What Does It Mean to Be GOTS-Certified? | GOTS-Certified Yarn Explained

As conscientious makers, we’re not just focused on creating beautiful projects; we also want to know that the materials we use align with our values. If you’ve ever come across the term 'GOTS-certified' while shopping for yarn or fabric, you might have wondered what it means and why it’s such a big deal.

In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning of GOTS certification, what it stands for and why it matters for conscious crafters like you.

What is GOTS Certification?

GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is the world’s leading certification for organic fibres, covering every step of the textile production process from the harvesting of raw materials to the finished product.

Created by a coalition of international organisations in 2006, GOTS was designed to harmonise various existing textile standards under one powerful certification. It goes far beyond simply ensuring that a crop was grown organically. It also looks at:

• Environmental impacts (like chemical use and water treatment)

• Social responsibility (fair wages, safe working conditions)

• Traceability (ensuring transparency at every stage)

When you see the GOTS logo on a product, you can trust that the fibre inside it has been produced in a way that respects the earth, the workers and your health. GOTS ensures that the yarns, fabrics or textiles you’re using are truly organic, environmentally friendly and ethically produced. This certification is recognised globally and is widely considered the gold standard for organic textiles.

How Does a Product Become GOTS-Certified?

For a product to earn GOTS certification, it must meet strict criteria at every stage of production. Here’s a breakdown of the process with just some of the criteria:

1. Organic Fibre Requirements

To be certified by GOTS, the raw fibres used in the product, such as cotton, wool or hemp, must be grown organically. This means no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be used in the farming process. The emphasis is on sustainable agricultural practices that protect the soil, water and biodiversity.

2. Processing and Manufacturing

Once the fibres are harvested, they must be processed using methods that are environmentally friendly. GOTS prohibits the use of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, heavy metals and toxic dyes during processing. Instead, only non-toxic and biodegradable substances are allowed.

3. Water and Energy Use

Textile production is notoriously resource-intensive, particularly when it comes to water usage. GOTS-certified production facilities must implement sustainable water and energy management practices, reducing their overall environmental footprint.

4. Ethical Labor Practices

GOTS certification doesn’t just focus on the environment. It also prioritises the people involved in the production process. Facilities must adhere to strict social criteria, including:

• No child or forced labor

• Fair wages and safe working conditions

• Respect for workers’ rights, including the right to unionise

5. Traceability

For a product to carry the GOTS label, the entire supply chain must be certified, ensuring full traceability from the farm to the final product. This means that every step, from growing the fibre to spinning the yarn and dyeing the fabric, is audited to meet GOTS standards.

6. Product Labelling

GOTS has two labelling tiers:

• "Organic": Products must contain at least 95% certified organic fibres.

• "Made with Organic Materials": Products must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres, with the remaining 30% meeting strict environmental and social criteria.

Why Does GOTS Certification Matter?

GOTS certification is important because it offers transparency and assurance to both manufacturers and consumers. Here’s why it’s so significant:

1. Environmental Sustainability

The textile industry has a huge impact on the environment, from excessive water use to pollution caused by toxic dyes and chemicals. GOTS certification ensures that every step of production is designed to minimise environmental harm. This includes using organic farming methods, reducing water and energy consumption and avoiding harmful chemicals.

2. Ethical Practices

The certification also prioritises ethical labor practices, ensuring that the people who grow, process and manufacture textiles are treated fairly. In an industry where exploitative labor practices are unfortunately common, GOTS certification guarantees better working conditions and wages.

3. Consumer Trust

For crafters, knowing where your materials come from and how they’re made is essential. GOTS certification provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re using a product that aligns with your values of sustainability and ethical production.

4. Health Benefits

GOTS-certified products are free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for people with sensitive skin or allergies. This is especially important when crafting baby items or garments worn close to the skin.

What Are the Benefits of GOTS-Certified Yarn?

If you’re a knitter, crocheter or weaver, using GOTS-certified yarns comes with a host of benefits:

1. Eco-Friendly Crafting: By choosing GOTS-certified yarn, you’re reducing your environmental impact and supporting sustainable farming and production practices.

2. Better for Skin: Free from harsh chemicals, GOTS-certified yarns are gentle on the skin, making them ideal for baby clothes, blankets and other delicate projects.

3. Support Ethical Labour: When you craft with GOTS-certified yarn, you’re supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for textile workers around the world.

4. Beautiful Quality: GOTS-certified yarns often come in natural, earthy tones or vibrant colours achieved using eco-friendly dyes, giving your projects a beautiful finish.

5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your yarn has been produced with care for both people and the planet adds extra meaning to every stitch.

   
   

What to Look for in GOTS-Certified Products

When shopping for GOTS-certified yarn or textiles, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Look for the GOTS Label: Genuine GOTS-certified products will carry the official GOTS label, often with a certification number that you can verify.

• Check Fibre Content: The label should specify whether the product is "organic" (95% or more organic fibers) or "made with organic materials" (70% or more organic fibers).

• Know the Brand: Choose brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production practices, like those we stock at Fancy Yarns Australia.

Why We Love GOTS-Certified Yarns at Fancy Yarns Australia

At Fancy Yarns Australia, we’re proud to offer a selection of GOTS-certified yarns for crafters who want to make beautiful projects while staying true to their values. Sustainability and ethical production are at the heart of what we do, and we believe that every skein of yarn should tell a story of care for the environment, for the people who made it and for you as the creator.

Whether you’re crafting cosy garments, soft baby blankets or homewares, GOTS-certified yarn gives you the peace of mind that you’re working with materials that meet the highest standards of sustainability and quality.

GOTS certification isn’t just a label; it’s a commitment to creating textiles that are better for the planet, better for workers and better for you. By choosing GOTS-certified yarn, you’re not just crafting beautiful projects; you’re making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in - one where sustainability, ethics and creativity go hand in hand.

So the next time you’re browsing for yarn, look for that GOTS label. It’s more than a certification. It’s a promise of quality, care and responsibility.

Ready to Craft Sustainably? Explore our collection of GOTS-certified yarns at Fancy Yarns Australia and start your next project with confidence.