Posted by Miriam Splett
on April 28, 2025
There’s a quiet assurance that comes with holding a piece of cloth dyed with GOTS-certified colour. It’s more than just hue. It’s trust - woven into every fibre.
Because when you choose colour that meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), you’re choosing something far deeper than just aesthetics. You’re aligning your work with a global movement for integrity, sustainability, and health - yours and the planet’s.
Let’s unravel what GOTS certification really means - and why WildHue insists on it.
What is GOTS, Really?
GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard - a leading international certification for organic fibres and ecological processing. But it’s more than just a label. It’s a comprehensive framework that considers:
- The purity of raw materials (no GMOs, no synthetic pesticides)
- Safe, non-toxic processing (including dyes, fixatives, and auxiliaries)
- Ethical labour practices (fair wages, no child labour)
- Water stewardship and waste reduction
It’s the gold standard in sustainable textile production. And in a sea of unregulated “natural” claims, GOTS is your lighthouse.
Why Certification Matters in Dye
Most people focus on the fabric when it comes to organic claims - but dyes are just as critical.
Many so-called "natural dyes" are processed with harsh chemical binders or hidden additives. GOTS ensures that even the dyeing stage is clean, with non-toxic, biodegradable inputs and full ingredient transparency.
So if a dye is GOTS-compliant, you know it’s:
- Free from heavy metals and azo compounds
- Non-GMO and biodegradable
- Processed with minimal environmental impact
At WildHue, we don’t stop at sourcing clean colour - we ensure the entire journey from plant to powder meets the most rigorous standards.
The WildHue Standard: Beyond the Label
We believe in earning your trust, not just claiming it.
That’s why WildHue’s entire range of plant-based dye powders is made using GOTS-approved processes - from hand-harvested botanicals to low-impact drying and grinding techniques.
But we go further. Here's what sets our colours apart:
- Single-ingredient purity: No blends, just one plant per powder.
- Traditional sourcing: From artisan partners using generational methods.
- Zero synthetics: No chemicals. No shortcuts.
- Radical transparency: We trace every powder back to its origin.
For us, GOTS is a baseline, not a bonus.
How to Work With GOTS-Certified Natural Dyes
Dyeing with GOTS-compliant powders doesn’t mean compromising on vibrancy. In fact, you’ll get richer, more nuanced colour that reflects the true character of the plant.
Here are our best tips:
- Pre-mordant naturally with alum or tannin for strong colourfastness.
- Use soft, clean water - this helps preserve the purity of the plant.
- Stick to natural fibres like cotton, linen, bamboo, or silk. GOTS dyes bond best with organic textiles.
- Keep your setup simple - no metal pots or synthetic additives.
- Allow time to soak and dry slowly. GOTS colour reveals itself in patience.
FAQ: GOTS & Natural Dyeing
What does GOTS-certified dye mean?
It means the dye was made with environmentally and socially responsible processes—free from toxins, harsh chemicals, or unethical labour.
Can you use GOTS dyes at home?
Yes. WildHue powders are safe, non-toxic, and perfect for at-home dyeing with natural fibres.
Is GOTS the same as organic?
Not quite. GOTS includes organic fibre standards plus ecological processing, labour protections, and environmental impact. It’s more comprehensive than just “organic.”
Will GOTS dyes last as long as chemical ones?
Yes—when used with proper pre-mordanting and care, natural GOTS-approved dyes are colourfast, rich, and long-lasting.
Does GOTS matter if the fabric is already organic?
Absolutely. Organic fabric dyed with non-compliant colour can still contain harmful chemicals. GOTS ensures the entire process is clean.
Colour With Integrity
To work with GOTS-certified colour is to honour the full lifecycle of a dye - from soil to skin.
It means knowing the hands that harvested the marigold. Trusting the water that soaked the indigo. Believing that every shade you stir into life has been ethically sourced, gently processed, and deeply respected.
At WildHue, this is our promise. Our plant-based dyes don’t just meet a standard—they stand for something.
A quieter, slower, more beautiful way to colour the world.
