Weaving and knitting

Weaving or knitting is the stage at which yarn is converted into fabric. Undyed or dyed yarns may be used to make fabrics. Non-woven fabric manufacturing techniques eliminate spinning and directly convert fibres into fabric.

Sometimes, different kinds of yarns are used in warp and weft for blending, strength, patterning, etc. Weaving is usually preceded by warping and sizing for strengthening the yarn.

Elements of Inspection

Natural sizing agents should be used. Limited usage of synthetic sizing agents is permitted as well. Machine oils coming in touch with organic yarns must be heavy metal-free.

Separation and identification of organic yarns, warp beams, fabric rolls, etc. must be ensured in storage and on the shopfloor. Training and awareness of workers is crucial here, again.

Fabric processors must purchase GOTS certified yarns and maintain records of quantities purchased. Wastage, volume reconciliation and transportation documentation shall be verified during an onsite audit.

Some parameters are equally applicable to all processing stages under GOTS certification, like:

Social Criteria
Ethical Business Behaviour
Environmental Management