STUTTGART – Global Standard, the non-profit organisation behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has announced an open public consultation for the next version of the standard and its accompanying Implementation Manual. The move comes at a crucial time as the textile industry seeks clear guidance to navigate evolving global regulations and counter the rise of greenwashing practices.
GOTS revisions are conducted every three years through a transparent process that incorporates public feedback and insights from industry experts. This aims to ensure GOTS remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the latest developments in textile production, sustainability, and regulatory requirements.
“We are excited to usher in the next phase of GOTS during a time of regulatory shifts and heightened public awareness of sustainability in the textile sector,” said managing directors Claudia Kersten and Rahul Bhajekar in a joint statement. “Our commitment to promoting textiles produced with respect to health, ecology, fairness, and care remains steadfast. GOTS Version 8.0 will continue to strengthen this vision by providing businesses with essential guidelines and tools while serving as a trusted label for consumers.”
The first draft of GOTS Version 8.0 and the Implementation Manual is open for public consultation until March 7, 2025. All stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback, which will be reviewed by the GOTS Standard Revision Committee. A second round of public consultation is set for July, and summaries of submitted feedback and discussion outcomes will be made available on the GOTS revision webpage to maintain transparency and foster continued dialogue.
On January 1, 2025, Global Standard introduced the newly formed Standards Revision Committee, consisting of 25 members selected from over 50 applicants following a public call. The committee represents a diverse cross-section of the textile value chain, including fibre producers, manufacturers, chemical producers, labour representatives, traders, retailers, consumer advocates, post-consumer sectors, civil society groups, and technical experts.