Our Commitment
Sustainability at White Cotton
From certified materials to ethical production in Barcelos, sustainability is woven into everything we do. We source fabrics with OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and BCI certifications from our partner mills — and manufacture responsibly under one roof.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Tested for Harmful Substances
We work with fabrics certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100, one of the world’s most recognized textile safety certifications. Every fabric has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for direct skin contact. The certification covers the entire production chain — from raw fibers and yarns to the finished fabric.
GOTS Organic Cotton
Certified Organic, Farm to Fabric
For brands seeking organic options, we source GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton from certified mills. GOTS certification guarantees cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, processed without toxic chemicals, and produced under fair working conditions throughout the supply chain.
BCI Better Cotton
Sustainable Farming at Scale
We source BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton, supporting a global movement that promotes more sustainable cotton farming practices. BCI works with farmers worldwide to reduce water consumption, minimize chemical use, and improve livelihoods.
Short Supply Chain
Local Manufacturing
Based in Barcelos, northern Portugal — one of Europe's most established textile regions — our supply chain is inherently short. This proximity significantly reduces transport emissions.
European production also means compliance with EU environmental regulations, among the strictest in the world. Every garment we produce meets these standards by default.
People First
Ethical Production
As a family business, we know every person on our production floor by name. Our workers receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and are treated with dignity and respect.
There are no subcontractors, no hidden labor, and no ambiguity about working conditions. When you work with White Cotton, you know exactly who makes your garments.
Less Waste
Waste Reduction
We take a practical approach to waste reduction across every stage of production:
Efficient cutting. Optimized layouts to minimize fabric waste
Fabric recycling. Scraps sent to recycling, not landfill
Sample discipline. Minimizing unnecessary sampling through clear communication
Packaging. Recycled and recyclable materials, no single-use plastics
Our Heritage
Portuguese Textile Heritage
Portugal has been a center of textile excellence for centuries. The Barcelos region has one of the highest concentrations of textile manufacturers in Europe — access to a deep pool of skilled craftspeople, established infrastructure, and a culture of quality refined over decades of continuous production. When you manufacture here, you tap into generations of accumulated knowledge.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
We work with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics (tested for harmful substances), GOTS certified organic cotton (grown without synthetic pesticides), and BCI Better Cotton (promoting sustainable farming practices). All certifications are held by our partner mills and cover the full production chain from raw fibers to finished fabric.
Yes, manufacturing in Portugal significantly reduces transport emissions due to shorter supply chains within Europe. Portuguese factories also comply with strict EU environmental regulations, including waste management, water treatment, and energy efficiency standards. The proximity to European markets means fewer cargo miles, smaller carbon footprints, and faster turnarounds.
We take a practical approach at every stage: optimized cutting layouts to minimize fabric waste, all scraps sent to recycling instead of landfill, minimized unnecessary sampling through clear communication, and recycled and recyclable packaging with no single-use plastics.
Manufacture responsibly
Certified materials, ethical production, short supply chains. Let's build something sustainable together.