Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) New Figures show continued significant growth
5760 certified facilities, increase of 14.6%, with more than 2 million workers reported in 2018
For immediate release
Stuttgart, 7th March 2019
In 2018, the number of certified facilities showed an increase of 14,6% from 5,024 to 5,760 facilities. Certified facilities are now located in 64 countries around the globe, GOTS certification covers the processing of certified organic fibres along the entire supply chain from field to finished product.
The progress is seen in both production and consuming regions. Countries and regions with the largest growth in percentage in 2018 in GOTS certification are: Bangladesh (+29%), North America (+25%), Pakistan (+23%) and South Korea (+23%). In terms of total numbers, the highest increase is reported from India (+315), followed by Bangladesh (+155) and Europe (+98).
The top ten countries in terms of total number of certified facilities are: India (1973), Bangladesh (689), Turkey (519), Germany (500), Italy (340), China (301), Pakistan (238), Portugal (215), USA (127), and South Korea (85).
The 18 GOTS accredited independent Certification Bodies reported more than 2.02 million people working in GOTS certified facilities.
"The increasing number of certified facilities aligns with the common desire to solve sustainability related problems. It confirms that GOTS is seen as part of the solution. Company leaders use GOTS as risk management tool and as market opportunity. Consumers value the verifiable certification from field to finished product." said GOTS Managing Director Claudia Kersten at the GOTS Annual Meeting in Izmir, Turkey.
The number of chemicals in the Positive List shows an increase of 13% to 20.231 from 778 suppliers. The GOTS Positive List contains tradenames of approved chemicals that must be used by all textile processors for their GOTS certified production.
ABOUT GOTS: GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fibre (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria. Key provisions include a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highly hazardous chemicals (such as azo dyes and formaldehyde), and child labour, while requiring strong social compliance management systems and strict waste water treatment practices. GOTS was developed by leading international standard setters - Organic Trade Association (U.S.), Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association Natural Textile Industry (Germany), and Soil Association (UK) to define globally-recognised requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from field to finished product. GOTS is a non-profit organisation which is self-financed. For more information please see www.global-standard.org.
Juliane Ziegler
Communication Executive
GOTS
Global Organic Textile Standard
