💡 GOTS NEWS April 2022

GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD

ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GOTS NEWS · April 2022

GOTS marks 20th anniversary with all-time high in certified facilities

Twenty years after its inception, the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres records all-time high figures: 18 GOTS approved Certification Bodies report a total of 12,338 certified facilities (+19 percent) in 79 countries (+11 percent).

“What seemed utopian to many in 2002 has become a reality in the past 20 years. We have created an organic textile standard, certified by approved third-party certification bodies, which is accepted in all major markets. GOTS is a standard that gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from sustainable supply chains.” says Claudia Kersten, Managing Director at GOTS. “Despite ongoing difficulties and uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, decision-makers continue to pursue their sustainability goals and value GOTS as a tool to accomplish them”.

Revision process for GOTS v 7.0 to commence in April 2022

Shop-Finder

The GOTS standard is due for revision in 2022 and the process kicks off April 14 with an initial period of public consultation on the first revision draft, which is open for 60 calendar days. We encourage all stakeholders to send in their comments and input to the Standard during this period. The GOTS revision draft will be published on our website where the procedure to submit comments will be detailed.

The revision process will be anchored by the multi-faceted GOTS Standards Revision Committee, which is currently being constituted. This SRC who is tasked to finalise the GOTS version 7.0 during 2022 will debate and discuss every comment and input that are received during public consultation period.

Keep an eye on GOTS social media and website for updates.

Click here to have your say and find out more.

GOTS is excited to welcome new staff

As of mid-march, Jesús Aguirre Chavez has taken on the task of GOTS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. Besides the responsibility of improving and maintaining GOTS’ monitoring and evaluation system he will be the central point for all the issues regarding the impacts of the GOTS certification across the entire supply chain. Previously, he worked for Fairtrade International and the Naturland Association, focusing on optimising processes and standards, and monitoring their implementation. Jesús holds a master's degree in "Food and Resource Economics" from the University of Bonn.

Jeffery Thimm has joined the team as GOTS Organic Production Specialist. He will be the central point for all issues regarding organic fibre production in connection with GOTS. He holds over ten years of international experience in project management and advising on sustainable development in both public and private sectors. Jeffrey holds a BA in Public Health and Environmental Studies, a PGD in Integrative Ecosocial Design as well as an MSc in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of Hohenheim.

Katrin Khoza has taken the role of GOTS Data Manager. Next to working on the centralised database, she will be focusing on data management, enhancing GOTS' digitalisation process. Katrin offers a broad spectrum of experience, from needs assessment to requirement engineering to test analysis and data extraction. Katrin holds a BS in Business Information Systems as well as an MS in Information Systems.

Rebecca Gollin has taken on the responsibility of GOTS PR Specialist and will drive GOTS communication efforts globally, produce compelling content and further develop GOTS' profile as a respected thought leader. Becky is an award-winning writer and producer with 15+ years of experience. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MBA in Sustainable Innovation, both from the University of Vermont.

Daphne Laut has joined GOTS as Marketing Assistant. Daphne will be responsible for GOTS' social media, curate content for campaigns and information material as well as assisting staff in all things marketing. Daphne holds a Bachelor in English Literary and Cultural Studies and German Literary Studies. She will graduate from University of Würzburg (JMU) in summer 2022, holding a master’s degree in English Speaking Cultures.

Sneha Bhadula is the new Data Analyst Quality Assurance and Impact. Sneha has sound experience in the IT field and has previously worked for a US based software manufacturer. She holds a master's degree in Computer Application from Delhi University.

OCA, GOTS and Textile Exchange expand successful GM Cotton Testing Lab Initiative

Survey

GOTS, in collaboration with the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) and Textile Exchange has renewed the global ISO IWA 32:2019 proficiency test for a second year, 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 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.

For further details, please read our press release here.

OCA and GOTS collaborate to support organic cotton production

gots landingpage 554x358 cotton

Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) and GOTS have agreed to collaborate towards the shared goal of supporting organic cotton production around the world. This agreement serves to create a formal understanding between the two organisations and take their individual visions forward based on collaboration where possible. GOTS’ vision is that organic textiles will become a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. OCA is a multi-stakeholder organisation fully dedicated to organic cotton. As a global platform, OCA is committed to bringing integrity, supply security and measurable social and environmental impact to organic cotton.

Visit OCA or GOTS to learn more about the organisations.

EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles – an opportunity for organic textiles?

The EU Commission has recently published the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. This publication presents the ambitious goal for 2030, stating that by 2030, textile products on the EU market will be long-lasting, free of hazardous substances and produced respecting the environment and social rights. The vision is for consumers to benefit from high quality affordable textiles; for fast fashion to be out of fashion; and for producers to take responsibility for their products along the value chain.

GOTS embraces this objective and believes that organic textile products are a natural fit for the strategy. However, the organic opportunity is overlooked.

GOTS and OTB Roundtable: Raising the profile of GOTS certified organic products in the UK

Join GOTS and the Textile Group of the Organic Trade Board (OTB) for a creative session focussed on how to deliver a GOTS textile marketing campaign, together!

GOTS and OTB are working in partnership to raise awareness of organic textile products in the UK. On May 5th, 2022, we will hold a virtual roundtable, which will include exciting updates on GOTS and OTB, the recently formed OTB Textile Group and a brainstorming session for a consumer-oriented marketing campaign.

This is a participatory event.

Click here to find out more.

Click here to register for the event.

For more information, contact Christopher Stopes, GOTS Representative in the UK.

MEET GOTS

Fashion Revolution Week, London, 18-24 April 2022:
Join GOTS Representative in the UK, Christopher Stopes, at Fashion Revolution Week in England, which was founded in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster almost ten years ago. Since then, the initiative has grown to become one of the world’s largest fashion activism movements, inspiring and mobilising citizens, brands and policymakers through research, education and advocacy.

Learn more

Premiere Vision Paris, France, 4-8 July 2022:
Join GOTS Representative for Global Brands, Franziska Dormann, and GOTS Representative in Africa, Muktar Dodo, at Premiere Vision Paris. They will host a booth at the event and are happy to get in contact to introduce GOTS. The two representatives are also looking forward to connecting with all visitors!

Learn more about the event here

TexWorld NYC, New York, USA, 19-21 July 2022:
Join GOTS Representative in North America, Lori Wyman, during TexWorld in New York City in July. TexWorld offers an essential opportunity for designers, consumers and experts in the textile industry to connect and gain direct access to suppliers from all around the globe. Moreover, visitors will be able to listen to insightful panel discussions and presentation, covering essential topics of sustainability in the textile processing industry.

Learn more about the event here

Legal information · Contact

Click here to unsubscribe