The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification organization continues to widen its reach in 2022 as it increased its certified facilities by 10 percent to 13,549 in the 84 countries it serves. This is an increase of 5 percent compared to the previous year.
The increase in certification was boosted by a 33 percent increase in GOTS-approved certification bodies with a total of 24 now in operation. The organization aims to offer a voluntary global standard for the production of organic textiles.
Among the top countries where GOTS-certified facilities were availed in 2022 were India (3699), which topped in certification, followed by Turkey (1674), China (1646), Bangladesh (1289), Italy (1061), Germany (830), Portugal (615), Pakistan (347), USA (211), and France (276).
The hosting of the inaugural GOTS Conference in Africa, the release of new transparency and integrity criteria, and the launch of its new consumer-focused marketing campaign were the other noteworthy milestones in 2022.
GOTS managing director Claudia Kersten revealed that during past the last 20 years, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders, we have continuously improved GOTS as a tool to solve sustainability-related problems for the processing of organic fibers, constantly striving toward our vision of a future in which organic textiles are a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people’s lives and the environment.
The launch of the first-ever consumer-targeted marketing campaign Say No to greenwashing, say yes to GOTS was another major milestone. Reaching over five million consumers worldwide, the campaign generated a 49 percent increase in overall media coverage while also leading to a rise in industry inquiries, close to 30 percent more social media followers, and over half a million unique website visits.
GOTS certification includes both environmental and social criteria and covers the entire post-harvest processing – including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, and manufacturing – of organic textiles, such as cotton and wool.
The GOTS network continues to expand
