Global Organic Textile Standard Reports 14.6 Percent Increase in 2018 Certifications

STUTTGART, Germany-The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) reports an increase of 14.6 percent in certifications for 2018. The increase includes facilities in 64 countries worldwide. 

GOTS certification assesses the processing of organic certified organic fibers throughout the entire supply chain. The organization says the progress is in both production and consuming regions. Countries and areas with the most significant growth include Bangladesh (29 percent), North America (25 percent), Pakistan (23 percent) and South Korea (23 percent). In terms of total numbers, the GOTS reports the highest increases in India, Bangladesh, and Europe, with an increase of 315, 155, and 98 facilities respectively. The top 10 countries in terms of the total number of certified facilities are India, Bangladesh, Turkey, Germany, Italy, China, Pakistan, Portugal, USA, and South Korea. The report calculates more than 2.02 million people working in GOTS-certified locations. 

“The increasing number of certified facilities aligns with the common desire to solve sustainability-related problems,” says Claudia Kersten, GOTS Managing Director. “It confirms that GOTS is seen as part of the solution. Company leaders use GOTS as a risk management tool and as (a) market opportunity. Consumers value the verifiable certification from field to finished product.”

Kersten and other GOTS representatives discussed the findings at a recent seminar in Izmir, Turkey. The seminar featured more than 150 participants from local Turkish brand offices, manufacturers, and academics in the textile industry. 

For more information, visit www.global-standard.org.