Why GOTS?
HBE clothing started with the mission to create a product, which combines streetwear style with environmental and social responsibility. Therefore, we decided to work exclusively with production sites that are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). All of our fabrics, dyes, prints, embroidery and the production site we work with in Portugal comply to the requirements of GOTS and can be found in the GOTS-database.
GOTS requires garments to include a minimum of 70% natural organic fibres. That means, that fibres are grown without using any synthetic pesticides, insecticides or herbicides. For ‚organic’ products, the standard is even higher at 95%. Moreover, GOTS goes beyond organic cotton and sets high standards for the use of chemicals in colouring, auxiliaries and processing of fabrics. There are only certain GOTS approved products that can be used to refine the raw material. Likewise, we only work with GOTS certified printers and accessories to continue this responsibility. Lastly, GOTS requires a social standard in terms of labour conditions that have to be met by all manufacturers, processors and traders. The requirements are specifically in line with the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD.
One interesting thing that we want to highlight is that GOTS specifically rejects any forms of ‚greenwashing‘. If you are generally interested to find out more, please look into the GOTS website at https://global-standard.org/the-standard.
When we developed the concept of HBE clothing, we took great consideration to have a reliable and responsible standard. At the end of the day, we want to change the game of streetwear fashion - GOTS is only the first step.
