#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.

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

Teijin Limited announced today that WHILL Inc., a global leader in inclusive mobility technology, has selected Sereebo® P CFP series, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) material, for key structural components of the upcoming WHILL Model C Lite. Sereebo® P CFP series provides high strength, light weight, design flexibility and system cost advantages to the Model C Lite, which is a battery powered, single-seat, last-mile device. This new model combines maneuverability with light weight and one-handed folding to ensure ease of handling and operation.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.

ZymoChem secures $4 million in renewed federal funding to advance U.S. biomanufacturing of critical materials and their supply chains

ZymoChem, the specialty chemicals company dedicated to bringing decarbonization, sustainability, and supply chain resiliency to the chemical industry through innovative biological manufacturing, today announced the resumption and expansion of its federal research portfolio. The company has been notified that previously paused work under a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program is officially back on, to be joined by continuing collaborations with three of the nation's premier national laboratories.