As of 2025, 90.6% of the fabric used at WORK+SHELTER is GOTS-certified organic cotton. This milestone is part of a broader commitment to transparency in a supply chain where material choice has direct environmental and social consequences.
Why does that matter? Producing cotton can have startling social, environmental, and economic impacts. For starters, check out these quick facts:
- It takes approximately 2,720 liters of water to make one cotton shirt.
- Up to 8,000 chemicals can be used in the production and processing of textiles including dyeing, treating, printing and finishing.
- Cotton accounts for 16% of global insecticide releases.
To address these challenges, we have vetted a diverse portfolio of sustainable cotton fibers across India: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Recycled Cotton, Rainfed Cotton, and BCI (Better Cotton Initiative).
Why GOTs certified Organic Cotton?
Zip Pouches in 100% organic cotton canvas in different sizes
We prioritize GOTS-certified cotton because the certification provides a comprehensive, independent review of the entire supply chain. The process is intensive, analyzing fabric production from multiple angles to ensure social and ecological integrity.
- Wastewater Management: GOTS emphasizes strict management techniques to prevent harmful toxins from polluting local water sources.
- Supply Chain Credibility: The entire textile supply chain is independently certified, from harvesting raw materials to final labeling.
- High-Standard Printing: Since Fall 2025, WORK+SHELTER has expanded this commitment by partnering with GOTS-certified printing vendors using GOTS-certified machinery.
GOTS is specifically praised for its emphasis on wastewater management. By requiring proper treatment of water used in the fabric and dyeing processes, GOTS lowers the risk of harmful toxins leaking into local water sources. Furthermore, as of Fall 2025, WORK+SHELTER expanded this commitment by partnering with GOTS-certified printing vendors utilizing GOTS-certified machinery. We buy GOTS certified cotton because we believe that on the whole it provides stronger environmental and labor standards than conventional cotton.
Why Recycled Cotton?
Standard Tote bag made of recycled cotton with leather straps.
The United States sends an estimated 3.8 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills annually. Utilizing recycled cotton provides a second, sustainable chance for these fibers while offering a very low-impact alternative to virgin material.
Because much of the energy, water, and dyeing occurred during the material's "first life," using recycled cotton saves the vast majority of the water typically required to produce cotton from scratch. Additionally, these fibers often possess a natural, denim-like light blue color, removing the need for an additional color dyeing process.
Why Rainfed Cotton?
The women of Work+Shelter speaking with a Kala (rain fed) Cotton vendor.
In Kutch, India there is an indigenous variety of cotton that has grown in the region's dryland, an area which sees on average about 300mm of annual rainfall. Because the cotton is native to the region it also does not require man-made fertilizers or irrigation. The cotton is also naturally pest-tolerant meaning it's unnecessary to use synthetic pesticides. All of this dramatically reduces it's environmental impact especially in comparison to other types of cotton.
And story of Kala cotton has deep roots in Indian heritage. It is inseparable from the Vankar weaving community. For generations, these artisans have maintained a legacy of transforming this short-staple fiber into durable, high-quality textiles. Also Kala cotton is frequently processed in the khadi style, meaning it is hand-woven without the use of electricity. This avoids the carbon impact of coal-fired production while preserving the livelihoods of artisan families who may not have access to a power grid.
By incorporating Kala cotton into the supply chain, we help support a resilient chain that protects both the local environment and the cultural heritage of the Vankar weavers. This sustainable domestic strain represents a bridge between India’s ancient textile history and the modern demand for ethical, carbon-neutral production.
Why Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) Cotton?
Uptown Bag in BCI denim.
For large-scale manufacturing, WORK+SHELTER offers BCI-certified cotton. While GOTS focuses heavily on chemical and water usage in production, BCI prioritizes the social and economic impacts on the farmers themselves by supporting them through field-level training and impact measurement.
As the largest cotton sustainability program in the world, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is designed to help cotton-farming communities—the majority of which are smallholdings—survive and thrive. This 360-degree approach focuses on:
- Farmer Education: Providing training to millions of farmers on how to manage water more effectively, improve soil health, and reduce the use of harmful pesticides.
- Social & Economic Well-being: Supporting gender empowerment, decent work environments, and greater financial security for farmworkers and their families.
- Climate Resilience: Helping farmers adopt innovative practices that build resilience to climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the crop.
By choosing BCI cotton, brands support a holistic plan that values the well-being and education of the people in the field as much as the quality of the fiber itself.
Cotton Options for Your Order
Work+Shelter's 2025 fabric usage.
We have a variety of woven and knit materials in stock, which means they are available even for quick-turn, low minimum orders.
Interested in swatches of our various cotton options? Or working with us on your next order of cotton products? Reach out today! hello@workshelter.co
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