With shoppers increasingly looking for transparency in what they buy, certification is becoming essential.
Organic certification is proof that the claims you make are backed up.
There are two independent organic certification standards in the UK, theGlobal Organic Textile Standard(GOTS) and theOrganic Content Standard(OCS). As the UK’s largest organic certification body, we certify to both schemes.
How do the GOTS and OCS organic certification standards compare?
GOTS is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. When we certify to the GOTS standard, we check every step of the supply chain, from harvesting through production, processing, manufacturing and labelling. We also consider the environmental management and social responsibility of producers. GOTS is the gold standard for sustainable processing of textiles made from organically grown fibres (such as cotton or wool).
Key facts about GOTS
GOTS approved products must contain at least 70% organic fibre content
GOTS approved products never contain potentially harmful chemicals which can be found in conventional textile production
GOTS approved companies are better for the environment (by managing their environmental impact, have high social standards, reduce energy and review water usage)
GOTS means safe working conditions, no discrimination and no child labour
GOTS approved products have the entire supply chain verified, even the farms must have certification to a legally recognised standard.
The details matter - buttons, threads, zips have to meet strict residue criteria of GOTS
It is a voluntary standard
GOTS Certification is carried out by independent experts who physically inspect companies and facilities to verify standards are met.
Find out more about GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognised as the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.
This scheme verifies that a product has met organic standards throughout its journey – from raw material to finished product. When we certify to OCS standards, we work with producers to ensure a final product contains the accurate amount of a given organically grown material.
The Goal of the Organic Content Standard (OCS) is to ensure trust in organic content claims.
The OCS accomplishes this goal by verifying the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. It provides a strong chain of custody system from the source of the organic raw material to the final product through certification.
OCS has two different types of Certification:
OCS 100 logo is used for only for product that contains 95% or more organic material.
OCS blended is used for products that contain 5% minimum of organic material blended with conventional or synthetic raw materials.
Key Facts about OCS
OCS is a voluntary standard
OCS approved products have the entire supply chain verified, even the farms must have certification to a legally recognised standard.
OCS Certification is carried out by independent companies and facilities are physically inspected to verify standards are met
Find out more about OCS
Textile Exchange's Organic Content Standard verifies that a product contains organically grown material. It does not address the use of chemicals or any social or environmental aspects of production; it only covers the traceability of the organic material. The OCS uses the chain of custody requirements of the Textile Exchange Content Claim Standard (CCS).
