The International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard was formed as an initiative of leading standard organizations in 2002  as SKAL International/Control Union with the goal to unify the various existing standards and draft standards which caused confusion with market participants and consumers and were an obstacle to free international trade with organic textiles.

Since 2007, Ethic ShopFactory chose to work with the organization Skal International/Control Union, thus each one of our items show the labels EKO and GOTS.

Processing criteria

At all stages through the processing organic fibre products have to be separated from conventional fibre products and need to be clearly identified

All chemical inputs (s.a. dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals) are to be assessed and must meet basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability

Exclusion of critical inputs s.a. toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde and GMO substances

Restrictions for accessories (e.g. no PVC, nickel or chrome permitted, no plastic appliqué or inlays)

The waste water of all wet processing units must be treated in a functional waste water treatment plant

Meeting social minimum criteria (based on ILO key norms) is compulsory for all processors

Social minimum criteria

Employment is freely chosen There is no forced or bonded labour. Workers are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.

Freedom of association and the right to collecting bargaining are respected Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities. Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.

Working conditions are safe and hygienic A safe and hygienic working environment is provided. Adequate steps are taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising from, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment. Workers receive regular and recorded health and safety training, and such training is repeated for new or reassigned workers. Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, to rest areas, food consuming areas and sanitary facilities for food storage are provided.

Child labour Child labour is prohibited. These policies and procedure are conforming to the provisions of the relevant ILO standards (C138, C182).

Living wages Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet, is at a minimum, national legal standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure are not permitted nor any deductions from wages unless provided for by national law without the express permission of the worker concerned. All disciplinary measures are recorded.

Working hours Working hours is complying with national laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection. In any event, workers are not required to work in excess of 48 hours per week on a regular basis, and are provided with one day off for every 7 day period on average. Overtime is voluntary, does not exceed 12 hours per week, is not demanded on a regular basis and is always compensated at a premium rate.

No discrimination is practised There is no discrimination in hiring compensation, access to training, promotion termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.

Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibite The threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation are prohibited.