A new survey published ahead of the first-ever Organic Textile Week (15-21 May 2023) found 70% of respondents said they would be less likely to purchase from brands making false claims about their products being organic.
The survey of 2,000 people across the UK also found that 59% of respondents said they were “angry” or “disgusted” to find out that some clothing brands claiming to be organic may contain hazardous synthetic pesticides and other chemicals.
57% of respondents said that it’s important to them that the clothes and textiles they buy are genuinely sustainable.
However, over three-quarters of respondents were unsure or unclear of what the term certified organic textiles mean and almost a third of Brits didn’t know organic textiles or clothing even exist (29%). While 56% said they didn’t know how to recognise whether or not an item of clothing or textiles is certified organic or not.
The survey also revealed that 70% of those surveyed think it should be a legal requirement for clothing brands to adhere to a clear organic textile processing standard before being able to display the word organic on their products.
Every certified organic textile purchase makes a huge positive difference to ourselves, people and our planet.
Cristina Dimetto, CEO of the Organic Trade Board (OTB), commented: “For the first time in OTB history, we are launching an organic textile awareness week to raise awareness, contribute to consumers’ understanding and ultimately to fight greenwashing in textiles, including everything from clothing and childrenswear to house textiles and personal care. Our ambition is to make organic a conscious choice and not just a purchase.
“Every certified organic textile purchase makes a huge positive difference to ourselves, people and our planet. The partnership with GOTS reinforces the OTB commitment to bring the whole organic industry together, and to grow awareness and sales for organic in all its sectors.”
