It's almost time for #BehindTheSeams!
We at Global Standard hope the first half of your year was healthy, happy and successful! It is hard to believe that September, and our exciting #BehindTheSeams campaign, are almost here. Get ready for an even bigger month of giveaways, brand collaborations and consumer education. Until then, read on for a roundup of the second quarter's activities, upcoming events, things to know and more.
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New ISO test method for genetic modification in cotton released
The International Standards Organisation (ISO) recently released the following standards publicly under the number ISO 5354 (parts 1 and 2):
• ISO/DIS 5354-1.2 : Molecular biomarkers — Detection of DNA in cotton used for textile production — Part 1: Extraction of DNA from cotton seed and raw materials derived therefrom
• ISO/TS 5354-2 : Molecular biomarkers — Detection of DNA in cotton used for textile production — Part 2: Overview of target sequences for use in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods for cotton genetically modified (GM) events
ISO/DIS 5354-1.2, along with ISO 5354-2, cancels and replaces IWA 32:2019, which has been technically revised throughout.
What does this mean?
Global Standard will begin transitioning to using these new test methods, starting with making changes in appropriate documentation. The revision of GOTS will commence next year, so necessary changes in the Standard shall be done through the regular revision process. In addition, changes will be made to relevant GOTS documents, the Global Standard website and the Implementation Manual at the earliest opportunity.
We know that testing the new methods will need an implementation period, so we shall issue an official statement on a deadline after consulting experts. In the interim, testing using ISO IWA 32 shall still be considered valid and accepted.
In case you missed it: Global Standard releases Annual Report
Global Standard released recently its 2023 Annual Report highlighting the many initiatives and growth of certified entities over the last year. Highlights include:
✩ GOTS Version 7.0 released
✩ GOTS Certified Entities grow by 8% and expand to 89 countries
✩ GOTS releases Due Diligence Handbook for certified entities
✩ Farm-Gin Registry implemented in India, creating a direct link and better evaluation of incoming data
✩ GOTS collaborates with European Space Agency and Marple for AI organic cotton project
✩ #Behindtheseams campaign reaches 21 million+ unique individuals
→ Read more, including highlights for each region, here.
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GOTS receives top sustainability scores from the German government
The German government released in May the new “Guidelines for sustainable textile procurement by the Federal Administration” that strengthen responsible procurement by defining rigorous social and environmental criteria.
The guidelines refer to internationally recognised standards, such as GOTS, as a preferred means to prove compliance with the required social and environmental criteria. The document scores sustainability performance of known labels, highlighting GOTS as a top standard for organic textiles. We are especially proud of such strong results in sustainability ranking, that award GOTS’ continuous efforts in developing a green and ethical textile industry.
The document, binding on federal institutions, is also intended for use by states, municipalities and other procurement actors, providing a non-mandatory, yet practical tool for improving procurement practices. The guidelines' definition of sustainability encompasses environmental and social requirements to be mandatorily met all along textile production: raw materials extraction, manufacturing and product sale. Social criteria aim to protect the health and safety of employees in fibre production, with strong focus on eradication of child and forced labour. Additionally, the guidelines firmly foster the use of cotton from controlled organic cultivation.
In textile processing, the guidelines require several measures to tackle negative impacts on human rights and support environmentally friendly practices for natural resources consumption. The end product considerations ban the use of harmful chemicals.
→ For more information, contact GOTS Public Procurement Specialist at .
GIZ organises GOTS awareness workshop in Ghana
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) organised a GOTS Awareness workshop for garment factories in Ghana. It was a three-day activity that included two days of factory visits and one day of the workshop. The factories aim to become more competitive in the global market, especially in the EU, where new supply chain laws are coming into effect.
GOTS makes it mark at several APAC region events
In the past few months, Global Standard has actively promoted GOTS and engaged with key stakeholders through significant events in the APAC region. A standout moment was GOTS' participation in the 3rd World Organic Youth Conference in Shanghai, hosted by IFOAM Asia. This conference highlighted organic textiles as an integral part of an organic lifestyle. Felicia Shi, GOTS representative in APAC, and Cécile Chi, assistant to the representative, were present. The GOTS booth stole the spotlight, showcasing a diverse array of certified goods, including yarn, fabric, tampons, baby clothing and designer apparel, captivating the attention of attendees.
GOTS also marked its first appearance at the Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics 2024, held June 5-7 in Shenzhen, a key hub for the textile industry in China. Situated strategically near Hong Kong, the fair served as an ideal stage for networking and forging crucial partnerships. GOTS engaged with industry leaders, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and unveiled its latest standards updates and policies.
Acknowledging the environmental impact of air travel, Shi delivered a digital presentation at the inaugural Sustainable Textile Conference, hosted by Control Union Korea. The audiences expressed that the speech was impressive, and the organiser invited GOTS to speak at the next Sustainable Textile Conference.
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GOTS welcomes new faces to the team
Cécile Chi, assistant to representative in APAC
Chi joined Global Standard in April and is currently based in Shanghai, China. With five years of work experience in textile sustainability, she has focused on carbon emission calculation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) consultation for companies in China’s textile and apparel industry. Chi has actively promoted green technology and played a pivotal role in designing and co-developing digital platforms aimed at facilitating low-carbon transformations. She also organised outreach activities and events to enhance awareness and adoption of low-carbon initiatives among various stakeholders. Chi holds three degrees from universities in Germany and France, specialising in chemical and sustainable management. As a traveller and city walker, she also enjoys relaxing time at home with her two cats.
Tristan Arlaud, associate, standard development (human rights and social)
Tristan joined Global Standard in June with a strong foundation in international law and expertise in communications and human relations. In previous roles, he strongly focused on international human rights, humanitarian law and public policy and has applied his knowledge at the European Parliament within the Subcommittee for Human Rights, the United Nations and NGOs. Tristan holds an LLM in international law, specialising in human rights law, an LLB in common law and bachelor’s of arts in international relations and liberal arts. He also worked as a publications coordinator consultant for the Centre for Sport and Human Rights. Originally from France, he has lived in various countries and is currently based in Spain.
Meet the rest of the team here.
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Upcoming events: Meet GOTS
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16-18 July | Texworld, New York, USA
Visit Ryan Sitler, Representative in North America, and Franziska Dormann, head of regional representatives & representative to global brands.
→ Learn more about the event here.
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27-29 August | Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn 2024, Shanghai, China
Visit Felicia Shi, representative in APAC, and Cécile Chi, assistant to representative in APAC.
→ Learn more about the event here.
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3-4 September | Munich Fabric Start, Germany
GOTS will host a booth at the ReSOURCE area, which is a key platform for sourcing eco-friendly and responsibly produced textiles, clothing and accessories. Juliane Ziegler from GOTS and the new GOTS representative in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be there to connect with you. Visit to see the latest innovations, including circular economy models.
→ Learn more about the event here.
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8-10 September | Who's Next, IMPACT x Neonyt, Paris, France
Visit the GOTS booth, where Juliane Ziegler will engage with visitors, discuss important information about GOTS and exchange ideas on sustainability. The event is focused on fashion, sustainable design and all positive actions that contribute to the ecological transition of the fashion industry.
→ Learn more about the event here.
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