3 Ways to Promote Sustainability in Hospitality: Organic Linens, OEKO-TEX®, and GOTS Certifications

Sustainability is becoming more important than ever to hospitality.  Properties are making it a top priority to take care of their guests while also looking out for the well-being of the environment.  They have begun monitoring their water usage, analyzing ways to reduce energy, and started to eliminate the use of plastic and food waste.  With each passing year, it seems that more and more people are looking to support businesses that promote a healthy environment.  Linens are another area where properties can promote sustainability.  Two key certifications to look out for on linens are OEKO-TEX® and GOTS.  Organic products and these two certifications are important to promoting sustainability and a healthier environment.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is developed without the use of toxic materials like pesticides.  It is also manufactured without synthetic materials and dyes.  Organic cotton helps keep the ground, water, and air less polluted and significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the air.  It is produced with natural seeds while regular cotton is created with genetically altered seeds.  The purpose of the genetically altered seeds is to eliminate harmful insects, but an increase in pesticides is needed as the insects become stronger and more resistant.  Organic cotton has a slightly off-white color because it is free of pesticides, bleach, and pigments.

GOTS Certification

Ultimately, both the GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certifications exist to ensure that fabric is toxin-free and has no harmful chemicals.  The Global Organic Textile Standard lays out requirements for the organic process of textile creation including the growth of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and proper labeling to provide a credible product to buyers.  GOTS has two labels for products. Textiles developed with at least 70% organic fibers can earn a GOTS certification called “Made with organic materials.”  Materials used with 95% organic fibers can earn an “organic” GOTS label.  To achieve this certification, organic fiber must be grown without pesticides, fertilizers, and genetic engineering.  All chemical usages such as dyes must meet environmental and toxicological regulations. GOTS certifications make it mandatory for any wet-processing units to have a working and active wastewater treatment plant.  A GOTS product offered at InnStyle is Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Sets.

OEKO-TEX®

OEKO-TEX® is a label that consists of a series of third-party certifications that verify that a product isn’t produced with chemicals that could harm humans or the environment.  Products with this certification do not have to be organic.  OEKO-TEX® doesn’t produce products, but simply analyzes the products of other companies.  These labels are often found on linens like towels, bedding, and clothing.  The most common OEKO-TEX® label is the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® which means that products with this label are free of high levels of over 100 dangerous substances to humans and the environment.  Every aspect of the product including little parts like buttons and zippers have been tested to achieve the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification.  Products offered at InnStyle that are OEKO-TEX® certified include Turkish Waffle Towel and 250 Green Sheets.

InnStyle Values Sustainability

Sustainability is a trend that will only continue to grow.  More and more properties and guests are becoming aware of the impact they have on the environment and are trying their best to protect it for present times and for future generations.  Simple steps like eliminating plastic and monitoring water usage are great choices.  The usage of organic products is also a great way to show you are promoting sustainability.   Properties can go further by purchasing products that are OEKO-TEX® or GOTS certified.  Guests who know you are purchasing these types of products will see you are taking sustainability seriously which could improve your guest reviews.  InnStyle has a Green Bedding section on their website to make the process easier.  Please give them a call and speak with one of their account managers about your interest in green bedding or any other of their hospitality products.  They can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667.  Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.