What is a certified organic printed T shirt ?

In order for a T shirt to be certified as organic by the Soil Association we have to be able to trace and record every input of its production from seed all the way through to a finished printed garment. This process is governed by criteria set out by the Global Organic Standards (GOTS) .  We have to prove the chemical make up of everything involved in its production.  The Soil Association’s criteria for what you are not allowed to use in textile printing is very strict, no aromatic solvents (white spirit), no formaldehyde, no pvc, no phthalates, no apeo’s or heavy metals.

However there is more to organic printing than just ensuring the ink itself is up to Soil Association standards.  All of T Shirt and Sons' waste has to be carefully monitored. All of our water effluent is filtered on site and then tested and monitored by the water authority and all materials are recycled where possible. All garments that are Soil Association certified have a batch number and all inputs of raw material are recorded so that full traceability of the finished product is possible, ensuring there has been no contamination and that it is 100% organic from harvest to high street.

We operate to strict social employment criteria, we promote a free and safe working environment, we promote the rights of workers to collective bargaining.  Wages at a minimum meet national legal standards and working hours comply with national laws. Regular employment is provided and no discrimination is practiced.  We do not use child labour.  These principles are applied to the entire supply chain.
 
We believe that we have set a bench mark in the production of printed t shirts. We have always believed that we had an important part to play in the t shirt industry and this licence put us as market leaders in the production of organic printed t shirts.  We are the only licenced printer in the World.

    Licence DK17452

For more information from the Soil Association  click on this link

Andrew Lunt, Director at T Shirt and Sons recently gave a presentation at the RITE group conference held in London.  click here to watch