#Sustainability

2024-07-11

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

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