Germany's GOTS marks 20th anniversary with all-time high figures

Among the countries with the largest increase in GOTS certified facilities in 2021 are Turkey (+61 per cent to 1.799), Italy (+53 per cent to 894), Germany (+19 per cent to 817), Portugal (+35 per cent to 608), France (+22 per cent to 122), Denmark (+14 per cent to 115), Switzerland (+15 per cent to 61), Belgium (+55 per cent to 59), Sweden (+34 per cent to 51) and Vietnam (+264 per cent to 51), GOTS said in a press release.

“What seemed utopian to many in 2002 has become a reality in the past 20 years. We have created an organic textile standard, certified by approved certification bodies, which is accepted in all major markets. GOTS is a standard that gives consumers the power to choose truly organic products sourced from sustainable supply chains,” said Claudia Kersten, managing director at GOTS. “Despite ongoing difficulties and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, decision-makers continue to pursue their sustainability goals and value GOTS as a tool to accomplish them."

The results of the annual GOTS Survey among certified entities underline this. Out of 1.114 respondents (+39 per cent), 63 per cent indicated a permanent shift in their sustainability strategy with a focus on the environment and health of their workers and staff.

“As much as we are pleased with the development so far, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels,” added Rahul Bhajekar, managing director at GOTS. “In March 2022 we begin revision for GOTS version 7.0 involving all stakeholders including associations, organisations, companies, and individuals to further advance the progressive, innovative, stringent yet practical standard of GOTS." 

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)