It is double achievement for GOTS, the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, as it records new all-time high figures and marks 20th anniversary of its inception.
In a statement, GOTS informed that 18 GOTS-Approved Certification Bodies report a total of 12,338 certified facilities (+19%) in 79 countries (+11%).
GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fibre and includes both environmental and social criteria.
Claudia Kersten, MD, GOTS says, “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 certification bodies, which is accepted in all major markets. Despite ongoing difficulties and uncertainty caused by the Covid, decision-makers continue to pursue their sustainability goals and value GOTS as a tool to accomplish them.”
As per the statement, the results of the annual GOTS survey amongst certified entities underline that out of 1,114 respondents (+39%), 63 per cent indicated a permanent shift in their sustainability strategy with a focus on the environment and health of their workers and staff.
Rahul Bhajekar, of GOTS said, “As much as we are pleased with the development so far, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels. In March 2022, we begin revision for GOTS version 7.0 involving all stakeholders including associations, organisations, companies and individuals to further advance the progressive, innovative, stringent yet practical standard of GOTS.”
