The year concluded with 15,441 GOTS-certified facilities in 87 countries, as verified by 26 GOTS-approved certification bodies, according to its Annual Report.

The past year was significant for GOTS, marked by the introduction of a new sustainability standard and educational outreach that impacted millions. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve both human life and environmental conditions through organic textiles.

Global Standard managing director Claudia Kersten said: “The necessity of our work was compounded in 2024 due to evolving regulations concerning value chains around the world, especially in Europe. Already central to driving impact and progress, voluntary sustainability standards are now emerging as strategic tools for compliance – underscoring their evolving role in leading sustainable transformation. Whether it is human rights due diligence or using the latest technology to strengthen integrity, Global Standard and its experts remain at the forefront.”

Completing GOTS Version 7.0 and starting 8.0

GOTS Version 7.0 was launched in March 2023, featuring its most rigorous due diligence requirements to date, and became fully operational on 1 March 2024. To assist entities in meeting these requirements, Global Standard released a Due Diligence Handbook for Auditors in November 2024.

Following the implementation of Version 7.0, preparation for GOTS Version 8.0 started with the establishment of a Standard Revision Committee.

Currently in its first public consultation phase, this next version will address circular economy elements and climate change mitigation while refining due diligence processes.

In response to increasing demand for comprehensive sustainability frameworks, Global Standard is transitioning to become a Voluntary Sustainability Standard (VSS) setter. This pivot allows the organisation to extend the successful GOTS framework to other sustainable fibres.

“By building on the success and value of GOTS, we aim to strengthen Global Standard’s impact, support diverse sustainability challenges and empower stakeholders across global value chains,” Global Standard managing director Rahul Bhajekar stated.

The new standards will undergo public consultation in 2025 following ISEAL guidelines before their final release.

A collaboration between Global Standard, the European Space Agency, and AI firm Marple led to the unveiling of the Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project’s results in September 2024. The project demonstrated 97% accuracy rates in identifying cotton fields and determining their organic status in India.

Co-financed by Global Standard and the European Space Agency’s Business Applications and Space Solutions programme, this initiative is designed to scale up organic cotton availability through the organic certification process for farms.

It has the potential to be applied to other regions and fibres, offering a transformative approach to crop monitoring.

Global Standard’s #BehindTheSeams campaign reached new heights by extending over an entire month and engaging more than 70m people worldwide with participation from 265 GOTS brands.

The campaign featured trivia questions, social media giveaways, and grand-prize drawings that educated consumers about the importance of organic textiles.

By Just Style