Global Standard Glossary

Azlon is the generic name given to protein based regenerated fibres in which the fibre-forming Substance is composed of any regenerated, naturally occurring protein. The fibre-forming Substance can be derived from various naturally occurring proteins such as skimmed milk (casein), eggs (albumin), corn and soy (zein), hide waste (collagen) etc.

Fibres that have not undergone any post-harvest processing.

Activities through which materials are collected and treated in order to generate recovered resources that can be used as inputs for new products or production processes. Energy recovery is not considered recycling.
Recycling activities may include the collection, transport, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing of materials. Reuse of products is not considered recycling.

An audit conducted partially or entirely off-site, using electronic means to obtain audit evidence remotely and to assess compliance with the relevant Standard criteria. This type of audit may involve the use of technology such as video conferencing, secure file sharing and/or remote access to relevant documentation. Remote audits may include a combination of off-site and on-site activities, with the auditor conducting interviews, reviewing documents and assessing compliance from a remote location.

Bringing a product back to a state in which it can perform its originally intended function. Restoration may involve repairing the product or renewing or replacing components that have become worn, damaged, or degraded through use.

Modifying a product so they can be used for a purpose different from the one originally intended, without significant changes to their physical, chemical, or mechanical characteristics.

A comprehensive approach to business operations that aligns with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. It encompasses a range of practices and policies that businesses should adopt to ensure they contribute positively to sustainable development, respect human rights, protect the environment and uphold ethical standards throughout their operations and supply chains.

A business entity or an online marketplace selling directly and exclusively to an end consumer (DTC operator).

Declaration document required to be submitted to Global Standard gGmbH by uncertified retailers who wish to use the GOTS Signs for off-product usage.

Using a product again for the same purpose for which it was originally designed after its initial use. Reuse may occur by the original user or by subsequent users over time and may require only limited actions, such as cleaning, to enable continued use.

A document issued to a Certified Entity by an Approved Certification Body which verifies the entity is in conformity with the requirements of the Standard and includes a summary of the processes and products that are permitted under the certification. It also lists the various facilities that are covered under this certification.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Materials used exclusively for shipping, transport, or storage (e.g., cartons, plastic films).

An individual establishment where chemical Inputs are formulated (see Formulator) and produced. It is included in a Letter of Approval and audited by a Scope 4 Approved Certifier.

Synthetic Microplastic Polymers.

Polymers that are solid and which fulfil both of the following conditions:
(a) are contained in particles and constitute at least 1 % by weight of those particles; or build a continuous surface coating on particles;
(b) at least 1 % by weight of the particles referred to in point (a) fulfil either of the following conditions:
  (i) all dimensions of the particles are equal to or less than 5 mm;
  (ii) the length of the particles is equal to or less than 15 mm and their length to diameter ratio is greater than 3.

Following synthetic polymer microparticles, as substances on their own or in mixtures are exempted from the definition:
(a) synthetic polymer microparticles which are contained by technical means so that releases to the environment are prevented when used in accordance with the instructions for use during the intended end use;
(b) synthetic polymer microparticles the physical properties of which are permanently modified during intended end use in such a way that the polymer no longer falls within the scope of this entry;
(c) synthetic polymer microparticles which are permanently incorporated into a solid matrix during intended end use.

Source: REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles