The Good Cashmere Conference 2025 in Hamburg gathered global cashmere industry leaders, NGOs, and scientists to discuss advancements in sustainable cashmere production. The event focused on innovative technologies, animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and transparency in the textile supply chain.

Michael Otto, founder of the Aid by Trade Foundation, emphasized The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) as a transformative force: "Sustainability is a license to operate. GCS is not just a set of rules; it’s a commitment to a better future." Key discussions included virtual reality applications, scientific measures for animal welfare, and blockchain for supply chain transparency.

Since its launch in 2019, GCS has grown into the largest sustainable cashmere standard, with over 50 fashion brands, including H&M, Marc O’Polo, and The White Company, using GCS-certified fibers. From 2024 to 2025, labeled textiles increased by 30 per cent. Conference experts stressed the importance of ensuring positive experiences for cashmere goats, translating scientific research into practice through training, digital solutions, and model farms. GCS verification shows 100 per cent compliance with core indicators and over 90 per cent fulfillment in social and animal welfare aspects.

With cashmere production dependent on Inner Mongolia’s fragile grasslands, biodiversity preservation was a key topic. NGOs, scientists, and brands highlighted the need for sustainable grazing practices to protect the ecosystem from climate change.

Looking ahead, innovations like blockchain for tracking cashmere and virtual reality tools for training are set to further improve sustainability. "The future of cashmere relies on our ability to cultivate a truly sustainable legacy," Otto concluded. Alex Barnett of The White Company added: "The conference combined animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and transparency, offering valuable insights into the future of responsible cashmere production."