The number of GOTS-certified facilities around the world increased 35 per cent in 2019. India and Bangladesh are on top with the highest number of GOTS-certified facilities. With the whole supply chain from farm to retail, along with suppliers of GOTS-approved chemical inputs, India has a unique position in the organic textile industry. More than ten Indian brands are offering GOTS-labeled goods in Indian retail. A few others are using GOTS as a risk management tool and may start labeling in future.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (which includes spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fiber (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria. Products may only be sold with a GOTS label if the entire supply-chain is certified and the necessary scope and transaction certificates have been obtained to prove certification. An independent on-site inspection is carried out annually by GOTS-approved certifiers. Globally, more than three million workers work in GOTS-certified facilities. GOTS certification helps ensure compliance with each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The new GOTS Version 6.0 is due to be released in spring 2020.