Wet-Processing
Elements of Inspection
Due to use of water and chemicals, this section has the highest level of associated risks and, therefore, very stringent criteria are applicable here. Chemical inputs used for wet-processing of GOTS Goods must be approved prior to their use. To know more about how to get chemical inputs approved, click here.
For sizing, at least 75% of sizing agents should be of natural origin. For pre-treatment, ammonia treatment, as well as chlorination of wool are prohibited. Only oxygen-based bleaches like peroxide, ozone, etc. are allowed.
For dyeing and printing, there are additional curbs on allergenic dyes, carcinogenic and suspected carcinogenic colourants, as well as dyes containing heavy metal. To avoid exploitation of natural resources, the use of natural dyes and auxiliaries that are derived from a threatened species listed on the Red List of the is also prohibited.
For printing, there are limits for inputs containing permanent Adsorbable Organic Halides (AOX). Additionally, printing methods using aromatic solvents, phthalates or chlorinated plastics (e.g. PVC) are prohibited.
For finishing, the use of synthetic inputs is forbidden for certain treatments. These include anti-microbial, coating, filling, stiffening, lustring, matting and weighting. At the same time, finishing methods like sand blasting, which are considered harmful to workers, are prohibited.
Wastewater Treatment by Wet Processing Units
Wastewater from all wet-processing units is treated in an internal or external functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Since laws vary around the world, the most stringent legal requirement – whether local laws or GOTS criteria – is applicable. The criteria include pH, temperature, total organic content, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, colour removal, etc. The extent of treatment required for the wastewater and sludge depends upon types of inputs being used and is evaluated by the Approved Certifiers.
Some parameters are equally applicable to all processing stages under GOTS certification, like:
- Social Criteria
- Ethical Business Behaviour
- Environmental Management