Representatives from international non-governmental organisations (NGO) and researchers exchanged insights on advancements, obstacles, and triumphs in the sustainable cashmere production at the recent Good Cashmere event.
The gathering, which spanned 25-26 March 2025, centred on advanced technological applications and effective strategies to safeguard animal wellbeing, preserve biodiversity, and enhance supply chain visibility, all aimed at paving the path for a more sustainable cashmere industry.
Aid by Trade Foundation founder and Otto Group supervisory board honorary chairman professor Dr Michael Otto said: "Sustainability is a licence to operate. The Good Cashmere Standard is not merely a set of rules and criteria; it is a commitment to a better future for the cashmere industry."
Key topics at the conference included the deployment of virtual reality tools, scientifically grounded approaches developed through partnerships with herders to protect both animal welfare and biodiversity, as well as efforts to ensure traceability throughout the supply chain.
The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) has become one of the most extensive standards in operation, with over 50 international fashion brands and companies such as H&M, Marc O’Polo, Boden, and The White Company incorporating GCS-verified cashmere fibres into their products.
The percentage of textiles bearing the GCS label rose by 30% between 2023 and 2024.
During the event, experts in animal welfare underscored during discussions the critical role that positive treatment within animal husbandry frameworks plays for maintaining both ethically sound and financially viable goat rearing practices.
The Good Cashmere Standard has been lauded for its progressive approach and effective farm-level implementation. By transforming scientific research into practical agricultural applications through training programmes, digital tools, and model farms, it sets an example for responsible cashmere production.
Recent verification results show that GCS farms meet core indicators and environmental requirements completely, while social and animal welfare standards have been met with over 90% compliance.
The conference also addressed biodiversity conservation in Inner Mongolia's grasslands, which is home to approximately 5,500 GCS farms and 2m cashmere goats, which face threats from droughts and other climate-induced challenges.
Stakeholders including scientists, NGOs like the Global Nature Fund, brands such as Marc O’Polo, and Chinese producers concurred on the need to protect these grasslands for the future of cashmere production. Emphasis was also placed on collaborative efforts throughout the textile supply chain as well as modern grazing practices and knowledge management among herders.
Exploring how to perpetuate GCS cashmere's success story led to discussions on innovative solutions like virtual reality goggles and blockchain technology for traceability within the supply chain.
"The future of cashmere rests squarely on our collective ability to cultivate a truly sustainable legacy," Otto stated.
The White Company ethics & sustainability manager Alex Barnett said: "It was great to connect with experts in the field of responsible cashmere production at this year’s conference. From goat to garment, the conference combined animal welfare and environmental stewardship, transparency, and innovation, providing valuable insights into the future of cashmere production. As the first UK GCS brand partner, The White Company remains committed to responsible cashmere production, supporting the livelihoods of herders."
In February this year, GCS opened its third model farm in Inner Mongolia, China to bolster sustainable practices within the cashmere industry.
