[pageLogInLogOut]

#Sustainability

Global Standard to develop new standard, expanding GOTS benefits to sustainable fibres

Since 2006, the self-funded non-profit Global Standard has set the benchmark for environmental and social criteria through its Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Building on nearly two decades of success, Global Standard is excited to announce the development of a groundbreaking new standard to expand GOTS benefits to a wider range of sustainable fibers.

The new standard will not replace GOTS as the leading organic standard but will allow the industry to apply the successful GOTS framework to other sustainable fibers. This expansion aims to further enhance lives and the environment, aligning with the organization's vision. GOTS is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of environmental, social, and ethical criteria, significantly exceeding national or international legislative requirements. The introduction of this additional standard marks a strategic evolution, providing compliance support for a broader range of sustainable fibers.

Seamless Integration with GOTS Principles

The new sustainability standard will synergize with the existing GOTS standard, sharing core principles that have made GOTS a hallmark of responsible and trustworthy processing in the textile industry. These principles include:

+ Human Rights and Social Criteria: Upholding fair labor practices and social responsibility, including the prohibition of child labor, discrimination, harassment, and violence.

+ Ecological Criteria: Prioritizing environmentally friendly processes and materials.

+ Due Diligence: Ensuring the implementation of standard criteria through diligent practices.

+ Traceability: Guaranteeing transparent tracking and volume reconciliation of materials throughout the value chain.

+ Third-Party Certification: Validating compliance through independent certification bodies.

+ Comprehensive Coverage: Addressing all stages of processing.

Building upon existing tools

The new standard will leverage existing tools established by Global Standard for GOTS, such as the Global Fibre Registry and the Global Trace-Base for tracing product value chains and impact evaluation. It will adopt criteria that help companies demonstrate adherence to supply chain regulations for a broader range of sustainable fibers.

What’s next?

Once the respective committees in Global Standard agree on the first draft, the standard will undergo a public consultation procedure as per ISEAL requirements. "We trust that the process will advance in the same agile manner that the industry has grown to expect from GOTS and its criteria," say Claudia Kersten and Rahul Bhajekar, managing directors of Global Standard.

Global Standard remains committed to driving positive change in the textile industry, addressing evolving market needs, and promoting sustainability throughout the value chain. This initiative aims to empower the industry to meet sustainable development goals.

For more information on how GOTS contributes to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, visit GOTS SDG Contribution.

https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/GOTS-flyers/Why_GOTS_SDG_flyer_web_2020.pdf



More News from Global Standard (GOTS)

#Sustainability

Number of GOTS-certified facilities grow 15% globally as demand for credible sustainability standards continues to strengthen

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification continued to grow in 2025, with nearly 18,000 certified facilities worldwide, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving regulatory requirements across global textile supply chains.

#Natural Fibers

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

#Sustainability

GOTS version 8.0 released: advanced supply chain accountability, from fibre to finished product

Global Standard is pleased to announce the release of GOTS Version 8.0, the latest update to the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles. The updated Standard strengthens requirements for air emissions and waste management, as well as criteria for product safety. It introduces new provisions on circularity, microfibre management and updates in residue testing. Version 8.0 also elevates due diligence obligations and formalises governance requirements, including ESG disclosure, anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards, to support credible, responsible business conduct.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Global Standard strengthens presence in Southeast Asia at VIATT 2026

Global Standard will participate in the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) 2026, organized by Messe Frankfurt, the first textile trade show in the APAC region this year. Global Standard will host a booth and Felica Shi will lead a seminar on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The trade fair will take place from February 26 to 28, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

More News on Sustainability

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Catalyst Club launches in Florence: Where conversations become catalysts for change

The first chapter of Catalyst Club debuted in Florence, bringing together creative directors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, journalists and innovators from across the fashion and textile industry for an evening of dialogue, exchange and connection.

#Sustainability

Renewables lower energy prices and play key role to reduce vulnerability to fossil fuel supply shocks

Renewables lower energy prices and play key role to reduce vulnerability to fossil fuel supply shocks Boosting the use of homegrown renewable electricity is Europe’s best way to reduce its vulnerability to volatile international energy supplies and rising energy prices according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment published today.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

HKRITA signs MoU with Jeanologia and Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) yesterday officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two key global partners, Jeanologia and Looptworks, to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem – a first-of-its-kind collaboration to accelerate the large-scale recycling of blended textiles.

#Sustainability

Textile Exchange unveils agenda for 2026 conference in Vancouver

Textile Exchange has released the agenda for its 2026 Conference, which will take place from October 12–16 in Vancouver, Canada. Under the theme “The Implementation Era,” the event will focus on translating sustainability commitments into practical action and scaling solutions across businesses, supply systems, and landscapes.

Latest News

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Ferraro S.p.A. acquires the “Finishing” business unit of Cibitex S.r.l.

Ferraro S.p.A. and Cibitex S.r.l. are pleased to announce the completion of the agreement pursuant to which Ferraro S.p.A. has acquired the “Finishing” business unit of Cibitex S.r.l., specialized in the development and manufacturing of technological solutions for textile finishing.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

#Weaving

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

#Knitting & Hosiery

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

TOP