GOTS Annual Report 2018 released

Growth continues, with more than 5,760 certified facilities in 64 countries around the globe, the highest number so far, and more than 2.02 million people working in GOTS certified facilities!

Read up on the newest figures, developments, promotions, and GOTS projects in 2018!

The GOTS Annual Report 2018 is available for download here.

GOTS Revision Process 6.0 started

GOTS version 5.0 is due for revision in 2019, the formal GOTS 6.0 revision process has commenced in March 2019. Stakeholders which operate internationally with expertise in the field of organic production, textile processing, textile chemistry and social criteria and representing the industry, NGOs and consumer interests in the GOTS programme were invited to contribute to the revision procedure. GOTS Version 6.0 and the corresponding manual will be released in March 2020. 

For more information on the revision process and the timetable click here.

Connecting Stakeholders at the GOTS Regional Seminar in Izmir

On 18^th February 2019, the GOTS Regional Seminar was held in İzmir, Turkey. The seminar was a great success, with more than 150 professionals from local brand offices, manufacturers, certifiers and academics attending to share and discuss their expertise. Attendees learned about the GOTS progress 2018, participated in discussions around challenges and opportunities of the Turkish organic textile market and sustainability trends in the industry.

For the post-Turkey seminar report, photos, and presentations click here.

GOTS wins Court Case against Textile Printer

On 18^th February 2019, the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart passed a consumer-friendly judgment on any advertising using the GOTS logo and/or name. The decision was passed on a case, where a textile printer purchased blank GOTS certified T-Shirts and printed on them. The printer was not GOTS certified, yet the printed T-Shirt was advertised as GOTS-certified end product.  GOTS took legal action. According to the GOTS standard criteria, every processing step of the entire supply chain must be certified, printing on the textile bears the risk that the product no longer meets the requirements of GOTS.

For more information on the case click here. 

Presence of GM in Cotton and Textiles Testing Protocol published

On 16^th April 2019, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) released ISO IWA 32:2010 ‘Screening of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton and textiles.’ Initiated by GOTS the project to formulate a testing protocol for GMO presence in cotton was taken forward by the Netherlands Standardisation Institute (NEN) and funded by the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA). It allows stakeholders to have a harmonised testing method and eliminate uncertainty on test results between laboratories.  This qualitative protocol will be referenced by GOTS as the approved testing method for GMO screening in an advisory to all Certification Bodies shortly.

The protocol is available here.

GOTS signs UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action

In December 2018, GOTS was with the initial signatories of the Fashion Climate Charter Under the auspices of UN Climate Change, aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Charter contains the vision for the industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, by defining issues that will be addressed by the signatories. GOTS set the focus on promoting organic production and processing, to contribute to the reduction of carbon.

More information on the Charter is available here.

GOTS featured Booth and Lecture at Intertextile Shanghai Spring Edition

From 12-14^th March 2019, GOTS was at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, one of the largest Apparel Fabrics trade shows. Next to the GOTS booth at the All About Sustainability Zone, Felicia Shi, Representative in China, gave a lecture showcasing the latest policy and market trends of organic textiles, and GOTS labelling requirements. The presentation drew a lot of attention, over 60 visitors attended. The 2019 Spring Edition experienced an overall increase of 15% in visitors, totaling 94,661 visitors from over 110 countries and regions. Market feedback also showed that the demand for certified organic flax is surging, and China´s local government in Heilongjiang Province will subsidize the certification of organic hemp.

More information on the show is available here.

GOTS at the LA Textile Market Show

At the LA Textile Market show, a destination for textile, design and production resources, North American GOTS Representative Lori Wyman presented “Third party verification for Organic Textile Label Claims” at the California Market Center in Los Angeles, attracting many visitors. She discussed U.S. regulations for organic textile labelling, different kinds of organic claims, and how the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) can be used to legally verify organic claims and prevent “Greenwashing". Harmony Susalla, from Harmony Art Fabrics, also presented a case study on why she chose to become GOTS certified and how this helped her business.

Forum on the Growing Importance of Sustainability in the Industry

On 27^th February 2019, the hessnatur foundation, the Regionalmanagement Berlin Suedost and the foundation Reinbeckhallen Collection for Contemporary Art organised the forum “Paradigm Shift in the Fashion and Textile Industry - Sustainability as value driver." Attendees were invited to share various perspectives on the topic. Franziska Dormann joined a panel discussion, together with representatives from brands, government, and NGOs, on sustainability challenges and opportunities in the textile industry. Participants agreed that the negative impact of the industry can no longer be ignored and sustainability needs to become an integral part.

More information on the event is available here.

Organic Cotton Sourcing Guide published

GOTS proudly supported the publication of the Organic Cotton Sourcing Guide, encouraging brands and manufacturers to take a closer look at the supply chain with practical steps on “how to go organic”. The guide was published by the Partnership of Sustainable Textiles together with the help of relevant stakeholders. The aim of the Partnership is that at least 10% of organic cotton is used in Germany by 2020, including organic cotton in conversion.

To download the guide click here.

GOTS certified manufacturer achieves Common Objective Leadership Award

Common Objective (CO) launched their Leadership Awards late last year, searching for businesses leading in sustainability in the fashion and textile sector. The winners were announced in early March 2019. One of the two winners in the manufacturing category was Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills. This GOTS certified textile business in Kolkata, India, has a vertically integrated supply chain from organic farmer to finished product, supplying wovens and knits as well as dyeing and printing. They aim to minimise the environmental impact of all stages of production and ensure fair labour practices.

More information is available here.

Short Film showcasing the Benefits of Organic Cotton

Together with the HUBBUB charity, the Soil Association (SA) launched a short film on Organic Cotton “What is organic cotton and why does it matter?” The film addresses the vast benefits of organic cotton and shows how textile certifications like GOTS ensure integrity for retailers and consumers alike and assure that textiles are traceable and have been produced in a way which protects the environment and workers´ rights.

To watch the film click here.

Save The Date for the GOTS Bangladesh Seminar 2019

The GOTS Bangladesh Seminar 2019 (GBDS19) is scheduled to be held at the International Convention Centre Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka, Bangladesh on 8^th September 2019. The theme of this one-day seminar is ‘Connecting for Success’. Brand representatives, Sourcing experts, Exporters, Dyes/Chemical Suppliers, Consultants, Testing Laboratories, Media, Academia and other important stakeholders from Bangladesh and neighbouring countries will attend the event. Participants are invited to connect and contemplate initiatives which successfully implemented sustainable practices.
Delegate Registration will be open early May 2019. For sponsorship and speaking opportunities, please contact Seminar Coordinator Sumit Gupta. Follow #GBDS19 on LinkedIn and Instagram!

More information on the seminar is available here.

Publication of Contact Details in GOTS Database

Due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) personal data had to be made invisible in the GOTS public database which also serves as an important sourcing tool. The Certification Bodies who maintain the GOTS public database must obtain prior consent from the Certified Entities to publish commercial contact data. Consent can either be given in due course of fresh certification or renewal, or Certified Entities may contact their responsible Certification Body to give permission to make commercial contact data visible again. 

Share your 'Organic in Conversion' Experience

In 2016/17 a substantial amount of 214,863 hectares of cotton land was in conversion. For most organic standards there is a 2-3 year conversion to organic period involved.  As a processing standard GOTS is involved in learning and supporting the process of transition. Do you have a best practice business model, are you involved in farmers' cooperatives and would like to share your story? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch and share your story with Lina Pfeifer, GOTS Organic Production Specialist.

GOTS on the Move

16^th May 2019, Bremen, Germany: Product Certification for Textiles 
The Bremen Information Center for Human Rights and Development will host a workshop to discuss product labels in textiles, showcasing the examples of GOTS and fairtrade, followed by a debate on the challenges, opportunities, and credibility of product labels. Franziska Dormann will give a presentation and attend the discussion. For more information please contact Franziska Dormann.

21^st May 2019, Washington, USA: Organic Week in Washington
GOTS Regional Representative Lori Wyman will be participating in the Organic Week hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) with Member Day on Monday, May 20, at OTA’s headquarters in the Hall of The States. On Tuesday, May 21, it will continue at the Capitol Hill for lobbying the nation’s top policymakers on the importance of organic. The week's activities will culminate with Conference Day in the bustling, historic Union Market to focus on bold ideas and critical conversations of consequence to our industry. Information on the event is available here. For further details contact Lori Wyman.

24^th May 2019, Tokyo, Japan: Japan Organic Cotton Association Seminar co-organised by GOTS
GOTS Regional Representative in Japan Miyoshi Satoko will be at the seminar in Kyobashi, Tokyo to moderate the session “What Organic can do for the Economy of Happiness.” For more information please contact Miyoshi Satoko.

27-28^th June 2019, Frankfurt, Germany: Plastic Free World Conference and Expo
This 2-day conference and exhibition targets businesses aiming to reduce their plastic consumption and to create a more circular economy throughout the entire supply chain. Franziska Dormann will attend the conference and give a presentation. Information and registration are available here. For further details contact Franziska Dormann.

2-4^th July 2019, Berlin, Germany: Neonyt Trade Fair, the FashionSustain, and #fashiontech conference
Showcases, events and parties bring together a community defined by fashion, a forward-looking approach, an affinity for technology and sustainable awareness. For more information and appointments please contact Franziska Dormann.

27-29^th July 2019, Wallau, Germany: Innatex  
GOTS will be present with a booth at the only natural textiles fair in the world to feature not only fashion, but also other textile product categories such as accessories, home textiles, fabrics, toys etc., organised under the auspices of the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN) and providing exhibitors with information about product certification. For more information and appointments please contact Franziska Dormann.

8^th September 2019, Dhaka, Bangladesh: GOTS Bangladesh Seminar 
The theme of the seminar is Connecting for Success. Delegate registration will be open starting early May. For more information, sponsorship and speaking opportunities visit the GOTS website and contact Sumit Gupta or Prachi Gupta.

25-27^th September 2019, Shanghai, China: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 
One of the largest trade shows for apparel fabrics that feature the All About Sustainability Zone. China Representative Felicia Shi will be at the GOTS booth and speak at the seminar, both in the "All About Sustainability" Zone. For more information and appointments please contact Felicia Shi.