GOTS Certification: it all started with Fraser Cap
A certification as important as it is meaningful—here are all the details and what it means for us.
Master Italia has taken another step towards sustainable practices by obtaining GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification for its hats and caps made of organic cotton. This certification guarantees that the products are made from organically grown fibers and processed according to the strict criteria imposed by the GOTS standard. Our turning point was the introduction of the Fraser model, the first Atlantis product made from GOTS organic cotton. This cap, therefore, symbolizes our commitment to more responsible headwear.
GOTS in brief: why It’s important for us
We decided to obtain GOTS certification not only to ensure the quality of our fabrics but also to promote more ethical and sustainable production. GOTS certifies not only the organic origin of the fibers but also ensures compliance with environmental and social criteria throughout the entire production chain. It guarantees that the cotton used for our products comes from organic farming and every phase of production, from harvesting to packaging, meets the strict standards. This includes product traceability, respect for workers’ rights, and strict restrictions on the use of chemicals.
Beyond the fabric: 360° Control
As mentioned, GOTS certification provides 360° control, starting with a thorough analysis of the chemicals used during production, which must be safe for the environment and people. The chemicals banned by GOTS include components that are carcinogenic, allergenic, or toxic for reproduction. GOTS may also require post-production checks to ensure there are no contaminations. These verifications are conducted by independent entities known as Certification Bodies. In our case, Master Italia is certified by ICEA.
But that’s not all. Although GOTS is best known for its focus on organic standards, it also protects workers’ rights throughout the production chain. Certified companies must closely monitor and prevent risks related to human rights. For us, this means not only committing to using preferred materials but also ensuring safe and ethical working conditions for everyone involved in the production process.
Another key aspect of GOTS certification is the guarantee of product traceability, which involves a monitoring system that tracks every phase of production, from raw materials to the finished product, ensuring that GOTS rules are followed at every step. The Scope Certificates describe the certification scope for each company, while Transaction Certificates track the movement of products along the value chain.
GOTS yes or GOTS No: when can you trust the label?
We can all analyse a label, and reading “GOTS Certified Product” can reassure us and make us feel safe. But is this ALWAYS the case? It’s important to clarify that a product can only be promoted as GOTS certified if all production steps have been certified, and the chain of custody is maintained throughout the entire process. If this chain is interrupted, even partially, it is no longer possible to refer to the certification.
For retailers, GOTS products can be promoted as such if they have a label with the corresponding logo, prepared by the certified company that handled the final step before sale to the consumer. This label ensures that the product was made following the GOTS Standard and that the material is indeed organic. When you see the GOTS logo on a product, pay attention to details such as the percentage of organic materials and the certified company’s license number. This helps ensure that the product has completed the entire production cycle under GOTS criteria and is ready to be purchased without further processing.
And what about customizable products like ours?
As we know, Atlantis products are designed to be customized, which involves further processing, such as prints or embroidery, that could break the GOTS chain of custody. Therefore, even though our Fraser is a certified item, it cannot be directly labelled as GOTS with Master Italia’s license number. However, our buyers, if also GOTS certified, can help continue the chain of custody.
We are always happy to provide useful information about our certifications and the decisions that allow us to take further steps toward our sustainability goals. If you want to learn more about Atlantis products certified by GOTS, check out our Scope Certificate n° ICEA-GOTS-23-3539/00A-02.
