Sustainable fabric sourcing has moved from a niche requirement to a mainstream expectation. Understanding what each certification actually covers — and what it does not — is essential for making credible claims.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Covers the full supply chain from organic fibre to finished fabric. Requires organic raw material, restricted chemical processing, wastewater treatment, and fair labour. The most comprehensive textile certification available.
OCS (Organic Content Standard): Verifies that a product contains a specified percentage of organic material. Covers chain of custody only — not processing standards. Less rigorous than GOTS but appropriate for blended fabrics where full GOTS is not feasible.
BCI (Better Cotton Initiative): Covers responsible cotton farming — reduced water, reduced pesticides, fair labour at farm level. Uses mass balance (not physical tracing). Appropriate as a baseline commitment, not for specific organic or traceability claims.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests the finished product for harmful substances — over 100 chemicals checked. Does not cover supply chain or farming practices. Appropriate for any fabric regardless of fibre source.
For brands: GOTS is the strongest claim. OCS is appropriate for blends. BCI demonstrates responsible sourcing commitment. OEKO-TEX demonstrates product safety.
At Janki Nath & Co., we hold BCI, GOTS, OCS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications across our manufacturing operations.
Related reading: Our certifications | Linen fabric range
Contact us: jcofabrics@yahoo.co.in | www.jcofabrics.com
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