The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. It ensures environmental and social responsibility throughout the textile supply chain, from post-harvest handling to garment making. Here’s an in-depth look at the GOTS certification process, its benefits, and how Peterson Indonesia can help you achieve it.
What is GOTS Certification?
The GOTS quality assurance system is based on on-site inspection and certification of the entire textile supply chain, performed by independent, approved third-party Certification Bodies. This is a requirement of an ISO 14024 Type 1 environmental labelling program, ensuring that all certified products meet rigorous environmental and social criteria.
Certification Process
On-Site Annual Inspection:
Operators, from post-harvest handling to garment-making and wholesalers, undergo an annual on-site inspection to maintain their certification.
Independent Verification:
Claims of GOTS compliance are verified through inspections and formal certification documents issued by independent Certification Bodies.
Types of Certification Documents:
Scope Certificates (SCs): Prove a supplier meets all GOTS criteria.
Transaction Certificates (TCs): Confirm that specific goods meet GOTS product criteria.
Benefits of GOTS Certification
Credible Assurance: Products labelled with GOTS logos are assured of having an organic origin and are processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Comprehensive Coverage: The entire organic supply chain, from harvesting to trading, is covered, providing credible assurance to end consumers.
Independent Verification: Certification is performed by third-party bodies, ensuring impartiality.
Risk Management: Acts as a risk management tool for buyers, protecting the health, safety, and rights of employees.
Sustainability: Certified entities can access the GOTS Monitor for water and energy consumption data. Only low-impact, GOTS-approved chemical inputs are allowed.
Quality Assurance: GOTS goods meet technical quality parameters like colourfastness and shrinkage.
Product Variety: Various products can be GOTS certified, including garments, home textiles, mattresses, and personal hygiene products.
Elements of Inspection
Bookkeeping Review: Verifies the flow of GOTS goods through input/output reconciliation and mass balance calculations.
Processing and Storage Assessment: Inspections of facilities to ensure compliance.
Chemical and Accessory Inspection: Ensures only GOTS-approved inputs are used.
Wastewater Treatment Inspection: Assesses the performance of wastewater treatment systems.
Social Criteria Check: This includes interviews with management and workers to ensure ethical practices are followed.
Approved Certification Bodies
GOTS certification is conducted by approved bodies that perform on-site inspections. These bodies guide you through the necessary procedures and provide cost estimations based on your location, size, and operations. Each certification body may operate through local offices or head offices and is accredited to offer certification services for various scopes:
Mechanical Textile Processing (Scope 1)
Wet Processing and Finishing (Scope 2)
Trading Operations (Scope 3)
Approval of Textile Auxiliary Agents (Scope 4)
Changing Certification Bodies
Certified entities may need to change their certification body due to business reasons, closure of operations, or loss of accreditation. GOTS has a defined policy for such changes, ensuring a smooth transition.
Certificates
Scope Certificates: Confirm compliance with GOTS criteria and are listed in the GOTS Certified Suppliers Database.
Transaction Certificates: Verify that specific shipments are GOTS certified, providing proof for buyers and facilitating further processing or trading.
Consulting GOTS with Peterson Indonesia
Achieving GOTS certification can be complex, but Peterson Indonesia is here to assist you. We have successfully guided numerous clients through the certification process. Our sustainability efforts and compliance expertise can help your business achieve GOTS certification seamlessly. Contact us today to start your journey toward a more sustainable future!
Comments