The new version of GOTS expands its environmental and social requirements and imposes new requirements on certifiers.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), the global standard for organic textiles and especially for cotton, has announced the launch of version 7.0, which features an expanded scope of environmental and social criteria. At the same time, it remains a realistic standard for industrial production for a wide range of products. The new standard, after a transition period, will come into full effect on March 1, 2024.

Reaching this standard required a year-long regular review process involving all stakeholders with expertise in organic production, textile processing, textile chemistry, human rights and social criteria. As well as representatives from industry, NGOs and civil society organizations, who contributed to the new Version 7.0 through multiple rounds of consultation. Finally, the GOTS Standard Review Committee presented version 7.0.

It is important to note that the latest version provides a comprehensive solution for companies wishing to produce organic textiles and ensure compliance with environmental and human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain, from the field to the finished product.

In Argentina, OIA provides the certification service for this new version. OIA has been accredited to certify GOTS since 2009. We have a team of professionals with experience in certifications of this type and who have collaborated in the development of the only official textile standard currently in the world, which corresponds to the Argentine Organic Standard.

The authors of the new version have especially revised its social criteria section to include a broader approach focused on human rights. It allows recycled organic fibers as additional materials. Otherwise, it maintains key requirements such as certified organic fiber content, general prohibition of toxic and harmful chemicals such as PFASs, restrictions on conventional cotton and virgin polyester, and social compliance management.

GOTS certification, which guarantees full traceability from origin to destination, is an effective means of verifying genuine sustainability efforts. It is a standard that is particularly aimed at the textile headwear industry, but should also be known throughout the textile/fashion value chain. It is also important for end consumers to be aware of it in order to be able to assess the sustainability of the textile articles they purchase.

Rahul Bhajekar, co-CEO of GOTS, said, “GOTS version 7.0 represents a major breakthrough for organic textile processing. The new review process was the most inclusive in GOTS history, with more than 600 submissions received during two public consultation periods. In addition, version 7.0 offers solutions for creating truly responsible supply chains, setting a benchmark for the textile industry. I am proud of the progress made that will drive sustainable textile processing practices around the world.”

The standard version 7.0 can be downloaded from the GOTS website: https://global-standard.org/images/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_7.0__SIGNED_.pdf

Some of the changes in version 7.0 include:

• GOTS and the GOTS Implementation Manual were restructured, and sections were grouped to reflect the scope of the standard.

• The new due diligence criteria ensure that Certified Entities address their actual and potential negative impacts on human rights and the environment.
• The requirements of the GOTS Environmental Criteria, Product Stewardship and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will also apply to subcontractors of chemical formulators.
• Criteria for incoming organic material have been tightened.
• Quinoline is included among the banned substances and some existing restrictions have been tightened, such as “aniline, free”, the residue limit has been reduced from 100 mk/kg to 20 mg/kg.
• GOTS 7.0 reduces the allowable amount of recycled synthetic (polymeric) fibers in its certified products, taking into account the disadvantages associated with recycled synthetics, such as microplastics and poor quality.
• In the pursuit of circularity, GOTS will allow the use of recycled GOTS Goods waste as an additional fiber in its certified products.
• GOTS social and human rights criteria will now require certified entities to respect internationally recognized human rights protocols, including the International Bill of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties.
• The criteria relating to discrimination, violence and harassment were revised to make them more comprehensive and include the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment (C190).
• Certified Entities are now required to develop a plan to close the living wage gap.
• The GOTS criteria for occupational health and safety were revised to take into account international best practices and ILO recommendations.

For more information on this certification, please contact oia@oia.com.ar.

Source: Pinkermoda