Global Standard, the non-profit body behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), released its 2024 Annual Report, marking a transformative year in its mission to advance organic textiles and sustainable practices worldwide. The report highlights the organisation's broadened scope, rising certification numbers, and its strategic role amid evolving global regulations.
GOTS ended 2024 with 15,441 certified facilities across 87 countries, reflecting a 5.2 per cent increase from the previous year, as reported by 26 GOTS-approved certification bodies. Managing Director Claudia Kersten emphasised the growing relevance of voluntary sustainability standards, stating that regulatory changes, particularly in Europe, have turned such frameworks into critical tools for compliance and sustainable development.
Key milestones in 2024 included the full implementation of GOTS Version 7.0 in March. The standard introduced the most robust due diligence requirements to date, supported by online training modules and a comprehensive Due Diligence Handbook for Auditors released in November. Work also began on Version 8.0, which entered its first public consultation phase. The new version aims to include circular economy principles, climate resilience, and further enhance human rights criteria.
In a strategic evolution, Global Standard announced its expansion as a Voluntary Sustainability Standard (VSS) setter, revising its Vision and Mission for the first time in 22 years. This move will allow the GOTS framework to be applied to a wider range of sustainable fibres, with new standards set for public comment in 2025 and final release thereafter.
A major technological innovation came with the Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project in India, conducted in partnership with the European Space Agency and AI firm Marple. Achieving 97 per cent accuracy in identifying cotton fields and over 80 per cent accuracy in determining organic status, the initiative promises to improve traceability and certification efficiency.
Consumer engagement also soared through the expanded BehindTheSeams campaign, which reached over 70 million people in September. With 265 GOTS brands participating, the campaign included interactive quizzes, giveaways, and grand prizes, deepening public understanding of organic textiles.
With these advancements, Global Standard continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable textile transformation.
