GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS is the international standard for organic fiber textiles. The standard doesn't stop at the raw material; it covers every stage: spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and garment making, with strict environmental, chemical, and social requirements. Certification is issued by accredited third-party organizations after regular audits and traceability checks, ensuring that the "GOTS" label only appears if every required step is certified and the minimum organic fiber content is met. In practical terms, GOTS combines verified organic content, strictly controlled chemical processes, wastewater treatment, and social guarantees aligned with ILO conventions. This is why it is widely recognized by demanding brands and retailers.
FSC—Forest Stewardship Council
FSC is a certification system that guarantees paper and cardboard come from responsibly managed forests, with traceability all the way to the finished product. The process covers forest management (preserving ecosystems, protecting workers' and communities' rights) and the chain of custody, which tracks material flows at each industrial stage. Compliance is verified through independent audits and regulated labeling to avoid any ambiguity about origin. For a customer, the FSC label means that the packaging they receive has a documented origin and respects forest resources. It's a simple and credible assurance of a responsible paper/wood supply chain.
BSCI — Business Social Compliance Initiative
BSCI is not a product label, but a common framework for social audits designed to improve working conditions at manufacturers and suppliers. The program is based on a code of conduct aligned with international standards and results in independent assessments, corrective action plans, and ongoing monitoring. The goal is not simply to "pass an audit," but to achieve lasting progress in health and safety, working hours, pay, non-discrimination, and freedom of association. For a customer, seeing that a workshop is committed to BSCI means that it is regularly assessed and supported in raising its social standards. It is a guarantee of commitment, transparency, and continuous improvement.
REACH
REACH is the European framework that regulates chemical substances present in products sold in the EU, including textiles. The regulation sets restrictions on certain substances, governs the authorization of others, and requires that customers be informed when a substance of very high concern exceeds a given threshold. Companies must document their materials, maintain traceability, and, if necessary, conduct tests to demonstrate compliance. For a customer, REACH compliance means that the product adheres to the applicable limitations and does not expose them to substances of very high concern beyond regulatory thresholds without clear information. It provides health and environmental protection at the point of purchase.