extra information

The organic cashmere garments from REPEAT are certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. This certification guarantees that raw materials are organically sourced and the factories only follow ecological and sustainable production processes. The latter is of importance, as clothing from organic materials can still be produced in a non-ecological way. Therefore, having both raw materials as well as production processes certified, is still very rare in the industry.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles (clothing, home textiles and personal care products) made from certified organically produced raw materials. It includes strict environmental and social criteria for operations along the entire textile supply chain. GOTS is recognized in all markets around the globe and the numbers are growing; in 2013 more than 3080 facilities worldwide were certified to GOTS.

Textile processing results in the often inadequately treated discharge of toxic chemicals into the air and water, as well as hazardous workplace situations. We all “live downstream” and share the same water and air, and workers making products for us deserve our respect. GOTS prohibits the use of the kinds of chemicals commonly used in textile processing that can cause cancer, birth defects and other serious illnesses. Chemicals, like persistent hormone-disrupting substances, also destroy eco-systems and biodiversity on an international scale. GOTS requires that all dyes and auxiliaries assessed to its strict criteria and approved prior to their usage.

While an important step in the right direction, the use of organic materials alone is not enough. When using organically produced materials, farm workers and environment are protected. When manufactured without using hazardous chemicals, factory workers and the environment are protected. When there are no harmful residues in the end product, consumers are protected.

Organic is a system of production with national standards for environmental protection and animal welfare. Organic raw materials include organic cotton, silk, cashmere, flax (linen) and wool.

As a textile processing standard, GOTS does not set its own criteria for organic farming but rather requires that the materials used must be of certified organic origin according to a recognized farming standard. Only textile products made from at least 70% (label grade “made with organic”) or 95% (label grade “organic”) certified organic raw materials can become GOTS certified.

To be sure a product really is GOTS-certified you should be able to see reference to the GOTS label grade (‘organic’ or ‘made with organic’), the reference to the independent certification body, and the license number of the certified entity.

This is only a self-claim as only finished products may be certified to GOTS (see above). Thus, you cannot be sure this claim is true.

Workers are not exposed to toxic chemicals when working with GOTS-certified inputs and practices. In addition, the GOTS social criteria are based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) key conventions which include a ban on child and forced labor and include provisions such as having systems in place to prove they are addressing social concerns, such as grievances. Furthermore, GOTS requires fire prevention training and evacuation drills.

As it is a textile processing standard, GOTS does not set its own criteria for organic farming. Rather it requires that at least 70% of the fibers used must be of organically-certified materials that would have had to be managed to organic animal husbandry standards. Those rules can be found in the applicable national standards - the EC Organic Regulation 834/2007 (incl. implementation regulation EC 889/2008), the USDA National Organic Program regulations, and other standards in the IFOAM Family of Standards.

GOTS is a product certification meaning that finished products claiming to be GOTS certified must meet all GOTS criteria. In addition all facilities involved in the production of such goods must be certified. The certification is undertaken by an independent GOTS-approved certification body and facilities are inspected regularly.

http://www.global-standard.org/information-centre/gots-simple-show-clip.html

View The Repeat Group's GOTS certificate