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GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD
ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Case Study: Saitex

GOTS Case Study:
Saitex

A Sustainable Vision for Denim Manufacturing


Saitex, headquartered in Vietnam, has emerged as a pivotal force in the global denim industry since its establishment in 2012. With the capacity to produce an impressive 20,000 pairs of jeans per day, the company's true distinction lies in its innovative approaches to denim manufacturing and a profound commitment to social equity. Amidst the fashion industry's often contentious sustainability and environmental concerns, Saitex's narrative takes centre stage, focusing on groundbreaking strategies and unwavering dedication to its employees and the local community.

A Green Beacon in Denim Manufacturing

Saitex's LEED-certified facility redefines the standard for clean water practices. They recycle an astounding 98% of the water used, a remarkable feat in an industry notorious for water wastage. Traditional denim manufacturers waste up to 1,500 litres of water per pair of jeans with inefficient practices and outdated technology. In contrast, Saitex employs efficient jet washing machines, losing just 0.4 litres of water to evaporation. Additionally, on-site rainwater collection pools minimise water consumption impact. Saitex's five-step filtration process purifies water, rendering it so clean that it's drinkable.


Green Energy

Saitex is committed to renewable energy resources, particularly solar power, a dedication that has reduced annual energy usage by 5.3 million kilowatt-hours and cut CO2 emissions by nearly 80 percent. They've taken a page from the past, air drying jeans with recycled factory machinery air, a sustainable alternative to the inefficient traditional dryers that used excessive electricity. To offset remaining emissions, they plant trees, contributing to a greener world.
Clean Waste: All wastewater treatment plants create a toxic byproduct called sludge. But at SAITEX, the sludge is extracted and shipped to a nearby brick factory. Mixed with concrete, the toxic material can no longer leech on the environment, and the resulting bricks are used to build affordable homes for the people in need.


Empowering Communities Through Responsible Business Practises

Saitex firmly believes in harnessing the power of business as a force for good, aiming to create a healthier, more equitable world. Their endeavours include:
Empowering the Next Generation: Saitex supports three orphanages housing 800 children. These children are offered training and employment opportunities at Saitex when they turn 18.


Food for Good

 

 

In collaboration with Everlane, Saitex has implemented hydroponic and clean farming systems, providing healthy food for the community while generating jobs that promote social interaction and employment with equal pay for vulnerable groups.
Supporting Gender Equality: With 58% of their workforce comprising women, Saitex actively promotes gender equality, with many women holding key positions within the company.


One-of-a-Kind Production Line: The Rekut production line is a platform for differently-abled individuals to receive training and support for sustainable employment, with an ambitious goal of creating 1,000 jobs and avoiding 1,000,000 kg of landfill waste by 2025.


Saitex's vision for sustainability and social equity is about more than just denim; it's about shaping a future where business serves as a force for good. Their innovations in water and energy conservation, waste management, and commitment to supporting communities demonstrate that it's possible to transform even the most polluting industries into champions of sustainability and social equity. Saitex invites us to see abilities, not disabilities, and to believe in a world where affordable, clean food is a basic human right, all while leaving a greener, cleaner footprint on the planet.

 

Read more …Case Study: Saitex

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.

Read more …Case Study: Frugi

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.


Read more …Case Study: Naturepedic

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.


Read more …Case Study: Hayleys Fabric

Case Study: FC St Pauli

GOTS Case Study:
FC St. Pauli

FAIR PLAY ON AND OFF THE FOOTBALL FIELD!

Introduction 

In the heart of the vibrant St. Pauli district in Hamburg, there is a football club that defies outdated conventions - the Football Club St. Pauli 1910 e.V., affectionately known as FC St. Pauli. But this is no ordinary football club; it is a source of social culture and a champion of sustainability, proudly holding its GOTS certification.


A History of Perseverance

Since its founding in 1910, FC St. Pauli has experienced it all - promotions and relegations on the football field. But its impact goes far beyond sports. In the 80s, it underwent a transformation and became a cultural phenomenon, shaped by left-wing politics, social activism, and its iconic skull emblem.
Confronted with the global challenges that concern us all, such as climate change, FC St. Pauli leads by example and lives sustainability! It's not just about being environmentally friendly, but also about reducing energy consumption, minimising resource use, and upholding human rights for the benefit of all.


For FC St. Pauli, sustainability is more than just a word - it's a way of life. This creed is built upon five central principles deeply embedded in the club:
Fairness: Throughout the production and supply chain, FC St. Pauli guarantees fairness. This means appropriate wages, dignified working conditions, and a strict “Never!“ to child labour.

Ecology: Environmental responsibility is paramount. The club emblem is proudly printed on organic cotton, recycled materials, and organic fabrics in functional clothing.


Economic sustainability: Striking a balance between sustainability and financial stability is crucial. The revenue from merchandise directly supports sports and social activities without driving up prices.


Local ties: FC St. Pauli passionately supports local initiatives, whether through fan projects or aid to the Hamburg club scene in difficult times. The club is deeply rooted in its neighbourhood and demonstrates teamwork off the football field as well.


Diversity: Diversity is a must-have! FC St. Pauli's products are increasingly gender-neutral and offer a variety of fits and styles to ensure everyone feels welcome. FC St. Pauli is not just a football club; it is a movement for a better and more sustainable world.



The Sustainable Football Experience – Not an Offside Situation Anymore:

 

 

What set the ball rolling? A 17-year-old member's proposal to implement sustainability in merchandise production during the general assembly led to prompt action. FC St. Pauli responded by introducing a line of GOTS-certified merchandise products and is still applying these principles to more and more products, including its jerseys. Now, a significant portion of cotton textiles is GOTS-certified – and FC St. Pauli is the only football club in the world to be a member of the Fair Wear Foundation.
Starting from the 2021/22 season, FC St. Pauli, in collaboration with DIIY, designed the jerseys and team sport collection of the professional team. This has led to special designs that pay tribute to the club's values. For example, the third jersey of the 2022/23 season is inspired by local graffiti artist OZ, honours his art, and contributes to the upkeep of his grave through donations from parts of the sales proceeds, in line with FC St. Pauli's focus on counterculture and community.


FC St. Pauli's dedication to sustainability and GOTS certification extends far beyond the football field. The club recognises the immense social significance of football and uses it as a platform to promote sustainability and inspire others to follow their example. This journey is a shining example for the football community, showing that fair treatment on and off the field deserves green thumbs up! FC St. Pauli is not just a football club; it is a movement for a better, more inclusive, and sustainable world.


Read more …Case Study: FC St Pauli