OCA, GOTS AND TEXTILE EXCHANGE EXPAND THE SUCCESSFUL GM COTTON TESTING LAB INITIATIVE
OCA, GOTS and Textile Exchange expand the successful GM Cotton Testing Lab Initiative
Press Release
For immediate release
Amsterdam, 27th January 2022
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) and Textile Exchange are delighted to announce the renewal of the global ISO IWA 32:2019 proficiency test for a second year in a row, under technical support from Wageningen Food Safety Research.
The initiative aims to provide the sector with an up-to-date overview of global laboratories that can currently conduct GMO testing as per the ISO IWA 32:2019 protocol – a common language among laboratories worldwide to screen for the potential presence of genetically modified (GM) cotton along the organic cotton value chain.
The joint project involving three global NGOs in the textile sector, announces that it has reached a new milestone with an expanded list of twenty-one laboratories from Europe, Asia and North America who have successfully passed a new round of the proficiency test in 2021.
As qualitative GM cotton screening using the ISO IWA 32:2019 protocol is mandatory within the GOTS and OCS (Organic Content Standard) supply chain and OCA’s Farm programme, the expanded list will provide many stakeholders in Organic Cotton with the clarity they need for taking all reasonable precautions to prevent GM cotton in their organic cotton produce while supporting the rapid sector growth seen globally.
The updated overview of the laboratories that successfully passed the proficiency test in 2021 has now been jointly published by GOTS, OCA and Textile Exchange. To view or download the full list of global labs, click here
Commenting on the second round of the global ISO IWA 32:2019 proficiency test initiative, OCA’s Programme Manager, Mathilde Tournebize, said:
“At OCA, we believe that by working collaboratively we can make the necessary strides to bring the organic cotton sector improved transparency and integrity, so it is great to see more laboratories implementing the ISO IWA 32:2019 worldwide. This round of proficiency test enabled us to chart additional laboratories that can be contacted to reliably conduct GMO tests as per the ISO IWA 32:2019. The initiative has also expanded to more geographies compared to last year, including Turkey and the United States.“
Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director at GOTS, added:
“This initiative shows that through partnership and alignment, we can bring the sector much-needed clarity on qualitative GMO testing in cottonseed, leaf, fibre and chemically unprocessed fibre-derived cotton.”
Amish Gosai, Supply Network & South Asia Sr. Manager at Textile Exchange, said:
“The ISO IWA 32:2019 proficiency test initiative will be repeated regularly. More laboratories are welcome to apply for the next round of proficiency test, which will likely be organised in Q1 2023.”
The initiative now in its second year, will drive greater transparency along the organic cotton supply chain in a move that the partners hope will become a fixed bi-annual initiative stemming from the positive feedback from the initial launch in 2020.
For more information about the global ISO IWA 32:2019 proficiency test initiative, please click here.
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About Organic Cotton Accelerator: At the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), we believe organic cotton is the catalyst for a truly sustainable textiles sector. As a multi-stakeholder organisation, we unite the sector to unleash the potential of organic cotton, from field to fashion, for people and the planet. We envision a future where, every time a farmer switches to organic cotton, there is a ripple effect of positivity; farmers earn more and their land and soils are fertile for future generations, protecting our planet. We call this the Organic Cotton Effect. We’re committing to enabling this future by creating a transparent, responsible and resilient organic cotton supply chain that prioritises delivering farmer prosperity and meeting the sector’s shared sustainability goals. As an accelerator, we want to get to this future, faster. Since our establishment in 2016, with founding partners Laudes Foundation, H&M, Kering, Eileen Fisher, Textile Exchange, Tchibo, Inditex and C&A, we have been committed to convening the sector around a common agenda and using our platform’s collective investments to act as a catalyst for change. For more information on OCA and what we do visit: https://www.organiccottonaccelerator.org/
About GOTS: GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fibre (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria. Key provisions include a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highly hazardous chemicals (such as azo dyes and formaldehyde), and child labour, while requiring strong social compliance management systems and strict waste water treatment practices. GOTS was developed by leading international standard setters - Organic Trade Association (U.S.), Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association Natural Textile Industry (Germany), and Soil Association (UK) to define globally-recognised requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from field to finished product. GOTS is a non-profit organisation which is self-financed. For more information please see www.global-standard.org and follow @globalorganictextilestandard on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Textile Exchange: Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain. By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too. For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions and a driven community. At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.
Media contacts
Lily Fallala
Brand and Communications Director, OCA
Holger Stripf, Head of Marketing, GOTS
Kostas Lazarou
Marketing and Communications Director, Textile Exchange
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GOTS
Global Organic Textile Standard
