Global Standards Glossary

A document issued to a Certified Entity by an Approved Certification Body which verifies the entity is in conformity with the requirements of the Standard and includes a summary of the processes and products that are permitted under the certification. It also lists the various facilities that are covered under this certification.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Materials used exclusively for shipping, transport, or storage (e.g., cartons, plastic films).

An individual establishment where chemical Inputs are formulated (see Formulator) and produced. It is included in a Letter of Approval and audited by a Scope 4 Approved Certifier.

Synthetic Microplastic Polymers.

Polymers that are solid and which fulfil both of the following conditions:
(a) are contained in particles and constitute at least 1 % by weight of those particles; or build a continuous surface coating on particles;
(b) at least 1 % by weight of the particles referred to in point (a) fulfil either of the following conditions:
  (i) all dimensions of the particles are equal to or less than 5 mm;
  (ii) the length of the particles is equal to or less than 15 mm and their length to diameter ratio is greater than 3.

Following synthetic polymer microparticles, as substances on their own or in mixtures are exempted from the definition:
(a) synthetic polymer microparticles which are contained by technical means so that releases to the environment are prevented when used in accordance with the instructions for use during the intended end use;
(b) synthetic polymer microparticles the physical properties of which are permanently modified during intended end use in such a way that the polymer no longer falls within the scope of this entry;
(c) synthetic polymer microparticles which are permanently incorporated into a solid matrix during intended end use.

Source: REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles

standard glossary text

An organisation which defines, publishes, and maintains a Standard.

The Standard Setting Procedure is a procedure by which the Standard Body establishes, reviews, and updates the criteria for the production, processing and labelling of certified textiles.

Committee formed by GOTS to guide and advise the GOTS Management and the Advisory Council on matters related to GOTS.

A group of experts representing all aspects of the textile value chain and tasked with being the decisive committee for decisions on the revision of the GOTS Standard and its Implementation Manual.

An entity in the supply chain of GOTS Goods performing job work (in the field of processing or manufacturing) for a Certified Entity without becoming the proprietor of the GOTS Goods. A Subcontractor may be independently certified to GOTS.

Chemical elements and their compounds as they occur in the natural state or as produced by industry.

The total weight of the following:
a) Non-certified accessories which are excluded from material composition; and/or
b) for combined products with one or more certified components, the total weight of the product minus the weight of the certified components.

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.