustainability claims you can trust, nothing beats organic.

Soil Association Certification are proud to be a founding member of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and we are their leading certification body in the UK. 

With the organic textile market being worth over £68 Million and Soil Association Certification Licensees reporting a 39% increase in sales in 2021 it makes sense to embrace the customer demand for environmentally friendly textiles. But what exactly are the organic textiles standards and why should businesses sign up?

What are the 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. We certify to both:

• The Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS): a voluntary processing standard which means that it regulates the manufacturing stages of the textile supply chain such as the ginning, spinning, knitting/weaving, cut, make & trim. The standard stipulates requirements for both ecological and labour conditions in addition to ensuring the integrity of organically produced raw materials (for example wool and cotton). 
• The Organic Content Standard (OCS): an international, voluntary standard. By certifying to OCS, businesses are verifying the organic content of their products and monitoring the chain of custody to ensure organic integrity.  

• More about GOTS

• More about OCS

Who can certify to the organic standards?

• Processors
• Manufacturers (ginners, spinners, weavers)
• Packers or labellers
• Traders
• Brands or retailers
• Anyone else distributing textiles

In which countries can you certify?

We can certify to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Organic Content Standard (OCS) in any of the following countries:

• Denmark
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia

• Netherlands
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

Unfortunately, if you are outside of these countries you will not be able to certify with us at this time.

Why organic?

Organic textiles have huge environmental and social benefits when compared to non-organic. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider going organic.

1. Organic is good for business

   Organic is good for business

   There is a growing demand for sustainable fashion and textiles from shoppers concerned about their impact on the planet. Soil Association Certification organic textiles clients reported a 39% increase in sales in 2021, making the market worth over £68 million (2021 OMR)
   
   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.

2. Organic is better for people and the planet

   Non-organic cotton has been dubbed 'the world's dirtiest crop'. 
   
   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 more about how organic is better for the planet.

3. Organic is better for animals

   Organic wool is farmed in a way that supports better animal welfare, which means organic sheep are reared, fed, sheltered and transported with consideration for their wellbeing. Find out more about how organic is better for animals.

• Find out more about the benefits of going organic

 

Why certify with us?

GOTS and OCS are voluntary standards. Unlike food and drink, textile products in the UK can be marketed as organic without certification.

However, with increasing customer demand for transparency, it is important to remember that certification is the only way to guarantee chain of custody and prevent greenwashing. We encourage consumers to look for the GOTS/ OCS logo to ensure that there is meaningful action behind a business’s sustainability claims.

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.

By certifying with us, you will be able to take advantage of exclusive benefits, including:

• the chance to be part of our award-winning marketing campaigns and events 
• free print and digital marketing materials
• free access to our annual Organic Market Report and other industry data
• new routes to market through our schemes and partners
• access to our processor portal

• Check out the textiles brands certified by us

• Want to go organic?

  Get in touch with our dedicated team if you have any questions about certification or the application process.

  Enquire today