Sustainable Sourcing in India: Beyond the Greenwash
GOTS, OCS, OEKO-TEX — the certifications are multiplying. But what do they actually mean for buyers, and how do you build a genuinely sustainable supply chain?
Sustainability in sourcing has moved from a brand differentiator to a baseline expectation. Consumers demand it, regulators are legislating for it, and retailers who can't demonstrate supply chain integrity are losing shelf space.
Understanding the Certification Landscape
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): The gold standard for organic fibres. Covers the entire supply chain from farm to finished product.
OCS (Organic Content Standard): Verifies organic material presence without the full supply chain requirements of GOTS.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests finished products for harmful substances — certifies the product is safe for the end consumer.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Verifies recycled content claims. Increasingly important as brands build recycled material into their ranges.
What Certifications Don't Tell You
Certifications are necessary but not sufficient. A truly sustainable supply chain requires both certifications and direct factory relationships built on ongoing accountability.
The EWNS Approach
We help clients build sustainable sourcing programmes that combine the right certifications with genuine factory partnerships — supporting factories in achieving certification, conducting regular audits, and helping clients communicate their sustainability story with evidence.