The Difference Between Organic Cotton and Regular Cotton Sanitary Pads
In the realm of feminine hygiene products, more and more consumers are turning their attention to products labeled as “natural” or “organic.” But what truly qualifies as an organic cotton sanitary pad? How does it differ from a common “pure cotton” pad? This article aims to clarify these concepts and introduce the world’s only globally recognized organic standard — GOTS.
What is GOTS?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the most authoritative and globally respected certification standard for organic textiles. It was jointly launched by four major organic associations from Germany, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and officially introduced in 2008. GOTS covers the entire organic textile supply chain — from raw material cultivation and processing to production and final packaging — ensuring that certified products are truly environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable.
While GOTS was initially created for apparel and home textiles, it now also applies to personal care textiles, including sanitary pads.
Requirements for GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Sanitary Pads:
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Top & Absorbent Layers: Must be made of 100% certified organic cotton, with no chlorine bleaching.
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SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer): Only plant-based ADM-type SAP is allowed. However, this type of SAP is no longer commercially available as it has been replaced globally by chemical SAP. Plant-based alternatives are under development but remain extremely costly and not yet commercialized.
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Back Sheet (Leak-Proof Layer): Must be made of 100% biodegradable plastic, and free from genetically modified materials.
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Full Supply Chain Certification: All stages — from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and packaging — must pass third-party audits under GOTS supervision. Only then can the product legally carry the GOTS logo.
Comparison: Organic Cotton Pads vs Regular Pads
| Category | Organic Cotton Pads (GOTS-Certified) | Regular Pads (Including “Pure Cotton” Variants) |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | GOTS International | No unified standard; may have no certification |
| Top Layer Material | 100% organic cotton, chlorine-free | Regular cotton or recycled cotton; may contain synthetic blends |
| Absorbent Layer | 100% organic cotton | Wood pulp, paper pulp, or standard SAP |
| Absorbent Material (SAP) | ADM-type, plant-derived SAP (theoretical, not commercially available) | Chemically synthesized SAP; high absorption but non-biodegradable |
| Back Sheet | 100% biodegradable plastic; GMO-free sources | Polyethylene/polypropylene plastic film; not eco-friendly |
| Chemical Additives | No added fragrances, brighteners, preservatives | May contain scents, antibacterial agents, whitening agents |
| Supply Chain Transparency | Full traceability, audited by third-party agencies | No unified process; limited traceability |
| Price | Higher cost due to certified materials and processes | More affordable; mainstream market appeal |
| Eco-Friendliness | High – biodegradable and environmentally safe | Low – contributes to landfill and pollution |
| Target Audience | Eco-conscious consumers, sensitive skin users | General consumers focused on price and absorbency |
“Pure Cotton” ≠ “Organic Cotton”
Just because a product is labeled as “pure cotton” doesn’t mean it’s organic. True organic cotton sanitary pads must meet strict environmental and health standards and be certified by a recognized authority such as GOTS. Consumers can verify a product’s authenticity by checking for the GOTS logo, rather than relying solely on terms like “natural” or “pure.”
As environmental and health awareness continues to grow, fully certified organic products are poised to become the premium choice in feminine hygiene.
For more on GOTS, visit the official website: The GOTS Organisation – GOTS
Srising: Professional Manufacturer of Organic Cotton Sanitary Pads
As women’s health consumption and sustainable living evolve globally, Srising positions itself as a leading manufacturer of high-standard feminine care products. We offer a one-stop OEM/ODM manufacturing solution for organic, safe, and eco-conscious sanitary pads.
Why Choose Srising?
✅ GOTS Certification Support
Srising is well-versed in the full GOTS certification process. From sourcing and production to packaging, we assist our clients in aligning with third-party certification bodies to ensure legal compliance and product credibility.
✅ Premium Raw Material Sourcing
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We use only internationally certified 100% organic cotton, free from chlorine bleach and pesticide residues.
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We adopt GOTS-compliant biodegradable film materials and chemical-free formulas to ensure safety for both the body and the planet.
✅ Expert R&D Capabilities
Our dedicated R&D team helps brands explore:
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High-absorbency alternatives to synthetic SAPs
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Upgraded biodegradable film solutions
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Formulations suitable for sensitive skin
✅ Customizable Manufacturing
We serve a wide range of clients, from premium independent DTC brands to bulk distribution channels, meeting diverse market needs for product customization and scalable manufacturing capacity:
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Multiple sizes, absorbency levels, and packaging formats
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We provide complete OEM/ODM/PRIVATE LABEL/CONTRACT MANUFACTURING services, including product design, prototyping, packaging and sampling, mass production and delivery.
✅ Environmentally Compliant Facilities
Our facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, meeting EU and US compliance standards. We also employ solar-powered systems to support carbon-neutral production.
Partner with Srising
In an era where “safe, natural, and sustainable” is no longer a trend but a necessity, Srising is committed to being a reliable manufacturing partner for brands pursuing true organic excellence. Let us help you bring certified, high-quality sanitary care products to a conscious global market.
