[pageLogInLogOut]

#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.

The introduction of mandatory due diligence processes is based on OECD guidelines and provides even greater clarity for companies as they navigate heightening regulatory risks.

“We proudly present GOTS Version 8.0 as the outcome of an extensive and highly collaborative revision process, reflecting the collective intelligence of our global stakeholder community,” notes Global Standard Managing Director Rahul Bhajekar, adding that “the diverse expertise, rigorous dialogue and shared commitment of all participants have been decisive in further strengthening the Standard and ensuring its forward-looking relevance.”

Global Standard Managing Director Claudia Kersten states, “GOTS Version 8.0 marks an important milestone in our continuous improvement journey. It is even more clearly designed as a coherent governance system for the entire textile value chain and serves as a practical system-level business tool for the industry. It governs how a textile is produced, how it is verified, what may be claimed and how it is labelled, creating traceability and integrity."

Standard Version 8.0 can be downloaded on the GOTS website. Some of the changes in Version 8.0 include:

  • New tools – References to GOTS tools like the Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities.
  • Updated due diligence requirements – New due diligence criteria help to better align with OECD guidelines.
  • Increased worker protections – New criteria to strengthen worker protections to mitigate risks from extreme heat, humidity and other extreme weather conditions.
  • Elaborated climate criteria – Clearer requirements strengthen greenhouse gas emissions management, including Scope 1 & 2 inventory, documentation and improvement.
  • Strengthened GMO verification – Updated testing references improve confirmation of non-GMO cotton fibres.
  • A clear GOTS Manufacturing Restricted Substances List – A dedicated section introduces clearer and stronger requirements for chemical inputs and formulators.
  • Enhanced chemical input controls – Stronger chemical management, including clarified limits for free aniline in indigo dyes.
  • An endocrine disruptor assessment – New guidance aligns chemical evaluation with EU legislation.
  • Stricter PFAS controls – Tightened limits and updated testing significantly strengthen the PFAS ban.
  • Circularity requirements – Certified products can now remain within GOTS certification across repair, resale and other circular business models.
  • Testing for durability and robustness - Expanded technical quality tests to ensure improved product longevity and compliance of certified final goods.
  • New packaging criteria – Comprehensive packaging rules promote recycled content, restrict harmful materials and support alignment with emerging regulations.
  • Microfibre controls and monitoring – Risk-based measures are required to address microfibre release during processing and measure fragmentation in the final product.
  • Strengthened textile waste management – Clearer requirements improve handling and reduction of textile waste.
  • Waste hierarchy guidance – Prioritisation of prevention, reuse, recycling and responsible end-of-life solutions.
  • Improved hygiene product safety – New testing and residue rules enhance safety for tampon products.

The Manual for Implementation has also been expanded with better guidance on many requirements, including due diligence, human rights and internal audits.

The Standard revisions occur every three years in an open and transparent manner, seeking inputs from the public and expertise from industry stakeholders. As a dynamic standard, GOTS remains relevant, effective and aligned with the latest developments in the textile industry, environmental and social responsibility and regulatory frameworks.

Version 8.0 was finalised following two rounds of public consultations in 2025, each with extensive stakeholder engagement to align with global sustainability initiatives, including the ISEAL Code of Good Practice.

After the transition period, GOTS Version 8.0 will be fully effective as of 1 March 2027.

Please click the following links to view the related documents:

GOTS Version 8.0

https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf

Manual for the Implementation of GOTS 8.0

https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Manual_for_the_Implementation_of_GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf

Change Log GOTS 7.0 to GOTS 8.0

https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Change_Log_GOTS_v7_to_v8_signed.pdf

Change Log Manual for the Implementation of GOTS Version 7.2 to Version 8.0

https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Change_Log_GOTS_Manual_from_v7.2_to_v8.0_signed.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.

#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.

More News on Sustainability

#Sustainability

bluesign technologies introduces bluepass

bluesign technologies ag (www.bluesign.com) today announces the launch of bluepass, a new certification mark and product labeling system created to deliver clear, substantiated, and verifiable sustainability claims at scale.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

#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.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

#Associations

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

#Raw Materials

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

#Raw Materials

ICAC launches Carbon Credits Initiative to deliver new income streams to cotton farmers

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has announced a new initiative designed to unlock additional income streams for cotton farmers through participation in carbon credit markets, linking sustainable production practices directly to financial returns.

TOP