In sustainable textiles, navigating the various certifications can be a complex task. At All Cotton and Linen, we are committed to providing the utmost transparency and adhering to the highest standards of ecological responsibility. In this pursuit, we meticulously examine and differentiate between certifications, particularly emphasizing the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) as the pinnacle of global textile processing authority for organic fibers.
As pioneers in introducing organic bedding and bath linens to the US nearly three decades ago, we recognize the progress in promoting cleaner and safer home textiles. With an unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our planet, we constantly strive to employ the purest and most sustainable methods in crafting our products. The certification of GOTS serves as a testament to our commitment to environmental accountability and organic farming.
While any organic certification is a step in the right direction, With its strict standards for human and environmental safety along the whole production chain, GOTS is unique. It starts with organic farming, which has been proven to yield significant environmental and social benefits over conventional cotton production. From the origin of the fiber to the final product, GOTS ensures traceability, assuring consumers of the safety and quality of the items they bring into their homes.
GOTS prohibits using a wide range of chemicals commonly employed in conventional textile production due to their adverse environmental and toxicological effects. These banned substances include flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, PFCs, and formaldehyde. GOTS only allows the use of chemicals that have been thoroughly assessed and approved against rigorous human health and environmental indicators.
GOTS requires environmental management plans, wastewater treatment for all wet processing facilities, and stringent chemical limitations. The certification also establishes limit values for residues from unintentional contamination and includes social compliance criteria aligned with the International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. With GOTS, every aspect of the production process is monitored to ensure safety for both humans and the environment, locally and globally.
On the other hand, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 solely focuses on the end product's safety in terms of harmful substances. While it represents an improvement over conventional textile standards, Oeko-Tex certification does not guarantee organic production or offer transparency into the product's history and impact throughout its journey.
As climate change effects become increasingly evident, our shared responsibility is to make informed decisions about the industries we support. Choosing GOTS-certified products allows us to contribute to a more ecologically and socially responsible lifestyle. By embracing the highest standard in the world, we can confidently tread a better path toward a sustainable future.
We choose GOTS certification at All Cotton and Linen because it represents excellence and integrity in sustainable textiles. With our commitment to GOTS, we empower consumers with knowledge, accountability, and the assurance that every All Cotton and Linen product has been created with meticulous attention to the health of our planet and the well-being of all those involved in its production.
