Design Delight Studio

You asked, we answered:
What is the real environmental impact of GOTS certified cotton, and why does it matter to you?

You care. You choose sustainability. We offer facts, views, and simple tips. Each word connects clearly to the next.

🔍 Water Use

Key Facts:

• GOTS certified cotton grows on organic farms.
  Farms use rainwater first.
  They need less extra water.

• GOTS farms avoid synthetic fertilizers.
  They stop water pollution from runoff.

• GOTS rules require strict water treatment.
  Each processing step treats water right.

Expert Insight:
Dr. Eva Kruse, Head of Standards at Global Standard gGmbH (GOTS), says – our standard makes every stage, from harvesting to finishing, use water responsibly and treat wastewater well.

🚩 Highlight:
GOTS Version 7.0 aligns with OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
  This rule keeps water impacts low in supply chains. (source)

Tips to Reduce Water Use When Choosing Cotton Textiles:

• Use GOTS certified products from careful farms and factories.
• Support brands that share their water footprint clearly.
• Wash fewer clothes and use cooler water to save water.

🔍 Carbon Emissions

Key Facts:

• Organic cotton farming under GOTS uses no fossil-fueled chemicals.
  This cut lowers greenhouse gases.

• GOTS certification adds social and environmental checks.
  These checks cut carbon-heavy steps in production.

• A Textile Exchange report says organic cotton can cut CO2 by nearly 46%.

Expert Insight:
Safia Minney, Textile Exchange’s CEO, states – GOTS certification is the gold standard for lowering the textile industry’s carbon footprint.

🚩 Highlight:
Textile Exchange shows that GOTS certified organic cotton can nearly halve lifecycle carbon emissions. (source)

Tips to Lower Your Textile Carbon Footprint:

• Pick 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
• Buy textiles built to last.
• Support brands with honest supply chains and climate plans.

🔍 Chemical Inputs

Key Facts:

• GOTS bans GMOs and highly dangerous chemicals.
  It stops harmful inputs in both farming and processing.

• Only approved dyes and auxiliaries are allowed.
  These meet strict eco and toxic criteria.

• Limits on wastewater and sludge discharge keep chemicals out.

Expert Insight:
Markus Reuter, GOTS Technical Director, explains – our strict chemical rules mean harmful substances stay away from the environment and workers.

🚩 Highlight:
GOTS uses third-party audits to check that all chemical rules are obeyed. (source)

Tips for Safer Chemical Use:

• Look only for GOTS certification when you want to avoid harmful chemicals on textiles.
• Wash fabrics with eco-friendly detergents.
• Avoid items marked “chemical-treated” unless certified.

🔍 Recycling

Key Facts:

• GOTS mainly checks organic and social rules.
  It also supports sustainable end-of-life plans.

• Some brands mix in post-consumer recycled cotton.
  This mix cuts waste, while keeping organic quality.

• Recycling lowers landfill waste and energy use.

Expert Insight:
Anna Svensson, Sustainability Manager at Control Union Certifications, says – blending recycled fibers with GOTS organic cotton is a rising trend that links circular economy ideas with organic trust.

🚩 Highlight:
The 2024 GOTS Annual Report shows new steps to track and use recycled and blended fibers. (source)

Tips to Promote Recycling:

• Choose GOTS certified products from circular brands.
• Donate or repurpose old garments to cut waste.
• Pick textiles with clear, honest recycling claims.

❓ FAQ

Q: Is GOTS certified cotton truly organic and better for the environment?
A: Yes. GOTS cotton grows without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs.
  It is processed with strict water and chemical rules.
  Third parties check every step for safety. (GOTS.org)

👉 Ready to choose textiles that match your values?
Learn more about the environmental impact of GOTS certified cotton and get your questions answered here:
https://designdelightstudio.myshopify.com/pages/environmental-impact-of-cotton-your-questions-answered

Sources:

• Global Organic Textile Standard Official Website: https://www.global-standard.org
• Textile Exchange Organic Cotton Market Report 2022: https://textileexchange.org/publications/organic-cotton-market-report-2022/
• OECD Alignment Assessment of GOTS Version 7.0, 2025: https://www.global-standard.org/news.html
• GOTS Annual Report 2024: https://www.global-standard.org/annual-reports.html

Stay informed – your smart textile choices support a healthier planet and fairer industry!

Design Delight Studio is your trusted partner in sustainable textiles, committed to transparency and eco-innovation. Learn more at designdelightstudio.myshopify.com