[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

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.

#Sustainability

GOTS publishes update: Approval procedure & requirements for certification bodies – Version 4.0

The updated Version 4.0 has been aligned with the requirements of ISO 17065 and incorporates revised conformity assessment procedures and methodologies for Certification Bodies. These updates reflect best practices in evaluating management systems, thereby strengthening quality assurance, and safeguarding the integrity of certified products.

#Sustainability

Global Standard to launch new Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), calls for public consultation

Global Standard, the non-profit organisation behind the internationally recognised Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), today announces the launch of the public consultation period for its new voluntary sustainability standard: the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS).

More News on Sustainability

#Sustainability

Practical toolkit to drive coordinated climate action launched

An open-access workshop toolkit enables brands, suppliers, policymakers and investors across the textile industry to apply the System Map in their own work, identifying leverage points to halve emissions and enable a just transition.

#Raw Materials

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

#Sustainability

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

#Sustainability

The nova-Institute establishes new Renewable Feedstock Department to lay the groundwork for industrial defossilisation

The transition from fossil-based to renewable carbon – sourced from biomass, CO₂ utilisation and recycling – is the cornerstone of a climate-neutral chemical industry. The nova-Institute’s new department is dedicated to providing the essential data, analyses and strategic roadmaps required to secure a reliable future feedstock supply and make this transition a commercial and ecological reality.

Latest News

#Recycling / Circular Economy

ABB and Syre partner to explore technologies for industrial-scale textile recycling

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swedish textile impact company Syre to jointly explore technologies to support the development of Syre’s first textile-to-textile recycling plant in Vietnam. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to investigate how ABB’s automation, electrification and digital technologies could contribute to safe, efficient and scalable operations. It will also explore how these capabilities could further optimize process and quality control performance as Syre advances its ambition to produce circular polyester at industrial scale.

#Techtextil 2026

From Nature Performance to Circular Economy: Techtextil 2026 focuses on the future market for technical textiles

Alternative materials and recycling technologies are one of the most important future segments and drivers of innovation in technical textiles. Sustainability goals and regulatory requirements increase their relevance, while advances in performance and economic viability enhance their market competitiveness. Taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil reflects this key industry trend with a growing number of specialised exhibitors. With the new “Nature Performance” label, the leading global trade fair bundles relevant market offerings and facilitates access to new solutions – from natural fibres and yarns to bio-based materials and circular approaches.

#Research & Development

Textile cascade filter for removing microplastics from wastewater

Microplastics are now found almost everywhere, even in remote regions of Antarctica. They enter the human body through the food chain. Studies indicate that microplastics may have negative effects on the human health.

#Textile processing

Jeanologia showcases the future of product development

Jeanologia is showcasing how software is transforming product development in the fashion industry at PI Apparel Europe: The Fashion Technology Show, taking place on March 30–31 in London.

TOP