#Sustainability

2025-01-09

Global Standard opens public consultation for GOTS version 8.0

The public is invited to consult on the next version of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and its Implementation Manual. Global Standard, the non-profit that owns and operates the Standard, makes the announcement at a time when the textile industry needs guidance on staying in compliance with global regulations and combat greenwashing.

GOTS revisions occur every three years in an open and transparent manner, seeking inputs from the public and expertise from industry stakeholders. As a dynamic Standard, GOTS remains relevant, effective and aligned with the latest developments in the textile industry, environmental and social responsibility, and regulatory frameworks.

“Global Standard is excited for the next era of GOTS in a period of evolving regulations and increased public awareness of the need for a more sustainable textile sector,” said Claudia Kersten and Rahul Bhajekar, Global Standard managing directors, in a joint statement. “We remain committed to our vision of a world where all textiles are produced in accordance with the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care to enhance people’s lives and the environment. GOTS Version 8.0 will continue to build on that and provide much-needed rules and tools for businesses and remain the trusted label for consumers.”

The first public consultation for the initial draft of GOTS Version 8.0 and accompanying Implementation Manual will remain open until 7 March 2025. Global Standard invites inputs from all stakeholders, which will be reviewed and discussed by the GOTS Standard Revision Committee. A second public consultation will take place in July. Summarized inputs and outcomes of comment discussions will be published on the GOTS revision webpage for transparency and further engagement.

As part of the process, Global Standard announced to the public 1 January 2025 the new Standards Revision Committee. This 25-member group chosen from over 50 applicants after a public appeal consists of representatives from all sectors of the textile value chain, including fibre production and processing, chemical production, manufacturing, labour, traders, retailers, consumers, the post-consumer sector, civil society and professional and technical services.

Read the first GOTS Version 8.0 revision drafts, submit comments and learn more on the GOTS Revision webpage.

https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-revision

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.