GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: What’s the Difference?

Natural fibres or textiles free from chemicals are gaining popularity among conscious consumers. And why not? Nobody would like the idea to dress up or sleep on textiles laced with pesticides residues or toxic chemicals. After all, chances are high that these unsafe substances might seep into your skin, threatening your well-being. That’s where prominent certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX come to your rescue.

The GOTS vs OEKO-TEX seals independently monitor the environmental and ethical impacts of textile production along with guaranteeing safe ecological textile made without any compromise on quality. Let’s explore these certifications to understand their inputs in terms of focus, scope, differences and how they can help consumers to make better decisions.

What is the Difference Between GOTS and OEKO-TEX?

Distinctions	GOTS	OEKO-TEX
Focus (Organic vs. Chemical Safety)	GOTS prioritizes sustainably-produced organic materials and fair labor practices. It ensures that products are made with a minimal ecological impact and contain at least 70% organic content.	OEKO-TEX concentrates on chemical safety, testing textiles to confirm the absence of harmful substances in the finished product.
Certification Criteria	GOTS certification demands adherence to specific organic and social criteria, including fair labor practices and lower environmental impact.	OEKO-TEX tests assess finished products for toxic chemicals and heavy metals, irrespective of whether they are organic or conventionally produced.
Production Standards	GOTS emphasizes environmentally friendly production processes, requiring products to be made with green methods that conserves resources like water, soil health, etc.	OEKO-TEX, while considering ecological factors, centers on the safety of the end product, focusing on chemical testing throughout the production chain.
Consumer Assurance	Consumers seeking assurance of organic materials and ethical manufacturing practices lean towards GOTS certification.	OEKO-TEX provides confidence in product safety, assuring consumers that goods are chemical-free.
Consumer Choice	For those desiring ethically produced organic textile products made observing green manufacturing processes throughout the supply chain, GOTS certification is your one-stop choice.	Consumers who solely care for 100% chemical-free products OEKO-TEX certification is recommended.

What is GOTS?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a leading globalized standard in the textile industry for processing organic fibres like cotton. It not only sets high-level environmental criteria by organic farming but also enforces strict social responsibility for clean textile production throughout the entire supply chain. As a trusted mark for premium-quality organic cotton, GOTS strictly forbids the use of a wide range of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and non-GMO seeds in cotton cultivation.

To ensure the credibility of GOTS-certified finished products textile supply chains undergo independent certification, ranging from natural fibers to clothing, home textiles, mattresses, personal hygiene products, and even textile articles made for food contact.

Founded by the Organic Trade Association (OTA, USA), Internationaler Verband der Naturtextilwirtschaft (IVN, Germany), The Soil Association (UK), and Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA, Japan), GOTS allows textile processors and manufacturers to export their products with a single, universally recognized organic certification. Plus, the transparency guides consumers to make informed decisions, selecting genuinely organic products from environmentally conscious supply chains.

Specific Criteria for GOTS Certification

GOTS labels “Organic” and “Made with Organic” signify varying organic fiber percentages to ensure transparency in the production process. Textiles with the “Made with organic” seal must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic natural fibers. On the other hand, products with the GOTS “Organic” label must consist of at least 95% certified organic fiber.

To earn the GOTS certification, every component, from dyes to auxiliaries, must meet stringent environmental and toxicological criteria. Supply chains should also implement wastewater management plans to curb the negative impacts of wet processing techniques. The choice of accessories is limited to ecological considerations as well.

Additionally, this certification covers fair trade practices, ensuring fair wages and no child labor. Companies must also avoid using PVCs in packaging and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives such as recycled or paper and cardboard certified by FSC/PEFC. Above all, GOTS certification guarantees the absence of every known toxic substance, making it safe for consumers.

Environmental and Social Benefits of GOTS Certification

• The GOTS seal is an assurance of a product’s organic origin and its compliance with environmental and social responsibility.
• The certification spans the entire organic supply chain, from harvesting to manufacturing and trading.
• Third-party certification for verification.
• It guarantees protection of employees’ health, safety, and rights through social criteria and ethical business behavior.
• It assures cost control through sustainability, with access to the GOTS Monitor for data collection on water and energy consumption.
• GOTS-approved low-impact chemical inputs that are toxic-free are used following the Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) for processing GOTS-certified products.
• Stringent scanning of accessories is mandated to detect residues of hazardous substances.
• The certification also meets technical quality parameters like color retention and textile shrinkage.

What is OEKO-TEX?

OEKO-TEX is a globally recognized certification label that ensures the safety and sustainability of textile and leather products. Established by the International OEKO-TEX Association, its vital role lies in evaluating supply chains for responsible manufacturing practices and testing textile products for harmful substances, guaranteeing consumer safety. The assessment is performed by 17 independent laboratories, certifying companies practicing eco-friendly and socially responsible methods.

Criteria for OEKO-TEX Certification

The OEKO-TEX certifications are comprehensive, addressing safety, transparency, and environmental protection. They are formulated to meet the legal requirements globally and are regularly reviewed and updated.

The most renowned certification is OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which meticulously tests raw materials and finished textile products at all processing levels. To achieve the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, textiles must be devoid of over 350 harmful substances such as pentachlorophenol, formaldehyde, nickel, and azo dyes, which can jeopardize human health and the ecosystem.

It also addresses chemicals that are not legally regulated yet. The compliance extends to Annexes XVII and XIV of the European Chemicals Regulation REACh, including the ECHA SVHC Candidate List. Moreover, the standard aligns with requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), specifically focusing on lead.

Range of Products Covered by OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX labels are versatile, covering a spectrum of products, from baby and adult clothing to bedding, upholstery, home textiles, accessories, foams, plastics, and more. OEKO-TEX Standard 100, in particular, extends its scrutiny to every component, ensuring that consumers can confidently choose products free from hazardous chemicals.

GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: Certification Process

GOTS

1. Coverage: GOTS encompasses the entire supply chain, from processing and manufacturing to packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of all organic textiles.
2. Application and Verification: Manufacturers apply for GOTS certification, providing details of their organic practices and social compliance. After that, independent certifiers assess the application, verifying compliance with GOTS standards.
3. Start of Certification: The GOTS certification process initiates with the first processing step in the textile supply chain. For instance, in cotton production under natural conditions, ginning, which involves removing seeds from cotton bolls, marks the starting point.
4. On-Site Inspection: Physical inspections of manufacturing facilities are conducted to ensure adherence to organic and social criteria. Evaluations include assessing organic material usage, waste management, and fair labor practices.
5. Comprehensive Criteria: All stages in processing, manufacturing, and trading must adhere to rigorous ecological and social criteria for a product to carry the GOTS label. This includes certification of each step to maintain the highest standards of sustainability and social responsibility.
6. Certification Decision: Based on the assessment, a certification decision is made. If the criteria are met, GOTS certification is awarded. However, regular monitoring and on-site inspections are carried out to ensure ongoing compliance.
7. Product Labeling: Items certified by GOTS can showcase the GOTS label, offering consumers a clear indication that the textiles have met the standards for organic origin and ethical manufacturing practices.
8. Post-Certification Adherence and Oversight: GOTS certification is a continuous commitment. Following certification, consistent efforts in compliance and monitoring are undertaken to ensure that certified entities persistently meet the specified environmental and social standards, safeguarding the enduring validity of the certification.

OEKO-TEX

1. Focus: OEKO-TEX certifies companies by testing their products through approved Testing Institutes, aiming to enhance sustainability in production conditions and supply chains. Their primary activities include testing, auditing, certification, and licensing according to the OEKO-TEX Standards.
2.  Varied Standards: Each OEKO-TEX standard is equipped with unique criteria tailored to address specific concerns, ensuring a customized certification process aligned with the nature of the product or business.
3. Application: Companies apply for OEKO-TEX certification voluntarily, signaling their commitment to product safety. Application details include the type of product and its components or the manufacturing standards.
4. Testing Throughout Production: Depending on the certification standard applied by the company, assessments, audits and validation of various materials and products are carried out at different stages of production. The continuous testing throughout the production chain assures that the final textile product is free from harmful substances.
5. Independent Certification Institutes: OEKO-TEX certification is conducted by 17 independent institutes globally. These partner institutes are authorized to perform both announced and unannounced tests and audits. This is done to verify that production facilities are adhering to the absolute terms of eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. 
6. Certification Issuance: If the product or factory passes the comprehensive testing with no trace of harmful chemical residues or processing standards, OEKO-TEX certification is issued. Certifications like the OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT or Standard 100 remain valid for 12 months. On the contrary, the STeP certification which revolves around clean production facilities stays valid for 3 years. Companies must reapply for renewal once the certifications expire.
7. Global Consistency: As a global standard, OEKO-TEX maintains consistent certification requirements across countries, providing a universally recognized label for consumer safety.

GOTS vs OEKO-TEX: Scope of Standards

GOTS

GOTS has a holistic approach that encompasses the entire production chain. It places a strong emphasis on environmental impact of fiber production by promoting organic farming practices, and prohibiting synthetic pesticides and GMOs. It also ensures responsible consumption of water supply, wastewater management, and energy efficiency in manufacturing.

Additionally, GOTS prioritizes human rights by setting criteria for fair labor practices, workers’ rights, decent living wages, safe working environments and eliminating child labor . In terms of chemical usage, it restricts harmful substances throughout the manufacturing conditions, adhering to strict environmental toxicological standards.

OEKO-TEX

Unlike GOTS, OEKO-TEX is specifically focused on the safety of the final product. While it doesn’t delve into the broader environmental and social aspects of organic farming practices, OEKO-TEX ensures that harmful substances are absent from textiles.

The certification rigorously tests substances and manufacturing process that are dangerous to human health and the ecosystems. An up-to-date list of OEKO-TEX Standards can be found on the official OEKO-TEX website. While OEKO-TEX doesn’t explicitly address environmental and labor conditions, its focus on chemical safety complements GOTS, offering a comprehensive perspective on consumer well-being.

GOTS vs OEKO-TEX:  Renewal and Compliance

GOTS

• Renewal Process: GOTS certification is subject to regular annual renewal to ensure ongoing compliance with organic and social criteria. Manufacturers, processors, retailers or organic cotton farms must reapply after the initial certification period, typically every 12 months. The renewal system involves a re-evaluation of the manufacturing facilities or farms, ensuring continued obedience to GOTS standards.
• Compliance Monitoring: Continuous compliance is monitored through periodic on-site inspections. Independent certification bodies conduct thorough assessments, examining the use of organic material, utilization of non-renewable resources like water, pesticide residues, ethical standards, and environmental impact. There are two types of certification documents: Scope Certificates (SCs) confirming a supplier meets all criteria for processing GOTS goods, and Transaction Certificates (TCs) demonstrating that the goods themselves meet all GOTS product criteria. GOTS compliance is validated only after this meticulous independent assessment and formal certification process.

OEKO-TEX

• Renewal Process: Some OEKO-TEX certifications are valid for 12 months, and some up to three years, after which manufacturers must reapply for renewal. The renewal process involves a re-assessment of the product’s or factory’s safety, ensuring it remains free from harmful substances or processing standards. Companies voluntarily apply for renewal to maintain the credibility of the OEKO-TEX documentation.
• Compliance Monitoring: Compliance is rigorously monitored through ongoing testing and audits by third-party independent laboratories. They conduct tests on every part of the product or manufacturing practices, ensuring that they continue to meet the criteria for safety. Regular assessments and audits contribute to sustained consumer confidence in the safety and quality of OEKO-TEX certified products.

Takeaways

As we conclude around the validity of GOTS VS OEKO TEX certifications — it’s clear that OEKO-TEX and GOTS-Certified products are the gold standards in textiles, showcasing an excellent level of sustainability and safety. While GOTS prioritizes organic materials and fair labor, OEKO-TEX focuses on curbing harmful substances. Together, they account for responsible and top-quality fibres, sharing a commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, and chemical safety. So, the next time you explore textile options for your wardrobe or home, looking for the GOTS or OEKO-TEX label will definitely be the best idea.