NAFSI is proud to only use textile that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), or textile that is upcycled.
The GOTS certification covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all textiles made of certified organic natural fibres. This covers all steps from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling, in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
The GOTS certification is founded based on the following compulsory criteria, to name a few:
Environmental Criteria:
- Prohibited use of toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes
- Dyes, bleaching & printing methods that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited
- All operators must have an environmental policy including target goals and procedures to minimize waste
- Packaging material must not contain PVC. Paper or cardboard used in packaging material, hang tags, swing tags etc. must be recycled or certified according to FSC or PEFC. Have you seen NAFSI's business cards? They're made of recycled bamboo & are FSC certified.
Social Criteria:
Social criteria based on the key norms of the International Labour Organization must be met by all processors and manufacturers. To list a few:
- Employment is freely chosen
- Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- Child labor is strictly prohibited
- Living wages must be met
- Working hours are not excessive
- No discrimination is practiced
- Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibited, this includes forced labor
NAFSI Upcycles
Upcycling is a method used to create a product of higher quality than the original. It extends a fabric's lifecycle and decreases the textile waste found in landfills annually. This method prevents designers and companies from adding stuff to a world that is already overwhelmed with material things. It reuses materials that may otherwise end up in the landfill in innovative ways — producing one-of-a-kind items from what would have been considered waste.
You can read more about NAFSI's approach here.