SOV GOTS | behind the label
Pun intended. (If you don’t know Swedish, the original phrase is ‘sov gott’, meaning ‘sleep well’). In other words, if you choose to sleep on GOTS certified bedding you can sleep with a clean conscience. Rest assured (pun intended, again!) that each and every step of the process- from picking the cotton to packing and labeling each sheet was done 100% ethically, under the strict supervision of GOTS- the Global Organic Textile Standard.
So what’s GOTS all about?
The GOTS certification provides complete transparency so that, in each step of the process, both the seller and the consumer are guaranteed the following:
Organic? Oh yes, it is!
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the most comprehensive, internationally recognized standard in the textile industry today. It only certifies textile products that are made of at least 70% organic fibers, in which case the label will say ‘made with organic’. But if the label says ‘organic’, like on our products, it means that at least 95% of the fibers are organic. The remaining fibers must not contain conventional fibers of the same type, thus you can be certain that there are no fibers of conventional cotton in our textiles.
Toxic-free.
Organic fibers must not come in contact with conventional fibers at any stage, and they must be identified clearly throughout the whole process.
All chemicals used, such as dyestuff and other process chemicals must meet specific requirements. Toxic heavy metals, aromatic solvents, formaldehyde and functional nanoparticles are completely prohibited as well as genetically modified organisms and their enzymes. Some printing methods such as discharge printing and plastisol printing use aromatic solvents, phthalates and PVC and are therefore not allowed.
All manufacturers and operators must be able to present an environmental policy that clearly indicates their efforts and target goals on how to minimise waste and discharges.
Use of all chemicals, energy, water consumption, water waste treatment and sludge disposal during wet processing must be fully documented and meet GOTS requirements.
The packaging of the product must be PVC-free. All paper and card used in the packaging must be recycled or certified according to FSC or PEFC.
It's Only Fair.
Not only health and environmental issues are examined, but also social factors. GOTS ensures that workers’ rights are being protected. They work in a safe and hygienic environment and are treated well by their employer. They have the right to organize. They get a fair salary that allows them to send their children to school. They are not discriminated in any way. Working hours are restricted to 48 hours a week on a regular basis with at least 1 day of rest per week. Overtime is voluntary and restricted to no more than 12 hours per week. It should always be compensated with a higher rate and should never be on a regular basis. No child labor is allowed whatsoever!
All farmers, manufacturers, processors, and operators that take part in the making of the finished product must be GOTS certified and hold valid certifications that are reassessed and renewed on a yearly basis.
And here's a 4-minutes presentation, made by GOTS.
OEKO-tex | Product safety.
On the top of being 100% organic, all of our products are tested and certified by Oeko-Tex® 100 standard, class 1. This certification ensures the highest level of safety in children's textiles, following international regulations and test-criteria.
"With its decades of experience, the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 therefore contributes to high and effective product safety from a consumer’s point of view. Test criteria and limit values in many cases go far beyond applicable national and international standards. Extensive product checks and regular company audits also ensure that the industry has a globally sustainable awareness of the responsible use of chemicals. With this concept, the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 has taken on a pioneering role for many years".
Check out their website to learn more about Oeko-Tex®
