GOTS at The International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards

‘The International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards’ (ICSTS) was convened by the Quality Council of India (QCI) in collaboration with the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS). It was held at 17^th & 18^th September 2018 at the Andaz, New Delhi, India. GOTS was the Supporting Partner to this Convention.

Mr. Sumit Gupta, GOTS Deputy Director Standards Development & Quality Assurance was invited as a panellist in the textile session. The title of the session was ‘Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Sectoral Initiatives and Responsible Sourcing Decisions in Textiles Value Chains”. The session was moderated by Mr. Rene Van Berkel from UNIDO. 

Mr. Gupta explained that GOTS is a multistakeholder standard and has a transparent process for standard setting and revision. GOTS actively engages with other standards to avoid double working. He provided the example of social compliance, where GOTS has listed four social standards including SA 8000 in its Implementation Manual. 

Mr. Gupta also elucidated how third-party standards, such as GOTS, can help to improve the supply chain interactions. He also referred to the recently released GOTS Factsheet on Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). 

“GOTS is a Consumer Facing label. GOTS certified businesses are able to make sustainability claims that are visible to the end consumer. Consumers can then make informed decisions and can also verify those claims on GOTS website”, concluded Mr. Gupta.

Job Opportunity: GOTS Representative Brands (EU) (part-time, home office)

Job Opportunity: GOTS Public Procurement Specialist (EU) (part-time, home office)

GOTS goes Munich Fabric Start

INFLUENCING SUSTAINABILITY – BUT HOW?

Influencing sustainability in the textile industry is one of the core goals of the Global Standard Non-Profit Organisation. By being the world’s leading processing Standard for textiles made from organic fibres, GOTS provides a quality assurance system for producers as well as consumers. But how can brands and other stakeholders in the supply chain make sure that “sustainability” is discussed on consumer level? Given the fact that online sales are booming and ‘new’ media marketing is in trend, mass media channels such as fashion blogs, YouTube channels and Instagram accounts are an interesting topic to explore the question how sustainability can develop from niche to norm.
Therefore, GOTS representative Lina Pfeifer has invited two experts with relevant knowledge in this field: blogger and Youtuber Verena Erin Polowy from "mygreencloset", as well as Thekla Wilkening, the co-founder of "Kleiderei", a clothing rental service.

The discussion will be an open round with the possibility for questions and will take place at the Ethical Fashion Show in Berlin (Kraftwerk), on January 17^th 11 a.m.

GOTS also will be present with a booth (B40E) and we look forward to meeting you there or contact for questions or comments.

GOTS to Present at Panel Discussion on Organic Textiles during Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics