ITACOOP obtains international GOTS certification for organic cotton

The Cooperative of Family Farmers of the Municipality of Ingá and Region (ITACOOP), in the state of Paraíba, has obtained the GOTS Scope Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard), one of the most important international certifications in the organic textile chain. The certification was granted by ECOCERT Greenlife S.A.S., an internationally accredited body, following an audit that confirmed strict compliance with the environmental, social, and traceability criteria required by the standard.

ITACOOP was certified under GOTS Version 7.0 and is authorized to operate in the category of undyed fibers, with a focus on the production of lint cotton composed of 100% organic cotton, classified under Organic labeling. The process includes cotton ginning carried out at the cooperative’s facilities. The certificate is valid until March 11, 2027, and is registered under GOTS License No. 00266467.

ITACOOP’s president, Severino Vicente da Silva, emphasized the importance of this achievement for the cooperative. “We have spent a long time working toward this moment, which is very significant for farmers—both men and women—so that organic products from Paraíba can provide better living conditions. It is important for strengthening family farming and generating income for each family that produces cotton,” he said.

The cooperative is supported by companies such as Natural Cotton Color, Cataguases, and Dalila Têxtil, participants in Texbrasil (the Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program), a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).

Francisca Vieira, CEO of Natural Cotton Color, has followed the project’s development since its inception. “The process took eight years and involved investments to adapt the entire structure to GOTS requirements, including the implementation of a cotton ginning facility that meets international standards,” she said. According to her, the certification marks a new phase for Brazilian organic cotton, aligned with global market demands for traceability and sustainability.

Tiago Peixoto, CEO of Cataguases, highlighted the structural impact of the initiative on the production chain. “ITACOOP’s GOTS certification is an important milestone in this journey. More than a label, it recognizes the work of more than 60 families and validates a model we believe in: local development, income generation, and a more sustainable textile chain,” he stated. “The project reflects a long-term strategy based on responsibility, partnership, and the strengthening of family farming,” he added.

Dalila Têxtil also highlighted the relevance of the certification for advancing the production chain. “GOTS marks an important step forward in the socio-environmental and governance evolution of the textile chain. With ITACOOP’s certification, this commitment is strengthened from the source, ensuring not only the use of organic raw materials, but also responsible practices throughout the entire production journey, from cotton fiber to bale. At Dalila, we believe that innovating with responsibility means transforming the textile chain in a consistent way, bringing together technology, care, and purpose at every stage,” the company said in a statement.

In 2025, Abit was present at the Cotton Harvest Day, closely following the actions carried out by ITACOOP and the cooperative’s role in strengthening more sustainable production. On that occasion, the association was represented by Lilian Kaddissi, Superintendent of Marketing and Business. To learn more about the initiative, see the article in Abit Review 11 magazine.