GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD

ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GLOBAL STANDARD NEWS · June 2026

See Global Standard's 2025 Journey in our Annual Report

Kicking off our June Newsletter is the release of our 2025 Annual Report. Last year, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) continued to scale — reaching 17,800 certified facilities across 95 countries and reinforcing its alignment with global due diligence expectations.

From expanding global uptake to launching the public consultation for GRTS, the year marked a clear step toward a broader, systems-level approach to organic and responsible textiles.

To learn more about the Global Standard journey in 2025, check out our recently released digital Annual Report, as well as the PDF version.

GOTS Version 8.0 released: Advanced supply chain accountability, from fibre to finished product

GOTS Version 8.0 has arrived as a significant step forward for integrity in textile processing worldwide.

This revision introduces important new provisions to support credible and future-ready organic textile production, including:

• Updated due diligence requirements
• Increased worker protections
• Strengthened chemical input controls
• Established circularity requirements
• Elaborated climate and environmental criteria
• New packaging criteria
• Improved testing for durability

For brands, manufacturers and certifiers navigating evolving regulatory and ESG expectations, GOTS 8.0 provides clear structure, strong safeguards and a future-facing framework for organic textile production. After a year-long transition period, Version 8.0 becomes fully effective on 1 March 2027.

Click here to read more and download the new Standard, Manual for Implementation and Change Logs.

ISEAL highlights Global Standard’s innovations in strengthening due diligence and auditor training

In March, ISEAL published their explainer, which provides an overview of how sustainability systems support Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence in line with OECD guidance and frameworks. Click here to read the explainer, "The role of credible sustainability systems in supporting corporate due diligence”.

In the publication, GOTS is presented as a credible sustainability system that covers due diligence through comprehensive environmental, social and governance criteria. It is described as being based on international instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidance, and as supporting a structured, six-step due diligence process. The publication recognises GOTS as going beyond compliance by enabling risk-based management, third-party verification and continuous improvement.

In addition to the publication of the explainer, ISEAL also recently highlighted projects funded by the ISEAL Innovations Fund that have been successfully completed, including Global Standard’s ongoing training for auditors, Certification Bodies and Certified Entities to allow them to stay up-to-date on the latest certification criteria through a series of engaging learning modules.

To learn more about the project and our continuous learning approach, see "Strengthening Auditor Capacity: A new step in GOTS’ human rights due diligence journey."

Provide your Feedback in our Climate Module Survey

Climate requirements, carbon data and supply chain expectations are becoming increasingly important across the textile sector. To help us better understand the needs of Certified Entities, Global Standard is exploring potential future climate-related tools and support services.

We would greatly appreciate your input through this short survey, which takes less than 3 minutes to complete.

Your feedback will help shape future climate initiatives and ensure they are practical, useful and accessible for organisations of different sizes and roles across the supply chain.

Complete the survey by 25 June, end of day: Global Standard Climate Module Survey

Take Part in a New Study to Help You Navigate Regulatory Complexity

Global Standard is collaborating on a new study with researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and Radboud University exploring how companies are navigating an increasingly complex and layered regulatory landscape.

Through interviews with Certified Entities, this study explores how organisations:

• Interpret and prioritise different regulations;
• manage responsibilities across teams and value chains;
• address overlaps and misalignments
• and move beyond “box-ticking” compliance toward integrated strategies.

Participation in the project allows Certified Entities to reflect on their company strategies, learn from firms facing similar challenges and contribute to vital research that helps bring greater clarity and coherence to sustainability implementation across the textile industry.

Want to take part and have availability for an informal 45-minute interview? Please directly email:

• - Dr. Leona Henry, Assistant Professor in Sustainable Value Chain Management, Radboud University
• - Dr. Jaime Bonnin Roca, Assistant Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Eindhoven University of Technology

Latest Labelling Guidelines and a Training to Test Your Knowledge

Following consultation with Certification Bodies, we have released a new version of the Conditions for the Use of Signs - GOTS (CUS-GOTS) document, which lays out our latest labelling guidelines for you to communicate compliance with confidence.

Take a look at the new requirements and ensure this update is shared internally with your relevant teams (marketing, compliance, product and communications) to allow for timely alignment. The updated CUS must be fully implemented by 1 August 2026.

As a complement to the new guidelines, we have also rolled out our new interactive online training to learn the dos and don’ts around claims and labelling on the Global Standard Academy website. The training is free, can be taken at any time and allows you to check your knowledge.

Update of the Global Standards Fees

Click to see our revised fees document, which covers all fees for Certified Entities and Certification Bodies, as well as for the Approval of Chemical Inputs and Accessories. The document also covers fees for Scope and Transaction Certificates managed under the Global Trace Base (GTB).

While the annual fee for GOTS remains the same, the key update is the simplifying of our fee structure by including the previously charged additives registration fees in a consolidated Annual Fee for the Approval of Chemical Inputs and Accessories.

In addition to the fees for GOTS, we are also already providing fees related to our new upcoming GRTS standard.

With these revised fees, Certification Bodies must update their operations and distribute the information within their organisation and to their clients to ensure that they meet the 1 July 2026 implementation deadline.

Op-ed: Certifications set the Standard for how to Mitigate Climate Impacts

In a powerful feature in BusinessGreen, Standard Development Specialist for Climate at Global Standard, Cécile Chi explores a critical shift in how we understand climate risk in the textile sector. Through her analysis, she outlines the ways in which climate change is impacting the supply chain and hitting producers first, and how certification can play a key role in enabling alignment, credibility and more effective collaboration between buyers and suppliers.

Click here to read the full feature.

Global Standard Team Updates

Our global network is always expanding. Now, in addition to his role as Global Standard Representative for South Asia, Ganesh Kasekar has also taken on responsibility for the United Arab Emirates.

This reflects the growing interest in credible, independently verified sustainability standards across the region, as well as our continued commitment to providing on-the-ground support for stakeholders navigating certification.

In addition, we are delighted to welcome two new colleagues who have joined Global Standard this quarter:

Dr. Selin Yıldız, Representative for Turkey and Central Asia

Selin brings many years of experience in sustainability standards, certification and international cooperation within the textile and apparel industry. She has worked closely with global standards, certification systems and multi‑country teams. With her background in both technical topics and stakeholder engagement, she will be a great support to our teams and partners in the region.

Aditi Kadam, Assistant to the Representative for South Asia and the UAE

Aditi has extensive professional experience in audit coordination, client management and providing organisational support for complex business processes. Her previous responsibilities have included supporting international clients, planning and managing complex audit processes, and ensuring clear, efficient communication between all parties involved. At Global Standard, she will act as a key liaison between our internal teams, clients and external partners in the region.

Building Momentum within the African Textile Sector

From 30 April-2 May, Global Standard Representative in Africa Muktar Dodo attended Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi and led a session exploring how certification can function as a strategic marketing tool for textile manufacturers. From demonstrating export readiness to aligning with evolving US and EU due diligence frameworks, the session provided practical insights into what international buyers are actively looking for and how facilities can position themselves accordingly.

The month before, Muktar joined regional stakeholders at ASFW Dakar to explore practical pathways for implementing GOTS. In a session with textile manufacturers and GIZ Senegal, Muktar led a discussion focused on GOTS’ environmental and social criteria, group certification to reduce costs for CEs and strengthening local certification infrastructure. The primary focus of Global Standard and our partners in the region moving forward is to support the strengthening of market linkages to help African manufacturers access and compete in global value chains.

Supporting North American Ginners through Cross-Collaboration

On 28 April, Global Standard hosted a meeting in Lubbock, Texas which brought together organic cotton growers, ginners and marketers along with GOTS Certification Bodies, Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

This was a collaborative session focused on the newly released Gin Requirements in GOTS Version 8.0, as well as an open forum to discuss opportunities and challenges in the North American market. With ROA and TDA, there was discussion about how cross-organizational cooperation can help reduce market concerns while ensuring the integrity that our certification systems are built upon.

Due to the success of this first ginners meeting, we plan to make it an annual event in the North American market and welcome expanded participation in the future.

Bringing the Latest Global Standard Updates to Intertextile Shanghai Spring 2026

On 13 March, Felicia Shi, Global Standard Representative in APAC, delivered an insightful seminar at the Econogy Talks during Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Spring Edition 2026. Her presentation covered key features and updates regarding GOTS 8.0, Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) and the GOTS Academy, highlighting how certification helps companies align with evolving sustainability regulations.

Global Standard Drives Impact and Forges Connections in Vietnam

From 26-28 February, Global Standard participated in the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT), ASEAN’s leading trade fair covering the entire textile value chain, marking its third participation and first attendance as part of the German Pavilion.

A key highlight of this year’s engagement was the inaugural Vietnam Textile & Garment Industry Development Strategy Summit (VTGIS), where Felicia joined as a panellist on ESG discussions. She outlined how GOTS supports companies in meeting compliance requirements and stakeholder expectations.

In addition, Felicia delivered a presentation at the Econogy Talks, exploring sustainability trends and GOTS’ role in enhancing supply chain traceability and transparency. She was also interviewed by Messe Frankfurt’s official media, sharing insights on the shift in the sustainability regulatory landscape and how GOTS can help.

Global Standard at Who’s Next Paris 2026: Key Insights on Textile Sustainability for Brands

At the Who’s Next Paris trade show from 17-19 January, Global Standard Representative Juliane Ziegler presented the latest insights on textile sustainability and Global Standard developments to an audience of brands and relevant stakeholders. The session provided an overview of current market data, recent updates within GOTS and their implications for brands and the wider textile industry. Attendees gained practical guidance on aligning products and supply chains with sustainability standards, reinforcing GOTS’ role as a benchmark for certified, sustainable textiles.

Meet Global Standard: Upcoming Events 

• 9-11 June | Shenzhen, China | Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics 2026
  Visit our booth and learn more about GOTS and GRTS at Global Standard Representative in APAC Felicia Shi's seminar. It's the perfect opportunity to connect and exchange insights on sustainability standards, global regulations and market demands.
  
  
• 12-13 June | Kyoto, Japan | Organic Lifestyle Expo West
  Visit the GOTS booth at Organic Lifestyle Expo West in Kyoto, where Fiona Matsumoto, Representative in Japan, will be present to engage with visitors. The booth will once again be co-hosted with the Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA).
  
  
• 24-25 June | Brussels | Future Fabrics Expo
  Future Fabrics Expo 2026 is the largest dedicated showcase for sourcing certified, sustainably and responsibly produced materials. Come and meet Global Standard at the Expo’s Knowledge Hub and register for free entry to the event here.
  
  
• 25-27 August | Shanghai | Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn 2026
  Global Standard will be present at Intertextile Shanghai Autumn 2026, one of the most important industry fairs in the world. Global Standard Representative in APAC Felicia Shi will be hosting a seminar during the fair as well.
  
  
• 14-16 September | Denver, Colorado | PPAI Responsibility Summit
  The Responsibility Summit brings together professionals across product safety, compliance, sourcing and sustainability to focus on the realities of managing responsibility in today’s environment. Global Standard Representative in North America Ryan Sitler will be speaking at the Summit.
  
  

Global Standard in the News

With a focus on GOTS 8.0 and the 2025 Annual Report, here are selected features from the first half of 2026:

✩ Ecotextile – GOTS raises bar on due diligence
✩ Images Magazine – Updated GOTS standard brings stronger rules for organic textiles
✩ Just Style – GOTS 8.0 to mandate OECD-aligned due diligence, enhance public safety
✩ Apparel Insider - GOTS-certified facilities rise 15 per cent to 17,800 in 2025
✩ Home Textiles Today – GOTS certifications climb as fraud crackdown tightens
✩ Yahoo! Finance – Global Standard sees wider adoption of voluntary sustainability standards

© 2026 by Global Organic Textile Standard

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