Organic Cotton? It's got to be gots!
ORGANIC COTTON
GOTS is the leading standard for textiles made from organic fibres worldwide. It was developed to define world-wide recognized requirements from the harvesting of raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible processes and manufacturing and shows that we commit to the highest level of environmental and social standards.
We are proud to be certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) by Soil Association Certification. We are audited annually by Soil Association Certification to ensure our continued adherence to the Standard. Look for GOTS and our license number on products.
WHY BE ORGANIC?
ORGANIC COTTON IS BETTER FOR...
ORGANIC COTTON FARMERS
Growing organic cotton uses natural farming methods alongside growing other crops, such as food, which helps to keep the soil healthy, encourages ecological biodiversity and provides the farmers and their communities with a more stable, diverse and accessible food supply both for their use and to boost incomes. The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are banned in organic farming as they can damage ecosystems, poison waterways and potentially endanger the workers using them, so eliminating these creates a positive environmental impact and also protects farmers’ health.
YOUR LITTLE ONES
No nasty chemicals are used in organic cotton farming, and the chemicals used in the processing of our cotton, such as dying and printing, are strictly controlled making it much softer, gentler and kinder to your little one’s delicate skin.
THE PLANET
Organic farms have up to 50% more wildlife than conventional farms1, and growing organic cotton helps combat climate change by creating healthier soils, ecosystems and cleaner waterways.
YOU
Organic cotton creates good quality and durable clothes that last long, so you can buy less, buy better and pass the clothes on and on.
MAKE A SWITCH TO IN CONVERSION COTTON...
WHAT IS IN CONVERSION COTTON?
For conventional cotton farmers to make that all-important switch to organic, there needs to be what is know as an “in conversion” or “transitional” period before they can be fully certified as growing organic cotton. This time can vary but is usually around three years.
During this period of in conversion, the farmers will follow the organic growth methods, such as not using chemical pesticides, fertilizers or genetically engineered seeds. This allows the fertility of the soil to be improved and helps the eco-systems re-establish a balance and thrive!
In conversion cotton is produced during these three years when a farmer switches from growing conventional cotton to organic, starting their journey to becoming fully GOTS organic certified.
WHY IS IN CONVERSION COTTON SO IMPORTANT?
With the demand for organic cotton getting higher and higher, farmers are feeling more pressure than ever to switch from growing conventional cotton to organic.
However, this not easy for them to achieve without the financial support from buyers during their in conversion period before they become fully GOTS organic certified – especially as the demand for conventional cotton is dropping.
Therefore, by creating Frugi clothes using in conversion cotton we’re helping support farmers to make this this incredibly important switch and provide them with the financial stability to become growers of GOTS certified organic cotton!
IN CONVERSION COTTON FAQS
No, in conversion cotton is different from conventional cotton as it is grown organically, adhering to strict IFOAM (The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) Organic Standards. The in conversion cotton farmers follow IFOAM standards to ensure that every aspect of the growing and farming of the cotton is organic.
The in conversion cotton is then processed into yarns and fabric to produce a Frugi product following the Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS. All our partner factories and mills are GOTS certified, meaning they can only follow organic-certified processes when producing our Frugi clothes – conventional cotton has none of these certifications or traceability standards!
Here at Frugi, we love all things organic and want to help support and encourage as many farmers as possible to convert their farms from growing conventional cotton to growing organic – making it better for them, better for you and better for the planet too! It can take up to 3 years for the land where the cotton is grown to be certified as organic, so the best way we can support farmers to make this “switch” is by buying their cotton throughout the conversion period.
In conversion cotton is grown, processed and made into garments following strict organic standards. However, because the land on which the cotton is grown cannot be officially certified as organic for a number of years, we cannot call in conversion cotton organic.
Yes! All our in conversion cotton has been certified as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) by Soil Association Certification under license number DK22283.
Yes, as the in conversion cotton is grown and processed to the same high organic standards as our GOTS certified organic cotton, making them just as soft and sustainable.
Yes! Our in conversion cotton is grown to IFOAM Organic Standards, which means the farmers ensure that every aspect of growing and farming the cotton is organic.
The in conversion cotton is then processed into yarns and fabric to produce a Frugi product following the Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS. All our partner factories and mills are GOTS certified, meaning they can only follow organic-certified processes when producing our Frugi clothes. GOTS also ensures that the in conversion cotton is treated the same as organic cotton. The only difference is that the land on which the in conversion cotton is grown cannot be certified as organic for up to 3 years during this transitional period. And so, to help more farmers make this "switch" to growing organic, we support them financially by buying into the harvest.
No, in conversion cotton is grown organically and adheres to strict IFOAM Organic Standards. The in conversion cotton farmers follow IFOAM standards to ensure that every aspect of the growing and farming of the cotton is organic.
Absolutely! Just as GOTS ensures high environmental standards throughout the in conversion cotton journey, they also have high social standards that guarantee the fair and ethical treatment of all the cotton farmers and workers along the production.
Yes. We are on a mission to protect the planet we play on by looking for and sourcing the most sustainable and planet-friendly fabrics we can. So, we have introduced new materials into our ranges, such as in conversion cotton, which is helping us to make our vision a reality. However, organic cotton is at the heart of Frugi, and we have no plans to stop using it to make our childrenswear.
