When it comes to selecting bedding for your family, being free from harmful chemicals should be a top priority. With numerous fibres and options available, understanding which ones are truly low-toxin and eco-friendly can be daunting. This guide breaks down the differences between two leading certifications, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX certification and how to make better bedding choices whether you are after a new duvet inner or sheets.

Understanding the Certifications

GOTS and OEKO-TEX certification are both certifications related to textiles, but they have different focuses and criteria.

GOTS certification guarantees organic integrity throughout the textile production process, from sourcing raw materials to labelling.

GOTS focuses on:

Ensuring that textiles are produced using organic fibres.
Guaranteeing that the textile product contains a minimum of 70% organic fibres. It also ensures that certain environmental and social criteria are met throughout the production process, including restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals, compliance with fair labour practices, and adherence to ecological and social criteria at all levels of the supply chain.

OEKO-TEX certification focuses on ensuring textile safety for consumers by testing for harmful substances.

Key differences:

OEKO-TEX certification primarily focuses on the safety of textiles, ensuring the absence of 350 harmful substances commonly found in materials.
Unlike certifications such as GOTS, which also assess the type of fibres used, OEKO-TEX Standard solely concentrates on the safety of the end product for consumers.
OEKO-TEX certification applies to all types of textiles, regardless of whether they are made from organic or conventional fibres.

It's worth noting that many OEKO-TEX certified products are ethically and sustainably made too! If you're unsure, it's worth checking with the company. More often than not, they take great care to ensure that what they stock is also ethically and sustainably made.

Choosing Low-Toxin Bedding

When selecting low-toxin bedding, consider the following:

You don't want to be sleeping in plastic so it's a must to avoid synthetic fibres like polyester.
Aim for GOTS certified bedding if your budget allows.
If you are looking for a more affordable option and variety, go for natural materials like cotton or linen with the OEKO-TEX Certification as it ensures there are no harmful chemicals hidden in your bedding.

Top Picks for Low-Tox Bedding

I have done the hard work for you and hunted down great low-tox bedding options from brands around the world that are doing more to look after our health and the environment.

Here are some great low tox GOTS options:

Bhumi
Conscious Convert
Aizome Textiles
Hiber-Nation Linen
Organic Nest
House of March use use "lowtoxinrabbit" for $$$ off everything except bundles until 20th April

Sell both GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified:

OEKO-TEX certified natural fibre options:

The Linen Project NZ -
Patersonrose -
Linen Social - use lowtox15 for $$ off
I Love Linen
Bistara Linen Co. - use LTB20 for $$ off
Bed Threads
A&C Linen Bedding
Home Lab
Foxtrot Home

By choosing GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified bedding and avoiding synthetics, you can create a safer and more sustainable sleep environment for your family. Making informed choices not only promotes health and well-being but also supports businesses trying to do better for health and the environment. It's a win win!

References:

https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100

https://global-standard.org/

How to Choose Low-Tox Bedding: GOTS vs. OEKO-TEX

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