Case Study: Armstrong Knitting Mills
GOTS Case Study:
Armstrong Knitting Mills
Weaving Sustainability into Business with Armstrong Group
Armstrong Knitting Mills, a textile factory in India that’s been in operation since 1969, is a pioneer in sustainable textiles and business in the industry and is known for its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation.


From Farm to Fashion
Armstrong Group boasts a vertical setup that encompasses the entire textile production process, from sourcing quality cotton to creating impeccable garments. Sustainability is the cornerstone of their operations, and it is evident in multiple aspects of their business, including:
Armstrong has invested substantially in renewable energy sources, harnessing wind and solar power. They generate over 18.5 megawatts from windmills and 9.234 megawatts from solar energy annually, which is enough to ensure that their operations are powered entirely by green energy. This not only makes Armstrong a net-zero carbon emission factory but also reduces 25 million kilograms of CO2 emissions annually.
Recognising the threat of plastic waste, Armstrong has embraced sustainability by using post-consumer recycled PET polyester throughout operations. In the past ten years, this effort has saved 60 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.
Green Planet
Armstrong's commitment to making the planet greener is evident in its extensive tree-planting initiatives, which have seen over 5,200 trees planted in its region over the last five years. It also collects and stores millions of litres of rainwater for various purposes.
Fair Trade Premium:
Armstrong supports local farmers with fair-trade premiums, totalling around $1.6 million over a decade. These premiums contribute to improving the living standards of farmers through a number of programs.


Employee Benefits
Employees are at the heart of Armstrong's success, and the company tries to provide as many opportunities for the well-being of its workers as possible. That includes a safe and hygienic work environment, competitive pay, free transport, healthcare, and an on-site childcare facility.
Armstrong extends its impact beyond its operations by offering free training programs to those interested in the garment industry. These training opportunities, guided by experts, aim to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, benefiting not only Armstrong but also other manufacturers in the region.
GOTS certification underscores Armstrong's adherence to eco-friendly manufacturing practices. It assures consumers that the textiles are produced using natural resources thoughtfully and responsibly, aligning with Armstrong's goal of safeguarding the environment.


Case Study: Frugi
GOTS Case Study:
Frugi
Founded by new parents in 2004, Frugi, previously known as Cut4Cloth, has grown to be the UK's premier ethical and organic children's clothing brand. With a presence in over 550 retailers across 30 countries, the company is dedicated to showcasing that superior design, strong ethics, and passionate individuals can be transformative. Its journey involves the use of organic cotton from trusted farmers, recycled plastic bottles for outerwear, and a relentless pursuit of innovation, all aimed at leaving a positive mark on the world.
Case Study: Naturepedic
Case Study
Naturepedic

Company Snapshot
Location: Headquartered at 16925 Park Cir Dr, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 with 20+ organic mattress galleries from coast to coast
Years in operation: 20 (founded in 2003)
Year you received GOTS certification: 2009
Number of employees: 100+
Types of products you make: GOTS certified organic mattresses and bedding for babies, kids, adults and pets
Units produced monthly: More than 10,000 GOTS-certified items produced monthly
Where can consumers find your products: Online at Naturepedic.com , as well as through our many retail partners and affiliates
How it all began...
In 2003, Board Certified Environmental Engineer Barry A. Cik set out to find a crib mattress for his first grandchild. To his surprise, he couldn't find a single option that met his standards: made without questionable chemicals, harmful waterproofing agents, potential allergens, and hazardous flame retardants. Determined to provide a safer sleep environment for his family and others, Barry, joined by his sons, Jeff and Jason, laid the foundation for Naturepedic, pioneering the organic mattress movement. Today the company offers certified organic sleep solutions for individuals of all ages, including babies, kids, adults, and even pets.


Pioneering Organic Sleep
Naturepedic has always been more than just a mattress company. It has dedicated itself to the pursuit of a healthier, restorative, and organic sleep. Since its founding, the company has specialised in creating handcrafted GOTS-certified organic mattresses that do not contain the harmful materials found in conventional mattresses, such as polyurethane foam, vinyl/PVC, PFAS, pesticides, GMOs, toxic VOCs, or other harmful substances. Instead, it sources and creates its products using healthier alternatives like GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-approved (GOLS- or FSC®-certified) latex, FSC®-controlled wood, PLA batting derived from non-GMO sugarcane, and in-house manufactured encased coils without any glues or adhesives.
Trailblazers in Organic Mattresses
Naturepedic stands at the forefront of the organic mattress movement. It is renowned as the most certified and awarded organic mattress brand in the industry, testifying to its unwavering commitment to quality. When Naturepedic started in 2003, however, the term "organic mattress" lacked a clear definition for most people. Globally, GOTS has played a pivotal role in defining what an organic mattress truly is, differentiating it from conventional, non-organic options. Naturepedic's commitment to GOTS standards has not only legitimised the brand but has also positively influenced the mattress and bedding industry, establishing GOTS as the worldwide standard for organic mattresses.
For Naturepedic, the GOTS certification is a testament to the exceptional standard its products adhere to, setting them a cut above the rest in the market. As founder, Barry Cik says, “There is no way to trust organic claims unless those claims are validated by the GOTS certification program.”
It's more than just a badge – it's a seal of trust and quality that transcends marketing claims, providing concrete assurance to customers. With every Naturepedic mattress, one is not just investing in superior comfort but in a product with a verified higher standard of organic integrity and craftsmanship. GOTS certification narrates a story of value, trust, and uncompromised quality.
What sets Naturepedic apart is not just its products but two important guiding principles:
• It’s not organic unless it’s GOTS certified organic.
• Chemicals are guilty until proven innocent.


A Commitment to Sustainability
The company isn't just in the business of selling organic mattresses; it's comprised of dedicated environmentalists. Recently, it adopted a new kraft paper roll-packing system, ensuring that all its mattresses, comfort layers, and toppers are wrapped in fully recyclable kraft paper. This switch is a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability, keeping over 55,000 pounds of plastic out of landfills annually.
With over two decades of expertise in crafting organic mattresses and sleep accessories, Naturepedic is now poised for expansion into a broader range of organic home and lifestyle products, including duvets, throw blankets, bathrobes, towels, furniture, and more. Throughout this forward-looking journey, Naturepedic's commitment to the GOTS standard remains unwavering, defining what it means to be "organic" and providing customers with peace of mind.
Case Study: Hayleys Fabric
GOTS Case Study:
Hayleys Fabric
Pioneering Sustainable Textiles in Sri Lanka
Since its inception in 1992, Hayleys Fabric has emerged as a trailblazer in the textile industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. With GOTS certification earned in 2014, this Sri Lankan manufacturing powerhouse has become a beacon of responsible textile practices, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship, fair labour practices, and innovation.

Company Snapshot
Hayleys Fabric: Neboda, Sri Lanka
In operation: since 1992
GOTS-certified: since 2014
Employees: 3088
Output: 3 million-plus metres of fabric per month
Annual turnover: 72 Million USD
Leading the Sustainable Charge
Hayleys Fabric's path to sustainability lies at the company’s core. Sustainability and eco-friendly production, along with a commitment to innovation, form the fundamental principles that underpin every aspect of operations. From water and energy conservation to the creative transformation of waste into value-added products, Hayleys Fabric leaves no stone unturned in its quest to minimise its environmental footprint.
A testament to this commitment is Sri Lanka's largest single solar roof adorning its facility, generating 20 percent of the company's energy and reducing its carbon footprint by 15 percent. Its comprehensive textile processes span knitting, dyeing, printing, brushing, sueding, and finishing, offering a diverse portfolio of fabrics. Notably, the company has developed its own brand of fabric through its Innovation Centre, showcasing its prowess in sustainable textile solutions.


GOTS Certification: A Symbol of Dedication
For Hayleys Fabric, GOTS certification is more than a badge; it's a declaration of values. MD/CEO Rohan Goonetilleke passionately states, ‘GOTS reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible textile practices, ensuring our products meet the highest environmental and social standards’. GOTS certification has also unlocked enhanced market access, ushering in a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while showcasing adherence to regulatory standards. Like all GOTS Certified Entities, Hayleys Fabric has optimised its processes to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency, along with meeting the robust guidelines for social responsibility. GOTS certification helps Hayleys Fabric show its customers that the company takes sustainability seriously, Mr. Goonetilleke says: ‘This certification resonates with our dedication to sustainable sourcing, organic materials, and ethical production. It assures our customers that our fabrics are not only of superior quality but also crafted with utmost care for the planet and its people. GOTS certification serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to responsible practices, fostering trust and transparency in our industry’.
But it's not just about compliance; Hayleys Fabric goes beyond. A green belt and biodiversity wetland park adjacent to the facility illustrate the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship. This sanctuary is home to nearly 300 species of flora and fauna, serving as an educational and research hub for local schools and universities. Its support for the restoration of endangered Sri Lankan forest plants and an in-house organic farm further exemplifies its commitment to the planet.
Transforming the Industry
Hayleys Fabric's GOTS certification has catalysed a transformation towards environmental stewardship, fair labour practices, and transparency across the value chain. The rigorous third-party certification process assures consumers that the strict GOTS requirements are met, empowering them to make informed choices that contribute to the growth of the global organic textile market.
Yearly audits and continuous improvement efforts drive creative problem-solving throughout the business. Notably, Hayleys Fabric has harnessed its innovation to develop sustainable products, including a mahogany dye from furniture waste and a black dye from its biomass waste.


A Future Aligned with Sustainability
GOTS certification has solidified Hayleys Fabric’s commitment to sustainability, attracted environmentally conscious clientele and reinforced the company’s strong ethos of ecological and socially responsible operations. As Head of Sustainability & Sustainable Innovations, Leonie Vaas aptly summarises, ‘This recognition has elevated our standing, drawn in environmentally conscious clientele, and emphasised our dedication to an eco-friendlier and more responsible textile sector’.
With its rich history, innovative spirit, and steadfast commitment to sustainability, Hayleys Fabric is not just a GOTS-certified company; it's a pioneering force reshaping the future of textiles for the better.