What Is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)? A Guide for Conscious Crafters

At Knitted Clouds, we believe that sustainability should go beyond marketing claims—it should be backed by real, transparent standards. That’s why we carefully select partners who meet some of the highest certifications in the textile industry, including the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

But what does GOTS-certified wool mean? How does it differ from other organic claims, and why should it matter to you as a conscious crafter? In this blog, we’ll explore what GOTS certification ensures, why it’s important, and how it helps you make a more ethical and sustainable choice when selecting your yarn.

What Is GOTS?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading international certification for organic textiles, covering the entire supply chain—from farm to finished yarn. It is widely recognized as the gold standard in sustainable textiles because it ensures both environmental and social responsibility.

For wool to be GOTS-certified, it must meet strict requirements at every stage, including:

🌱 Organic Farming Practices – Sheep must be raised on organic farms, where no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs are used on grazing land.

🧶 Responsible Processing & Manufacturing – Wool must be processed without harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or toxic dyes, ensuring safety for both people and the planet.

👷 Fair & Ethical Working Conditions – The certification guarantees that everyone involved in production is treated fairly, with safe working conditions and living wages.

♻️ Traceability & Transparency – Every step, from shearing to spinning to dyeing, must be tracked and certified, so you know exactly where your wool comes from.

GOTS certification is much more than just a label—it is proof that the yarn you are using meets the highest sustainability and ethical standards.

How Does Wool Qualify for GOTS Certification?

To receive GOTS certification, wool must go through a rigorous process to ensure it meets environmental, social, and quality standards. The main requirements include:

1️⃣ Organic Wool Farming

🐑 Sheep must be raised on certified organic farms, meaning:

• No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used on grazing land.
• No preventative antibiotics or growth hormones are given to the sheep.
• Mulesing is strictly prohibited, ensuring better animal welfare.

2️⃣ Eco-Friendly Processing & Dyeing

♻️ Wool must be cleaned and processed without toxic chemicals such as:

• Heavy metals
• Formaldehyde
• Chlorine-based bleaches
• Harmful AZO dyes

This ensures that GOTS-certified wool is safe for both the environment and the people handling it.

3️⃣ Ethical & Fair Labor Practices

👷 Factories and mills that process GOTS-certified wool must provide:

• Fair wages & no child labor
• Safe working conditions
• No forced labor or worker exploitation

4️⃣ Full Traceability & Certification

🔍 Every stage of production—from sheep farm to finished yarn—is independently inspected and tracked. This transparency guarantees that only certified organic fibers are used.

Why Choose GOTS-Certified Wool?

🌿 Better for the Environment

GOTS-certified wool is produced in a way that protects soil health, biodiversity, and water resources. Since it bans synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, it supports healthier ecosystems and reduces pollution.

🐑 Higher Animal Welfare Standards

Unlike standard wool production, GOTS requires humane treatment of sheep, banning cruel practices like mulesing and ensuring natural, stress-free grazing conditions.

👷 Fair & Ethical Production

By choosing GOTS-certified yarn, you are supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for the people involved in processing and dyeing wool.

✅ No Harmful Chemicals

Because GOTS prohibits toxic dyes, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, GOTS-certified wool is safer for:
🍼 Baby garments & sensitive skin
🧶 Natural, eco-conscious crafting
🌱 Those looking to reduce their exposure to chemicals

🔍 Full Transparency & Trust

Unlike brands that claim to be "eco-friendly" without proof, GOTS ensures independent certification at every stage. You can trust that what you're buying is truly organic and responsibly produced.

How We Represent GOTS-Certified Wool at Knitted Clouds

At Knitted Clouds, we are committed to offering only the best, most ethically produced wool. That’s why we carefully select GOTS-certified yarns that meet our high standards for:

✔️ Sustainability – 100% organic farming and chemical-free processing.
✔️ Animal Welfare – No mulesing, ethical treatment, and natural grazing.
✔️ Fair Labor Practices – No worker exploitation, fair wages, and safe working environments.
✔️ Transparency – Full traceability from sheep to skein.

By choosing GOTS-certified wool from Knitted Clouds, you are directly supporting responsible wool production, ensuring high-quality, ethically sourced materials for your crafting projects.

Final Thoughts: Why GOTS Matters for Conscious Crafters

If you care about the environment, animal welfare, and ethical production, GOTS-certified wool is one of the best choices you can make. Unlike general “organic” claims, GOTS guarantees strict, independently verified standards—from the way sheep are raised to the way the wool is processed and dyed.

At Knitted Clouds, we are proud to offer a collection of GOTS-certified wool, so you can craft with confidence, knowing that your materials are as sustainable, ethical, and natural as possible.

🧶 Looking for certified organic wool? Browse our GOTS-certified collection here!