Twenty years after its inception, the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres records new all-time high figures: 18 GOTS Approved Certification Bodies report a total of 12,338 certified facilities (+19%) in 79 countries (+11%).  

Among the countries with the largest increase in GOTS certified facilities in 2021 are Turkey (+61% to 1,799), Italy (+53% to 894), Germany (+19% to 817), Portugal (+35% to 608), France (+22% to 122), Denmark (+14% to 115), Switzerland (+15% to 61), Belgium (+55% to 59), Sweden (+34% to 51) and Vietnam (+264% to 51).

“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. GOTS is a standard that gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from sustainable supply chains.” says Claudia Kersten, Managing Director at GOTS. “Despite ongoing difficulties and uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, decision-makers continue to pursue their sustainability goals and value GOTS as a tool to accomplish them”.

The results of the annual GOTS Survey among certified entities underline this. Out of 1,114 respondents (+39%), 63% indicated a permanent shift in their sustainability strategy with a focus on the environment and health of their workers and staff.

Growing interest from industry, the public, and the media drove website visits up an impressive 48%. Media exposure grew by 64% and GOTS social media followers across several platforms jumped by 57%.

“As much as we are pleased with the development so far, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels” adds Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director at GOTS. “In March 2022 we begin revision for GOTS version 7 involving all stakeholders including associations, organisations, companies, and individuals to further advance the progressive, innovative, stringent yet practical standard of GOTS”.

As informed by Mr.Ganesh Kasekar – Representative of GOTS in South Asia region, GOTS continues to be the preferred sustainability standard in the region. The unique positioning of the region remains unfazed since it covers all stakeholders and partners involves in the textile supply chain. This includes the fibre to final product manufacturing along with the supporting industries of dyes-chemicals and accessories.

The industry in the South Asia region also welcomed the concept of “Organic In Conversion” which will be a boost and encouragement for more organic cotton projects from Farm to Fashion. Positive signs were received for the inclusion and use of other sustainable fibres (Hemp, Silk, Pashmina and others) on a large scale under GOTS. India and Pakistan will be the key focus areas for the Organic In Conversion concept.

The changing consumer behaviour and urge to have a complete sustainable product in their hands, not just abroad but also in the domestic markets, is motivating companies to revamp their product from conventional to sustainable. This remains an area of significant importance in the future.