We set up Cotton Bag Co to give businesses a sustainable and ethical option when it comes to sourcing bags for commercial purposes, since our inception we have expanded to various materials including jute, canvas and cotton, and have expanded our range of sustainable printed products to match. After achieving FSC certification on our paper bags with Paper Bag Co, we thought GOTS was the next step.
To better align with our aim of meeting this purpose, we worked towards gaining the GOTS certification for our bags, and in 2020 we got it!
What is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, all backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. So, you can be sure your organic cotton bags have been carefully grown, manufactured and printed to the latest GOTS organic standard.
Why we went on the GOTS Journey
Achieving GOTS certification was absolutely worth it, but it wasn’t simple. The standard sets a high bar, and rightly so. Every stage of the process, from the sourcing of raw cotton to the production of the bags, right through to the inks and cleaning products used in our print rooms, must meet strict criteria.
Fortunately, our long‑standing global partners were already certified, so taking the next step and securing certification for ourselves was the natural progression.
Cotton Bag Co became GOTS certified in 2020 through our parent company, Paper Bag Co. But certification isn’t a finish line - it’s an ongoing commitment.
We undergo two audits every year: one scheduled, and one completely unannounced. Because we genuinely believe in the principles behind GOTS, we embed them into every part of our production and printing processes. That means we’re always audit‑ready, not because we have to be, but because it reflects how we choose to operate.
In recent years, we’ve seen a clear shift in customer expectations. People want products that are ethical, traceable, and responsible, not just for their own peace of mind, but for the wellbeing of the people who make them.
As demand for GOTS‑certified bags continues to grow, we’re proud to be one of the few UK printers able to offer them. It places us in a strong position to support brands that want to make better, more sustainable choices.
