Sustainability
GOTS, OEKO-TEX and BCI, explained plainly
Three certifications get quoted constantly in sourcing conversations. They measure completely different things.
9 June 2026 · 5 min read
GOTS certifies the whole chain
Global Organic Textile Standard covers fibre origin plus every processing step — spinning, dyeing, sewing — and includes social criteria. A GOTS claim on a finished garment requires every facility in the chain to hold scope certificates, and a transaction certificate for the specific order.
OEKO-TEX certifies the product
Standard 100 tests finished fabric and trims for harmful substances. It says nothing about how the cotton was grown or the conditions in the factory — it confirms what is present in the material a customer touches.
BCI certifies farming practice
Better Cotton works at farm level on water, pesticide and labour practices, operating on a mass-balance model. Cotton is not physically traced to your garment; you buy credits against volume sourced.
Choosing what to claim
Claim what you can evidence. GOTS if you want fibre-to-garment traceability and are prepared for the cost and paperwork; OEKO-TEX if the concern is chemical safety; BCI as a programme-level commitment rather than a product label.
