Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

In football, fair play doesn’t stop at the final whistle – it continues in the fan shops. 🌱⚽️   The latest study by cum ratione gGmbH, a German non-profit organisation, highlights how football clubs are taking steps toward more sustainable and socially responsible merchandise. One of their top indicators for the proportion of sustainable garments? GOTS certification – recognised as a key benchmark in evaluating clubs' efforts toward ethical and ecological fanwear. We’re proud to see clubs like FC St. Pauli von 1910 e.V. leading the way, alongside other top-ranked teams like HSV, SV Werder Bremen GmbH & Co KG aA, VfB Stuttgart, and Borussia Dortmund. Even more clubs are proving that sustainable fanwear isn’t just possible – it’s already happening. 🏟️ With millions of loyal fans and immense cultural influence, football has the unique power to drive change beyond the stadium. Reflecting our vision and mission at Global Standard, we believe that truly sustainable fanwear can and should respect both people and planet – from production to the pitch. That’s why we support and encourage studies like this: they spark awareness, demand accountability, and celebrate those taking big steps on their journey to more sustainable processing! 📣 True team spirit means wearing your club’s colours with pride – knowing your merch was made with care for the planet and for the people behind every thread.   👉 Check out the full cum ratione gGmbH study to see how your club scored: https://lnkd.in/dKmSkydt

Achieving 2030 Goals Just Got Easier – Meet the STS 2030 Toolbox For those navigating the complexities of transitioning to a sustainable textile sector, the STS 2030 Toolbox is here to support you. Developed by Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030, this resource hub is tailored to help businesses implement socially and environmentally responsible practices - whether you’re working in Switzerland or beyond. 🤝 Included in the toolbox is the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook, designed to support companies in upholding human rights and environmental due diligence - an essential step toward meaningful, measurable progress. 🎯 The STS 2030 Toolbox helps you address four key targets: 1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 2. Promoting appropriate wages and humane working conditions 3. Advancing circular business models 4. Ensuring transparency for sustainable purchasing decisions Make sure your sustainability efforts are strategic, actionable, and aligned with the future of the textile sector. 👉 Explore the STS 2030 Toolbox here: https://lnkd.in/gDAUQDQy #SustainableTextiles #DueDiligence #TextileManufacturing #SustainableFashion #CircularEconomy #Swisstextiles #TextileSupplyChain #TextileCircularity

Protect Nature from Fast Fashion: Global Standard stands in support of Make The Label Count and its call for science-based textile labelling in the EU. 👕🇪🇺   On April 7th 2025, MTLC hosted “From Farm to Fashion,” a roundtable event in Brussels, bringing together EU policymakers and sustainability stakeholders to address the environmental labelling of textile products.   We were pleased to have our Representative in the UK and to the EU, Christopher Stopes, in attendance to support this conversation.   At the heart of the discussion was the proposed use of the #ProductEnvironmentalFootprint (PEF) methodology by the European Commission. While Global Standard supports efforts to advance credible sustainability claims in the textile industry, we share MTLC’s concern that the current PEF framework does not adequately capture the full environmental impact – particularly regarding: 🔹 Impacts of fossil-based synthetic fibre production 🔹 Microplastic pollution 🔹 Plastic waste generation 🔹 Circularity and end-of-life considerations   These critical factors must be included to ensure that the EU’s sustainability labelling framework is truly representative, equitable and science-based.   As Christopher Stopes emphasized: “If we want to free ourselves from the toxic flood of microplastics, we must move away from synthetic, fast fashion. Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and other natural fibres are essential to the solution. We’ve embraced organic food in the market; now it’s time to fight for that same recognition for organic fibres. Currently, even textile labeling regulation fails to acknowledge ‘organic’ as a defined term. That must change.”   📣 Support MTLC’s petition: “Protect Nature from Fast Fashion.” Your signatures will send a clear message to EU lawmakers that we encourage robust sustainability metrics and balanced evaluation for natural fibres.   ✍️ Sign the petition here: https://lnkd.in/gcNyZfYt   #MakeTheLabelCount #GlobalStandard #GOTS #SustainableFashion #NaturalFibres #TextilePolicy #GreenClaims #PEF #TextileTransparency #EcoLabelling

Global Standard has joined IFOAM Organics Europe and natural fibre stakeholders in co-signing a joint letter to the European Commission addressing critical concerns regarding the methodologies used for assessing the environmental impact of textiles. The letter urges the Commission to: - Ensure independent and inclusive development of PEF and LCA methodologies - Properly account for the environmental benefits of natural and organic fibres - Promote cooperation across EU institutions to support sustainable, resilient textile value chains We remain committed to advocating for science-based labelling and accurate representation of natural fibres. 🌿 ✉️ Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/e8M_rMgY #NaturalFibres #SustainableTextiles #PEF #LCA #GlobalStandard #GOTS #IFOAM #TextileSustainability #EUTextiles #GreenClaims

Meet the newest members of the Global Standard staff! As we continue to advance our mission of fostering ecological and social responsibility in the textile industry, we’re excited to welcome three incredible professionals who bring fresh energy, insight, and expertise to our global staff. ⭐️ Astrid Jakubaß – People Specialist Astrid is an experienced HR professional with over 10 years in talent acquisition, leadership development, and strategic HR operations. She holds a degree in Business Administration (Diplom-Kauffrau) from the University of Duisburg-Essen, with a focus on Business Law, Production Management, Procurement, and Logistics. We are glad to have her support in the continued development of a strong, values-aligned staff at Global Standard. ⭐️ Anna Cain – Digital Marketing Associate As a graduate of Parsons School of Design and holding a postgraduate degree in Sustainable Textile Technology, Anna brings a background in environmental and fashion communications to help share the impact and values behind GOTS certification. We’re happy to have her join us in content creation, community education, and brand strategy within the organic textile space. ⭐️ Sharafat Mallik – Head of Quality Assurance With over 20 years of leadership in sourcing operations and quality management, Sharafat brings deep knowledge of raw material innovation and product performance. His work has helped scale sustainable sourcing strategies, build networks of organic cotton farmers, and develop next-gen material solutions. At Global Standard, he’ll be managing quality assurance and advancing industry transformation. Please join us in welcoming Anna, Astrid, and Sharafat!

Supporting the Organic Transition – Join Us in Mumbai! We’re excited to share that Ganesh Kasekar, Representative in South Asia, will speak at an upcoming event about the transition from conventional to organic cotton. The session will feature ECOCERT India explaining the organic certification process and Global Standard highlighting the relevance of organic in-conversion cotton, with both parts delivered in local languages for direct engagement with farmers. Date: 11 April 2025 Venue: Cotton Association of India, Mumbai 🌿 Why is organic in-conversion cotton so important? The switch from conventional to organic farming isn’t immediate — it involves a three-year transition, known as the “in-conversion” period, where farmers adopt sustainable practices but do not earn much. 👉 By choosing organic in-conversion cotton, we actively support farmers during this crucial stage and help increase the availability of organic fibres. Together, we can support farming communities, protect our planet, and make a difference in the textile industry — starting from the ground up. #OrganicInConversion #GlobalStandard #GOTS #SustainableTextiles #FarmToFashion #OrganicCotton #OrganicFarming

Towards Zero Waste in Fashion & Textiles Every second, a garbage truck’s worth of textiles is incinerated or sent to landfills - fueling pollution and disproportionately harming communities in the Global South. Today, the 2025 International Day of Zero Waste, led by UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme), highlights the urgent need for circular solutions in fashion. ⭐️ We asked GOTS-certified brands about the strategies they use to reduce waste in their production and discovered some inspiring tactics: • Using monomaterials and biodegradable materials • Creating modular designs and zero-waste patterns • Partnering with resale platforms • Establishing take-back programs • Providing repair and maintenance services A #ZeroWaste future in fashion is possible, but it requires systemic change: 🔹 Consumers extending the life of textiles through reuse, repair, and conscious purchasing. 🔹 Brands committing to circular business models, responsible sourcing, and durable design. 🔹 Policies, like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding businesses accountable. 👉 Between regulation and consumer action where are you seeing impact? 👉 Have you seen any brands implement successful strategies to reduce waste? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dVY3SfWg #BeatWastePollution #ZeroWasteDay #NoGreenwashing #fromfieldtofashion #GOTS #GlobalStandard #OrganicTextiles

GOTS will be at ASFW Nairobi - Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week 2025! Muktar, Regional Representative in Africa, is excited to attend ASFW at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi from April 24–26. ASFW is a key platform driving innovation and sustainability in East Africa’s textile and leather industries. As the leading certification for organic textiles, GOTS supports brands, manufacturers, and consumers in making responsible choices for people and the planet. With sustainability at the forefront, we’re excited to connect with industry leaders to discuss: ✅ The role of certified organic textiles in shaping a responsible supply chain ✅ How brands can integrate GOTS certification to meet sustainability goals ✅ The future of due diligence and environmental criteria for fashion See you in Nairobi! #GlobalStandard  #GOTS  #SustainableTextiles  #OrganicFibers  #ASFW2025  #OrganicTextiles

How do natural fibres shape a sustainable future? Meet Christopher Stopes, Regional Representative in the UK & to the EU, as he attends the roundtable "From Farm to Fashion: How Natural Fibres Protect and Support Our Environment" on 7th of April 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels.🌿 Hosted by MEP Daniel Buda & Make The Label Count, this event will explore how textile legislation must recognise the impact of natural fibres and why fair labelling is key to a truly sustainable fashion industry. Global Standard (GOTS) recently joined the Make the Label Count coalition, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring transparency and sustainability in textile labelling.  Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dD7mYqHU. • • • • #GOTS  #SustainableFashion  #FromFarmToFashion  #NaturalFibres  #FairLabelling  #MakeTheLabelCount

Global Standard at Intertextile Shanghai Spring 2025 From March 11th to 13th, Felicia Shi, Representative in APAC, hosted a booth at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Spring Edition and delivered an insightful presentation titled “Meet GOTS – Your Source for Sustainable and Ethical Textiles Made with Organic Fibres.” Held at the rebranded Econogy Hub, where sustainability takes center stage, the presentation attracted a diverse audience. It covered key topics such as the origins of GOTS, its core features, the evolving global regulatory landscape, and the next steps for Global Standard. The session deepened attendees’ understanding of GOTS requirements and highlighted how a GOTS certification helps companies align with sustainability laws and regulations. Reflecting on the event, Felicia Shi shared: "Intertextile Shanghai Spring Edition is a key platform for advancing the conversation on organic textiles in China and beyond. As GOTS continues to expand its impact in the APAC region, we are excited to engage with industry leaders, brands, and manufacturers at the fair." • • • • #GlobalStandard  #GOTS  #MeetGOTS  #IntertextileShanghai  #SustainableTextiles #nogreenwashing  #fromfieldtofashion  #organictextiles  #eco  #fair