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GOTS vs. OekoTex Certificates: What’s the Difference?
When buying bedding, it’s important to know what certifications a product has and what they mean. Two of the most popular options are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OekoTex certification.
Both serve as an assurance that the bedding materials will be free from harmful chemicals and produced in a socially responsible way. However, there are some key differences between them. Let’s take a closer look!
What Is GOTS Certification?
The Global Organic Textile Standard is an international certification for organic fibers, including cotton, wool, flax/linen, silk, and hemp. In order for bedding to receive GOTS certification, it must meet certain criteria in four main categories:
- Environmental: Bed linens must be made with at least 95% organic fibers, and any remaining materials must come from an approved list of non-organic items.
- Social: Organic bed sheets and duvets that are GOTS-certified must also adhere to certain social criteria, including fair wages and working conditions for the people involved in producing them.
- Traceability/labeling requirements: GOTS certification requires products to be labeled with the GOTS logo, as well as a list of all the materials used in production.
- Technical quality requirements: Bed linens with GOTS certification must meet certain technical quality requirements, including strength, colorfastness, and shrinkage.
The GOTS label is a guarantee that the material used in your bedding is made from certified organic fibers and produced without any harsh chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. It also means that all stages of production have met ethical standards, including labor rights and animal welfare when appropriate.
They test facilities and products from the cultivation stage all the way to the final product to ensure that they are not only safe for consumers, but also produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Read More: Best GOTS-Certified Duvet Inserts
OekoTex Certification
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification focuses on testing finished textile products for harmful substances such as allergens, pesticides, heavy metals, flame retardants, and formaldehyde.
While this certification does not guarantee any specific material content or production practices as GOTS does, it provides consumers with peace of mind knowing that their sheets are free from potentially hazardous substances. OekoTex offers different types of certifications and levels, but the most common is Standard 100, which tests for over 100 substances linked to health risks. Other certifications include:
- Standard 1000 tests for a wider range of chemicals.
- OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, which verifies a product’s sustainable production.
- OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD, which tests for chemical pollutants in leather products.
- OEKO-TEX® STeP, which evaluates the environmental impacts of production, such as energy consumption, water usage, and air emissions.
- OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT, which tests for chemicals in raw materials, dyes, and auxiliary agents.
- OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS, which evaluates a company’s corporate social responsibility practices.
Read More: Best Organic Bed Pillows
What´s the Difference between Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified Bedding?
- Oeko-Tex-certified bedding is available in a wide range of materials, including cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics. GOTS-certified bedding is typically made from organic cotton, hemp, or wool.
- Oeko-Tex-certified bedding is typically more affordable than GOTS-certified bedding because of the more stringent requirements for organic production. Also, the Oeko-Tex certificate can be given to synthetic materials and non-organic natural materials, which are usually cheaper than organic wool or cotton.
- GOTS-certified bedding is often seen as being of higher quality than Oeko-Tex-certified bedding because the fibers used have been grown and processed with more stringent standards, making them stronger and more durable.
- GOTS certificate is concerned with how materials are grown, harvested, and made into a product, while Oeko-Tex is concerned with the safety of the finished product, including the accessories and components that are used, including bottoms and zippers.
- Both Oeko-Tex and GOTS certification are voluntary programs that are not required by law, but they are widely accepted as industry standards and provide assurance that bedding materials meet certain quality standards.
Read More: Best Organic Printed Sheets
FAQs
Which products can be certified by GOTS or Oeko-Tex?
GOTS certification is available for organic textiles, including clothing and bedding. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification is available for finished textile products, such as sheets and other home textiles.
Read More: What´s the difference between fitted sheets and flat sheets?
How can I tell if a product is GOTS or OekoTex certified?
Look for the GOTS or OekoTex logo on a product’s label, packaging, or website. The logos will include information about which type of certification the product has received. You can also look up products by their serial number on the GOTS and Oeko-Tex websites to verify their certification status.
What are the benefits of GOTS certification?
GOTS certification provides assurance that textiles have been made with organic materials and produced in an environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible manner. It also guarantees that the product is free of potentially harmful chemicals, making it safe for human use.
Additionally, GOTS-certified products are often seen as being of higher quality than non-certified products due to their rigorous production standards.
Read More: How to Wash Organic Cotton Sheets?
What are the benefits of OekoTex certification?
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification provides assurance that products are free from toxic substances, making them safe for human use. The certificate is given to a finished product, so apart from the textile used, it will also cover any additional accessories, such as buttons and zippers.
What are some of the best GOTS-certified sheets on the market?
Some of the best GOTS-certified sheets on the market include Boll and Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheets, and Avocado’s Organic Hemp Sheets.
These products assure that they have been made with organic materials and produced in an environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible manner. Additionally, they are all free of potentially harmful chemicals and have been manufactured to the highest standards.
What are some of the best Oeko-Tex-certified sheets on the market?
Some of the best Oeko-Tex-certified sheets on the market include Parachute’s Classic Percale Sheet Set, and Lane Linen Organic Sheet Set.
All of these products have been tested for harmful substances, ensuring they are safe for human use. Additionally, their materials and construction have been checked to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality.
Should I buy sheets with both certificates?
It depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for both organic materials and assurance that the sheets are free from toxic chemicals, then buying sheets with both GOTS and Oeko-Tex certification is a good choice. Both certificates provide peace of mind that the product has been manufactured responsibly and meets high standards of quality.
However, if you are only looking for organic materials, then GOTS certification should suffice. Additionally, if you are only concerned with chemical safety, then Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification will provide assurance that the finished product is safe for humans. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual consumer to decide which type of certification is best for them.
What are the best sheets with Oeko-Tex and GOTS certificates?
Some of the best sheets with both Oeko-Tex and GOTS certificates include Boll and Branch’s Organic Cotton Sheets and Lane Linen Organic Sheets.
Lane Linen Organic Cotton Pure Sheet Set
$44.99
$23.99
Material: Organic Cotton
Certificates: GOTS and Oeko-Tex
01/27/2023 09:09 am GMT
Conclusion
When shopping for bedding products with either GOTS or OekoTex certifications, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting high-quality materials that were produced safely and ethically according to strict standards.
While both labels provide reassurance about the safety of the product being purchased, understanding the differences between these two certifications can help you make more informed decisions about which products best fit your needs.
So if you’re looking for organic fiber bedding with ethical labor practices, then GOTS is your best choice, whereas if you’re more concerned about ensuring safe materials, then OekoTex might be better suited for you!
Read More: Do I Need Deep Pocket Sheets?
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
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