GOTS, the international organic textile standard, saw the highest growth in certified operations ever last year.
In 2019, the number of GOTS certified facilities globally grew by 35%, from 5,760 to 7,765 in 70 different countries.
GOTS says the impressive numbers reflect the scheme’s ability to deliver sustainable solutions to the global clothing and textile industries. From field to fashion, GOTS label holders must meet stringent social and environmental criteria, it adds.
Significantly, the growth in certification was seen in both producer and consuming regions. The countries that topped the GOTS certification growth in 2019 were: Netherlands (+73%), Bangladesh (+73%), Spain (+71%), and Turkey (+65%). Looking at total numbers of certified facilities, the highest increase is reported from Bangladesh (+505), followed by India (+438) and Europe (+396).
The enormous growth shows that GOTS successfully serves as sustainable solution from certified organic fibre to finished product
The top ten countries in terms of total numbers of GOTS-certified facilities in 2019 are: India (2411), Bangladesh (1194), Turkey (858), Germany (565), China (448), Italy (444), Portugal (301), Pakistan (276), USA (147), and the UK (75).
“The enormous growth shows that GOTS successfully serves as sustainable solution from certified organic fibre to finished product. With more and more GOTS certified operations and products we altogether substantially contribute to sustainable development,” says Claudia Kersten, GOTS managing director.
GOTS reports that around 3 million workers were employed in GOTS-certified facilities in 2019, according to data from 17 accredited independent Certification Bodies.
2019 was also a GOTS revision year resulting in the new GOTS Version 6.0, due to be released in spring 2020.
