GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD
ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GOTS NEWS · April 2024

Welcome to the new year!

We are only a few months into 2024, but the Global Standard team has been hard at work and traveling to events around the world to talk about the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Read on for a roundup of the first quarter's activities, upcoming events, things to know, and more.

Advancing social justice in organic textiles: GOTS' commitment highlighted at Biofach 2024

Ruslan Alyamkin, Responsible, Standard Development and Implementation (Social Responsibility), represented GOTS on 14 February at the Biofach 2024 session “Navigating Social Justice in Organic Supply Chains”. Alyamkin highlighted the need for fairness and respect for human rights, emphasising that organic practices must respect the dignity and rights of all workers in the value chain. 

Alyamkin also discussed the evolving legislative landscape, including laws such as the German Supply Chain Act and the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which emphasise mandatory human rights due diligence.

The session, featuring panellists from IFOAM Organic International, Bio Suisse, CSQA Certificazioni, Bhutan Organic Mission and GOEL - Gruppo Cooperativo, focused on IFOAM's Motion 74, a motion Global Standard initiated and championed to improve social justice in the organic movement. This commitment to social justice is deeply embedded in GOTS Version 7.0, which sets out comprehensive human rights and social criteria, including provisions against forced and child labour, discrimination and ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages and gender equality.

→ Learn more about Biofach here.

OECD Forum on Due Diligence emphasises strength of GOTS Version 7.0

The 10th OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris on 21-22 February catalysed key discussions on sustainability and responsible business. This year's forum focused on the exploration of binding company/union agreements, innovative strategies for securing living wages and the strategic position of retailers in promoting a culture of due diligence.

The role of certification in due diligence also featured prominently, highlighting its potential to bridge the gap between aspiration and action in responsible business practices. GOTS Version 7.0 has set a new benchmark by embedding comprehensive due diligence criteria that are consistent with the principles of leading international responsible business frameworks, including UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Due Diligence Guidance. The GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities further empowers companies by providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of ethical business. 

This consistency with the OECD Due Diligence requirements not only reinforces GOTS' leadership in the organic textile certification landscape, but also exemplifies its commitment to fostering a future where the textile industry thrives on the pillars of sustainability, fairness and accountability. 

→ Learn more about GOTS Version 7.0 here.

→ Read the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities here.

→ Watch a replay of the OECD Forum here.

#BehindTheSeams: GOTS campaign broadens on success in 2024

We are pleased to announce that last September's highly regarded #BehindTheSeams weeklong campaign is returning for an entire month in 2024. Last year, more than 250 GOTS-certified brands, companies and retailers engaged over 21 million consumers globally. Positive feedback inspired us to make 2024 even more impactful, with bigger plans to educate consumers on GOTS-certified products and their availability, as well as the companies behind them.

This year’s monthlong campaign meets the resounding call for more inclusivity and extended engagement by offering ample time for deeper exploration and engagement. In addition, we have expanded our reach nine languages – English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Turkish, Chinese and Japanese – ensuring accessibility to more communities.

Don’t miss out on your chance to participate for free and showcase your sustainability commitment, amplify your voice and connect with a global audience. Not only can you share your products with millions, but you can also highlight your commitment to ethical and eco-friendly practices.

→ Register now and be a part of shaping this movement.

GOTS Representative builds relationships, speaks at new trade show in Vietnam

Attendees at Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT), 28 February-1 March, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had the opportunity to learn more about us at our GOTS booth. In addition, Felicia Shi, GOTS Representative in APAC, delivered a well-received presentation titled, "Meet GOTS – Your Source for Sustainable and Ethical Textiles Made with Organic Fibres”.

VIATT was the first trade show organised by the renowned trade show organiser Messe Frankfurt, marking their debut in this growing market. This is also an exciting cooperation between GOTS and Messe Frankfurt, in addition to the existing shows in APAC region. With Vietnam's increasing importance in sustainable textiles, this event promises to be instrumental in furthering awareness and impact in the region.

GOTS Certified Entities in Vietnam grew from 65 in 2022 to 92 in 2023, and this was reflected by the number of visitors to the GOTS booth who mentioned obtaining certification in the past year.

“When asked about their motivation for being GOTS-certified, they gave an impressive answer, 'Becoming GOTS-certified enhances our competitiveness’, highlighting the gold standard's value in the global market,” said Felicia Shi, GOTS Representative in APAC.

→ Learn more about VIATT here.

Update to GOTS fees coming in July

The Global Standard management has decided, in conjunction with the Global Standard Advisory Council, to revise GOTS Fees, which have been unchanged since April 2020. As a non-profit, the increased fees are necessary to support the rules and extensive tools that Global Standard provides to the textile industry.

Effective 1 July 2024, the GOTS Fees shall stand revised as follows:

There are no revisions envisaged for additives annual fees at this time.

→ Learn more about the fee change here.

GOTS welcomes new faces to the team

Ryan Sitler, Representative in North America 
Sitler, who joined GOTS in February, holds a degree in soil science and sustainability from Ohio University. He has been an independent auditor since 2013, having performed over 1,200 audits at farms and processors with a specialty in organic, social compliance and sustainable supply chains. Sitler has travelled extensively in North America for work and said he particularly enjoys Central America and the Bahamas for vacation. Living in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he can most often be found outside in the garden, on the disc golf course or playing with his dog.

Katie Lee, Public Relations Specialist
Lee, who came aboard in March, holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and Master of Fine Art in creative writing. Originally from the USA and now based in Brighton, UK, she brings with her a diverse background in journalism and public and media relations. Her commitment to social issues extends beyond the workplace, spending her free time volunteering, cat fostering and assisting at animal shelters globally. Lee has travelled to all seven continents, but is also happy to spend time at home on the beach with her husband and three cats.

Meet the rest of the team here.

Upcoming events: Meet GOTS

• 14-16 May | Organic Trade Association's Organic Week,Organic Trade Association's Organic Week, Washington, D.C. 
  Ryan Sitler, Representative in North America
  
  → Learn more about the event here.
  
  
• 23-25 May | East Africa Textile and Leather Week, Nairobi, Kenya 
  Muktar Dodo, Representative in Africa
  
  → Learn more about the event here.
  
  
• 26-27 June | Better Cotton Conference 2024, Istanbul, Türkiye
  Franziska Dormann, Head of Regional Representatives & Representative to Global Brands, and Elif Yaraşık, Representative in Turkey
  
  → Learn more about the event here.
  
  
• 5-7 June | Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics 2024, Shenzhen, China
  In addition to a GOTS booth, Felicia Shi, Representative in APAC, will host a sustainability seminar session.
  
  → Learn more about the event here.
  
  
• 27-29 August | Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn 2024, Shanghai, China 
  In addition to a GOTS booth, Felicia Shi, Representative in APAC, will host a sustainability seminar session.
  
  → Learn more about the event here.

© 2024 by Global Organic Textile Standard

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