09/25

What being GOTS-certified means to us

Discover how GOTS-certified organic cotton ensures transparency, sustainability, and trust across every Stanley/Stella garment.

  • Sustainability
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What being GOTS-certified means to us

Sustainability isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about setting high standards and meeting them, day after day. Certifications help us stay accountable, giving our partners and customers the proof they need to trust what we say and do.

Our GOTS commitment 

Among the certifications we hold, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the foundation for all our organic cotton. Every product we make with organic cotton is 100% GOTS-certified*, verified by Control Union in the EU and the US. From cotton ginning to the finished garment, every step is covered.

* Certified by Control Union CU 819434 (EU) / 1393082 (US)

What GOTS covers 

GOTS is often seen as just an organic label. In reality, it’s a globally recognised, scope-based certification that requires compliance across the full supply chain:

  • Environment: organic farming, no GMOs, no toxic inputs, strict wastewater and chemical management.
  • Social: safe working conditions and fair treatment of workers.
  • Due diligence: risk assessments and policies aligned with OECD guidelines.
  • Traceability: complete visibility from cotton ginning to garment.
  • Audits: independent checks, repeated regularly.

To carry the GOTS label, every supplier involved in our chain must be certified for their scope. That makes GOTS one of the most credible and comprehensive textile standards available.

Why it matters 

Sustainability is crowded with claims. Few are backed up by independent proof. GOTS is different. It offers our partners:

  • A trusted signal in a competitive market.
  • Verified evidence for tenders, sales, and brand storytelling.
  • Confidence in the integrity of the cotton and the supply chain behind it.

We don’t see GOTS as a symbol of perfection. We see it as a foundation — a reliable base to build on and a protection against greenwashing.

We go beyond certification 

GOTS provides the foundation, but it’s only part of our broader approach to verified sustainability. We back it with:

  • Annual audits and ongoing due diligence across our global supply chain.
  • Educational platforms like Behind the Seams, letting partners discover what goes into every garment.
  • Continued investment in supply-chain visibility, data-driven reporting, and stronger partnerships.

We build on the globally recognised GOTS standard, supported by a consistent system, to provide a transparent foundation our partners and community can trust.