All About GOTS -

You might have seen on our website or product hangtags that all Under the Nile products are certified by GOTS. But what exactly does that mean?

World Standard

GOTS ensures sustainable and ethical manufacturing in all stages of production, and sets a world-wide recognized standard. This holds our company accountable to strict ecological and social criteria, including things like cotton cultivation, safe fabric finishes, sustainable packaging and fair treatment of workers. Everything about our products – from cotton harvest to product hangtag – adheres to the GOTS standard of ethical and sustainable production. The factory where our products are made are inspected annually to maintain the GOTS certification.

Did you know? Under the Nile was the first baby clothing company in the USA to be certified by GOTS!

Textiles

All GOTS certified products must have at least 70% organic fibers, and any chemical additives such as dyes have to meet strict environmental and toxicological standards. At Under the Nile we go above and beyond —we use 100% organic cotton and we use low impact dyes for vibrant colors. There are a lot more things that GOTS keeps in check, including:

All of our bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching) and we NEVER use Azo dyes, which are carcinogenic
Packaging material must not contain PVC
All waste water must be treated in a functional waste water treatment plant

Packaging

GOTS also has new regulations around the packaging of the garments—right down to the hangtag— which we have been following closely to make sure that every part of our products is as healthy and eco friendly as possible. One extra step we have taken is to discontinue the use of cellophane in gift basket wrapping.

Fairly Traded

Another important aspect of GOTS is that all people involved in the production must be treated ethically. Their “Social Criteria” includes guidelines for safety, nondiscrimination, workers rights, and more. SEKEM, our fair trade certified farm and manufacturing partner in Egypt where all of our products are made, has had these practices ingrained from the start.

GOTS is important because it keeps companies like ours accountable and transparent, so that you can feel confident that the purchases you make are the best for you, your family and the world.

Environmental Criteria

At all stages through the processing organic fibre products must be separated from conventional fibre products and must to be clearly identified
All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals) must be evaluated and meeting basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability
Prohibition of critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes
The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals
Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching)
Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited
Discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited
Restrictions for accessories (e.g. no PVC, nickel or chrome permitted)
All operators must have an environmental policy including target goals and procedures to minimise waste and discharges
Wet processing units must keep full records of the use of chemicals, energy, water consumption and waste water treatment, including the disposal of sludge. The waste water from all wet processing units must be treated in a functional waste water treatment plant.
Packaging material must not contain PVC. Paper or cardboard used in packaging material, hang tags, swing tags etc. must be recycled or certified according to FSC or PEFC

Social Criteria

Employment is freely chosen
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
Child labor must not be used
Living wages
Working hours are not excessive
No discrimination is practiced
Regular employment is provided
Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibited