GOTS in Detail: Why Our Soap Pouch Meets the Purity Law for Textiles
At QUOALA, sustainability isn't marketing fluff, it's measurable quality. Our soap pouch carries the GOTS label (Global Organic Textile Standard). This means that every millimeter, from the seed in the field to the finished fabric in your shower, is controlled.
Here you can learn the technical details behind this world-leading standard and why it makes such an immense difference for your skin and the environment.
Contents of this article:
1. The Label Tiers: What's Really Inside?
GOTS strictly distinguishes between two certification levels to prevent greenwashing. Our goal is maximum transparency:
- "Organic": Requires a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers.
- "Made with organic": Requires a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers.
Important for you: GOTS checks the entire Chain-of-Custody. This means we can seamlessly prove that the organic cotton or organic linen was never mixed with conventional, sprayed fibers on its way from the field to the weaving mill.
2. Chemical Safety: Protection for Skin and Environment
You use a wet soap pouch on your skin. It rubs directly over your pores. That's why the GOTS guidelines for "wet processing" (dyeing, bleaching, finishing) are so crucial:
Strict Input Lists
All dyes and auxiliaries used must be approved in advance. Toxic heavy metals, aromatic solvents, or hormonally active substances are strictly prohibited[1].
Prevention of Skin Irritation
By avoiding harsh residues in the fibers, the pouch is particularly safe for sensitive skin types and allergy sufferers.
Mandatory Wastewater Treatment
Factories must operate modern wastewater treatment plants. The COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value of the wastewater is strictly monitored to ensure that no toxic "soup" pollutes local rivers[1].
3. Organic Farming Methods
GOTS begins long before the factory. The fibers come from controlled organic farming:
- No GMO corn, no GMO cotton: The use of genetically modified seeds (GMO) is prohibited.
- Healthy soils: Crop rotation and natural fertilization keep the soil fertile and capable of storing more CO2 than conventionally managed fields.
- No pesticides: This not only protects nature but also prevents farmers from being exposed to dangerous neurotoxins during harvesting.
4. Social Responsibility: More Than Just a Job
A product is only good if the people behind it are also valued. GOTS is based on the strict conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This means for textile workers:
- No child labor: Strictly prohibited and closely monitored.
- Fair pay: Payment of living wages.
- Regulated working hours: No excessive, forced overtime.
- Workplace safety: Regular H&S audits (Health & Safety) guarantee safe working conditions.
Certification v7.0: Always Up-to-Date
The GOTS standard is continuously being tightened. In the current version 7.0, the requirements for human rights and due diligence along the supply chain have been drastically increased. When you buy a GOTS product from QUOALA, you are investing in the future of the textile industry – fair, clean, and safe.
Safe for you and the environment
Experience quality that gets under your skin. Discover our strictly certified natural fiber tool for your daily shower.
Scientific Evidence & References
- GOTS v7.0 Guidelines: Version 7.0 of the Global Organic Textile Standard defines globally recognized, strict criteria for the processing of textiles made from organically grown natural fibers, from harvesting to the finished product, including minimum social standards (ILO). Proof: Global Standard (GOTS).
