The ongoing revision process to the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)document and supporting manual for implementation garnered a robust response during its first public comment period, which ended on 13 June and elicited over 300 inputs.
GOTS is a 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.
In a statement, GOTS informed that about 60 per cent of comments were related to technical criteria such as ecology, chemical inputs and material quality; and around 30 per cent concerned GOTS social criteria.
The standard sets forth the requirements for organic textiles throughout the entire processing chain. GOTS’s commitment to making every version stronger ensures that the standard continues to be a dynamic and evolving document and remains at the forefront as the most recognised and respected global standard for textiles.
The first draft of the revised standard, GOTS version 7.0, was made available for an initial 60-day comment period. Stakeholders, associations, organisations, companies and individuals were encouraged to contribute to the revision of the standard during this timeframe.
The standard is updated every three years, ensuring that GOTS keeps up with advances in the industry and developments in the science and technology of textile processing.
Beginning in 2022, the GOTS revision process is following a newly developed and more inclusive Standard Setting Procedure, which includes oversight of the process by a Standard Revision Committee (SRC).
“The input received from our stakeholders is heartening, guarantees an open and transparent revision process and helps GOTS remain the world’s leading processing standard for organic fibres. This enthusiastic participation shows the relevance of GOTS in the textile sector, helping us remain even more connected and relevant,” says Rahul Bhajekar, MD, GOTS.
The final version of the revised standard, GOTS version 7.0, will be released in March 2023, and will come into effect one year later.
