GOTS Annual Report 2023 initiated two major projects in India in 2023, which it pointed out is the largest producer of organic cotton in the world.
The new project, launched collaboratively with the European Space Agency (ESA) and software company Marple trained artificial intelligence (AI) to use ESA satellite data to detect cotton fields across India and automatically classify them according to their cultivation standard.
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By GlobalDataWriters of the report explained that by integrating standardised yield metrics, this innovative approach will enable GOTS to generate realistic estimates of organic cotton yields in specific areas.
In addition, the project is expected to empower GOTS to recognise cotton fields that have not yet obtained organic certification but possess the potential for a transition to organic cultivation. The first results of the project will be announced in June.
While the other project, a Farm-Gin Registry introduced for the 2022-2023 harvest season, acts as a link between farm and gin. It is a tool to strengthen integrity by collecting organic raw seed cotton data producing farm or farm group.
Key highlights from the GOTS annual report 2023
- 14,676 certified facilities were reported in total, an 8% growth (13,594 facilities in 2022)
- Operating with 25 approved Certification Bodies (CBs), 4% growth (24 in 2022)
- Certified Entities (CEs) are now in 89 countries, a 6% growth (84 in 2022).
Claudia Kersten, managing director of Global Standard, believes GOTS was always instrumental for pioneers in the textile industry to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to sustainable value chains, as a risk management tool and for operational efficiency.
Kersten said: “At GOTS’ core is providing solutions. With the new and upcoming supply chain regulations, GOTS acquired the additional role of helping companies show compliance with laws.”
Latest additions to GOTS Version 7.0
GOTS implemented Version 7.0 across certified facilities from 1 March, following its release in March 2023 that gave a one-year transition period for full compliance.
GOTS Version 7.0 and its accompanying Implementation Manual reportedly provides a comprehensive solution for companies who want to produce organic textiles and be supported to ensure compliance with environmental and human rights due diligence along the entire value chain, from field to finished product.
As part of GOTS Version 7.0, a six-step due diligence process and handbook were introduced. This resource is said to equip GOTS-certified operations to proactively identify, assess and mitigate adverse impacts throughout their value chains.
Educating the consumer
GOTS shared that as part of its ongoing commitment to stakeholder education, it launched an immersive 360-degree awareness and educational campaign called #Behindtheseams in November.
This initiative engaged both consumers and industry professionals, highlighting GOTS-certified companies and their products.
GOTS pointed out that by empowering consumers to make more conscientious choices while shopping, the campaign achieved remarkable success, garnering participation from over 250 certified entities and reaching over 21m individuals worldwide.
With a turnout of over 250 certified entities, the campaign made a significant global impact, reaching more than 21m unique individuals worldwide.
In January GOTS passed the requirements for the Green Button 2.0 certification scheme for sustainable manufacturing and wet processes.
