#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

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.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.