YOUR NEXT SUSTAINABLE TRADE SHOW GIVEAWAY – GOTS TOTE BAG 

David Platt • 7 March 2022

Eco Promotional Products - GOTS

GOTS LOGO - ECO FRIENDLY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT
Tote Bag - Sustainable GOTS Cotton

Exhibitions and trade shows are great for displaying brands and the carrier bag has always been a favourite giveaway. This is because it is not only useful for the attendee but also they display the brand as they work around the show pushing more traffic to the stand. It is also a product that can be used after the show and high product retention is what we are after.

WHAT IS A GOTS TEXTILE?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide textile processing standard for organic fibres, including eco and social criteria, backed up by independent certification for the whole supply chain. This is the leading authority for which the information below is supplied.

"The aim of the standard is to define world-wide recognised requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer." - The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

This means that for something to be labelled as GOTS certified, it has to meet specific criteria. This criteria covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic fibres.

The Global Organic Textile Standard covers:

PRODUCTION OF FIBRE

Fibres must have organic certification based on a recognised international or national standard (eg. IFOAM family of standards , EEC 834/2007 , USDA NOP ). A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade 'organic' must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres whereas a product with the label grade 'made with organic' must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres.

MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING

The processing and manufacturing is broken up into the following categories, each with their own specific criteria; Environmental, Technical Quality and Human Toxicity and Social.

Environmental: Every stage of the manufacturing process has to be carefully monitored and meet strict requirements to ensure that the environmental impact is as minimal as possible.

Technical Quality and Human Toxicity: Raw materials, intermediates, final textile products as well as accessories must meet stringent limits regarding unwanted residues.

Social: All processors and manufacturers must meet the critical norms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). They must have social compliance management to ensure that the social criteria are met at all times.

The GOTS certification system starts with the first processing step in the textile supply chain. The processing of textiles is based on the conversion of fibre into yarn and yarn into fabric. For example, for cotton, ginning is the first processing stage, at which seeds are removed from cotton bolls. Organic fibre cultivation, the initial production, is covered by any international or national organic farming standard that is approved in the IFOAM Family of Standards.

All steps in the processing, manufacturing and trading of organic textiles are covered by GOTS. All must be certified to strict ecological and social criteria in order for the product to carry the GOTS label. In this way, the GOTS puts an end to greenwashing.

THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION

Organic Textiles are based on organic fibres, GOTS certification covers the processing, manufacturing and trading of organic textiles. The certification of fibre production is on the basis of recognised international standards that are approved in the IFOAM Family of Standards.

On-site inspection and certification of processors, manufacturers and traders is performed by independent Third-Party GOTS accredited Certification Bodies and forms the basis of the GOTS monitoring system. It serves to provide a credible assurance for the integrity of GOTS certified textiles.

GOTS has developed its own accreditation system for this approval process as well as for continuous monitoring of the approved Certification Bodies.


GOTS TOTE BAGS

So back to the exhibition giveaway the tote bag. An example might be the Orissa 140 g/m² GOTS organic cotton tote bag – shown here in natural but available in a range of colours.

The perfect GOTS certified cotton tote bag to give away during any event, conference or to use as a shopping bag for small groceries. The cotton density of 140 g/m² makes the bag sturdy, long-lasting and suitable to carry heavy items the large main compartment. Features 32 cm long handles, making it easy to carry over the shoulder.

Country of origin is INDIA and we recommend a screen print for the branding

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Ultimate Guide to finding an Eco Promotional Product

by David Platt • 27 July 2025
Searching for a branded gift or promotional product? Finding it hard to discover something new, something different? This post will give you a different way of finding what you are looking for by explaining how the industry works and why endless browsing may not be the right approach - or you can watch the video here 1. Understanding how the promotional products industry works a. Promotional Products Distributors The web sites you see on Google are numerous – indeed there are 2,873 distributors in the UK, each selling branded merchandise and each with a website. The web sites vary from the aesthetically pleasing to the overcrowded. BUT you will see the same products on many different web sites – why? b. Promotional Products Manufacturers The number of actual manufacturers is relatively small – a few hundred – each making a single product line, whether that be bags, notebooks, pens or clothing. But the vast majority of the manufacturers will only sell to the Trade – you will find it difficult to access them without the distributor. c. Merchandise Wholesalers In addition to the manufacturers, there an even smaller number of ‘wholesalers’. These Trade only suppliers will stock a huge range of products from many different sources and brand the product with your logo. They may also allow electronic feeds of their products to the distributor websites. d. Images of products So, as you search the myriad of websites presented by Google, you are looking at distributors with potentially the same product lines. ‘But they appear different’ – I hear you say. Yes, that is because each distributor, ourselves included, chooses what we believe to be the best promotional products for a particular price and quality, and the best images. Three problems We may have chosen the wrong products We may have chosen the wrong image The products constantly change so it is really tough to keep the website updated But, remember all the distributors buy from the same sources and virtually all could supply ANY of the products you see….. 2. I don’t know what I am looking for but will know it when I see it! This is true for 95% plus of everyone searching. You do however have some basic parameters: Rough cost per item Estimate of the quantity An understanding of who it’s for An understanding of your brand How the product will be used TIMING This last one is the ‘real kicker’ – you may find what you want but not be able to get it in time – in our experience this happens so often. 3. Alternative approach – a guide So, what is the alternative approach? Have the distributor do the work for you – for FREE We spend every day looking at products, attending industry exhibitions and meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers. We know what is available and when. We can help you clarify a brief and then present you with ideas. We can even quote on a product you have seen elsewhere. See us as your guide. OUR PROMISE – no pushy sales people – happy to chat by email or WhatsApp if you prefer.
Reversible Bucket Hat

The Top 5 Branded Merchandise items this Summer 2025

by David Platt • 24 June 2025
The top 5 most popular promotional merchandise for the Summer - let's look at what's hot!
Eco certification

Top 5 Certifications to Look for in Eco-Friendly Promotional Merchandise

21 April 2025
How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
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