Organic cotton from Paraíba earns GOTS certification

The Family Farmers Cooperative of Ingá and Region (Itacoop), in Paraíba, Brazil, has obtained the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification, one of the most important certifications in the world for the organic textile chain. The achievement is the result of eight years of work, and Natural Cotton Color played a central role in it: it led the Paraíba Cotton Project (Projeto Algodão Paraíba), which created the conditions for the cooperative to meet the requirements of the certification.

The role of Natural Cotton Color

At the helm of the Paraíba Cotton Project, Natural Cotton Color brought together textile manufacturers that buy cotton from Itacoop under guaranteed purchase contracts. With demand secured, the cooperative was able to invest and adapt its structure to the environmental, social, and traceability criteria of GOTS. All of the project’s efforts contributed directly to this alignment.

Francisca Vieira, CEO of Natural Cotton Color, has followed the initiative since its beginning: “The process lasted eight years and involved investments to adapt the entire structure to GOTS requirements, including the implementation of a ginning facility that meets international standards.” In her view, the certification marks a new stage for Brazilian organic cotton, aligned with the traceability and sustainability demands of the global market.

The cooperative also has the support of Cataguases, Dalila Têxtil, and TexPar Malhas, companies that, like Natural Cotton Color, take part in Texbrasil, an internationalization program run by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

What was certified

The certification was granted by ECOCERT Greenlife S.A.S., an internationally accredited body, after a rigorous audit. Itacoop was certified under GOTS Version 7.0 in the undyed fibers category, with emphasis on lint cotton made from 100% organic cotton, carrying the “Organic” label grade. The process includes ginning carried out at the cooperative’s own facilities. The certificate is valid until March 11, 2027, and is registered under GOTS License No. 00266467.

Voices from the production chain

Severino Vicente da Silva, known as Mr. Biu, president of Itacoop, highlighted what the achievement means for those who grow the cotton: “We spent a long time fighting for this moment, which is very timely for the farmers, so that organic products from Paraíba can create a better quality of life.”

Tiago Peixoto, CEO of Cataguases, said the certification validates a model based on local development, income generation, and a more sustainable textile chain. Dalila Têxtil, in a statement, said that GOTS strengthens the socio-environmental commitment from the very origin, from the cotton lint to the bale.

What Comes Next

With the certification, Paraíba’s organic colored cotton reaches the market with international backing. For Natural Cotton Color, it is proof that a model built on partnership, guaranteed purchasing, and support for family farming can transform Brazilian sustainable fashion.