Latest news with #GlobalStandard
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Standard Touts Sustainability Progress in Annual Report
Global Standard, the nonprofit behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), increased its certified textile facilities globally by more than 5 percent last year, according to its 2024 annual report. The report outlines the organization's progress on sustainability issues across the global textile industry. The increase in GOTS-certified facilities—which must meet strict environmental and social criteria—brings the organization's total of approved operations to 15,441 across 87 countries. More from Sourcing Journal ESG Outlook: GOTS' Claudia Kersten on Catalyzing Systemic Change Imogene & Willie's 'Made in USA' Mission Begins With Cotton Nudie Jeans Adds Regenerative Organic Cotton; Finds Creative Solutions for Flawed Jeans That criteria—dubbed GOTS version 7.0—was introduced in 2023 and fully implemented in March 2024. The rollout included online training to assist GOTS-certified entities with due diligence requirements, including a comprehensive handbook for auditors released in November 2024. Global Standard has since set up a 25-member standard revision committee for GOTS version 8.0, which is currently in its first public consultation phase. This edition of the standard will include provisions on the circular economy, mitigation of climate change-related issues that affect the well-being of workers and additional improvements to due diligence criteria. And for the first time in its existence, Global Standard expanded its mission beyond a single standard to become a voluntary sustainability standard setter. This move aims to allow the textile industry to apply the GOTS framework to other sustainable fibers. Following ISEAL Alliance credibility principles, the new standards will be released for public comment in 2025. '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,' said Rahul Bhajekar, managing director of Global Standard. The report also outlined the results of Global Standard's Satellite Cotton Monitoring Project, conducted in India in partnership with the European Space Agency and AI firm Marple. The project produced a 97 percent accuracy rate in detecting cotton fields and more than 80 percent accuracy in determining their organic status. The program aims to increase organic cotton availability by facilitating the organic certification process for farms. Global Standard also reported that its #BehindTheSeams campaign—which launched last year in conjunction with the Organic Cotton Accelerator to help boost organic fiber production—reached more than 70 million people worldwide, with 265 GOTS brands participating. The consumer outreach and educational program held during September 2024 engaged people with games, giveaways and more designed to increase public awareness of the importance of organics. Global Standard managing director Claudia Kersten said that the organization's gains in 2024 build on their ongoing mission to improve the sustainability of the global textile industry. 'The necessity of our work was compounded in 2024 due to evolving regulations concerning value chains around the world, especially in Europe,' said Claudia Kersten, managing director of Global Standard. '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.'
India Today
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
MSCI includes India's Coromandel, Nykaa to key index in May rejig
MSCI included two Indian companies fertilisers maker Coromandel International and beauty products retailer Nykaa to its Global Standard index earlier on Wednesday, as part of its May 2025 index Indian stock has been deleted from the key global index. The changes will come into effect as of the markets close on May inclusion could bring passive inflows worth $216 million-$227 million into Coromandel and $172 million - $181 million into Nykaa, according to IIFL Alternate Research and JM Financial MSCI also added Coromandel and airport operator GMR Airports into its India domestic index, while removing auto parts maker Sona BLW Precision the flagship Global Standard index and Indian domestic indexes only saw minor tweaks, MSCI added 11 new stocks to its global small-cap index and deleted 21 more specific MSCI India domestic small-cap index saw the addition of 12 stocks and removal of 21 the additions, drug maker Cipla, telecom infrastructure provider Indus Towers and textiles and chemicals maker Grasim Industries are likely to see passive inflows of $33 million-$45 million, $36 million-$40 million and about $17 million due to the increase in their weights in the Global Standard could see outflows worth $15 million-$17 million due to weight reduction, according to IIFL Alternate Research and JM Financial weight in the MSCI Global Standard index rose marginally to 19.4%, according to the IIFL Alternate Research. India had a weightage of about 19% in the index as of the previous revision in its last rejig in February, MSCI added carmaker Hyundai Motor and removed Adani Green Energy from its global standard index.
Reuters
14-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
MSCI includes India's Coromandel, Nykaa to key index in May rejig
May 14 (Reuters) - MSCI included two Indian companies fertilisers maker Coromandel International ( opens new tab and beauty products retailer Nykaa ( opens new tab to its Global Standard index earlier on Wednesday, as part of its May 2025 index rejig. No Indian stock has been deleted from the key global index. The changes will come into effect as of the markets close on May 30. The inclusion could bring passive inflows worth $216 million-$227 million into Coromandel and $172 million - $181 million into Nykaa, according to IIFL Alternate Research and JM Financial estimates. MSCI also added Coromandel and airport operator GMR Airports ( opens new tab into its India domestic index, while removing auto parts maker Sona BLW Precision Forgings ( opens new tab. While the flagship Global Standard index and Indian domestic indexes only saw minor tweaks, MSCI added 11 new stocks to its global small-cap index and deleted 21 stocks. The more specific MSCI India domestic small-cap index saw the addition of 12 stocks and removal of 21 stocks. Besides the additions, drug maker Cipla ( opens new tab, telecom infrastructure provider Indus Towers ( opens new tab and textiles and chemicals maker Grasim Industries ( opens new tab are likely to see passive inflows of $33 million-$45 million, $36 million-$40 million and about $17 million due to the increase in their weights in the Global Standard index. Astral could see outflows worth $15 million-$17 million due to weight reduction, according to IIFL Alternate Research and JM Financial estimates. India's weight in the MSCI Global Standard index rose marginally to 19.4%, according to the IIFL Alternate Research. India had a weightage of about 19% in the index as of the previous revision in February. In its last rejig in February, MSCI added carmaker Hyundai Motor ( opens new tab and removed Adani Green Energy ( opens new tab from its global standard index.
Tom's Guide
06-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
GOTS certification in mattresses is more important than you think — here's why
If you've been shopping for the best organic mattresses, you might have noticed a logo of a white T-shirt in a green circle — but what does it mean, and how is it related to mattresses? That symbol represents the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), long considered the gold standard in organic textile certification. There are two levels: Organic (at least 95% certified organic natural fibers) and Made With Organic (at least 70% certified organic fibers). GOTS ensures the use of organic materials that are free from harmful chemicals. This mattress certification encompasses the entire process, from the farming and harvesting of raw fibers to the final manufacturing stages. Accredited, independent third-party certification bodies conduct on-site audits. You may like But how does a mattress earn GOTS certification — and how can shoppers be confident that a brand's claims are legitimate? After testing the best mattresses of the year, we've learned how to spot these certifications. But for answers to those questions and more, we've also spoken with representatives from GOTS North America and brands that sell GOTS-certified mattresses. The main benefits of GOTS certification: It offers a transparent chain of custody and guarantees the materials in your mattress are organic and toxin-free It assures you that the laborers involved in harvesting materials have been paid a fair wage and work in humane conditions It's proof that the manufacturing process for making those materials is safe for the environment How does GOTS certification work? "The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) includes a whole set of requirements for manufacturing what would eventually become a finished textile product, but all of the supply chain goes through the same audit," explains Ryan Sitler, GOTS Representative in North America. What is GOTS certification? The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a set of environmental and labor requirements that govern the manufacture of a textile product. Development for this standard began in 2002, and since 2008 it's been managed by a German non-profit called Global Standard. It starts with the origin of the materials. For a product to receive GOTS certification, the fibers must be grown without pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A clear chain of custody must be maintained, with detailed, traceable records from the harvesting of raw materials to the final product. (Image credit: Getty Images) Strict processing standards are enforced to protect the health and safety of factory workers, consumers and the environment. GOTS prohibits the use of "forever chemicals" (PFAS), heavy metals, toxic dyes and other substances known to pose risks to human health or the environment. Social responsibility is another pillar of GOTS. "There are a lot of worker welfare requirements — [fair] pay, worker training, worker health and safety, protection from harassment and discrimination. Those are very important components written into the Standard," says Sitler. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a similar certification that tests for over 1,000 harmful substances and supports sustainable, regenerative farming. How does a mattress become GOTS-certified? For a mattress manufacturer seeking GOTS certification, the process usually starts by submitting an application detailing the production methods and the finished products to be considered. From there, the manufacturer must establish a quality management system, implement supplier approval programs, and gather the necessary documents to show GOTS compliance. (Image credit: Michele Ross) An accredited third-party Certification Body will work closely with the manufacturer to ensure a clear understanding of the standard and to review the records needed for certification. Once GOTS certification is granted, there will be a yearly audit that includes interviewing workers, reviewing manufacturing records and inspecting the use of GOTS claims and labels on the company's website, packaging, and marketing materials. Does GOTS certification really matter? Sleep brands and consumers view GOTS as a gold standard in organic textile certification because it considers the whole supply chain. There's just as much of an emphasis on worker safety and environmental impact as there is on the finished product. "Our written requirements include both worker protection and environmental protection requirements, as well as improving the livelihood of workers, and even going to the extent of improving environmental conditions in and around where the workers live," says Sitler. (Image credit: Getty Images) Stringent chemical requirements are another reason why GOTS certification is held in high regard by those who prioritize organic goods for their sleep, be it mattresses, pillows, sheets or pajamas. GOTS revises its criteria every three years to incorporate new research and emerging best practices. Leaders in the organic mattress industry take GOTS compliance seriously, and consider it both a responsibility and a point of pride. "GOTS certification holds us accountable to the highest level of environmental and social responsibility, not just for the materials themselves, but for how they're processed and handled," says Mark Abrials, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at Avocado Green. Businesses that are GOTS-certified are very proud of what they're doing. Part of that is their willingness to help educate and share their story. Ryan Sitler Karl Shevick, Founder and CEO of Earthfoam, says GOTS aligns with his company's mission of sustainability and transparency. "It reinforces our commitment to high environmental and ethical standards, and shows our customers that we take this commitment seriously," he adds. "GOTS certification gave us a real framework that aligned with our values. It's not just about being organic, it's about being responsible at every level," says Jack Dell'Accio, CEO of Essentia Mattress. Which mattresses are GOTS certified? The best way to know if a mattress is legitimately certified is to search for it in the GOTS Certified Suppliers Database. You can search by license number (if known), product category, or company name. Sitler says shoppers should look for four components: the T-shirt logo with "Global Organic Textile Standard" around the outside, the label, the grade, and the license number. If a brand website only has the GOTS logo and no other information, that's often not a good sign. Below are some of the GOTS certified mattresses we've tested and recommend. Are GOTS certified mattresses more expensive? Many of the best mattresses we've tested this year incorporate GOTS-certified materials. For a queen-size GOTS-certified mattress, you'll be paying around $2,400 on average. Compare that to the average price of the best mattresses we've tried that are non-GOTS certified, which is around $1,600 for a queen. GOTS-certified mattresses such as Avocado Green, PlushBeds Botanical Bliss, and Essentia Stratami all exceed $1,600, even when they're on sale. Popular non-GOTS certified mattresses-in-a-box from brands like Purple, Nectar, and WinkBed will run between $1,300 and $1,500 on sale, with budget models from DreamCloud and Siena available for even less. When you buy a GOTS-certified organic mattress, you're not only paying for the quality of the end product — you're also paying for what goes into creating it. When you buy a GOTS-certified organic mattress, you're not only paying for the quality of the end product — you're also paying for what goes into creating it. Organic materials, such as cotton and wool, tend to cost more to grow and harvest. Processing methods that meet ecological and toxicological standards for GOTS are often more expensive than conventional manufacturing. Operating a transparent supply chain and paying fair wages to workers add to production costs, as well. (Image credit: Future) "At Avocado, our level of craftsmanship, comfort, and durability comes at a cost, but it reflects the values we put into every mattress we make. For people who want something they can truly feel good about, and sleep better on, we believe it's 100% worth it," says Abrials, a Co-Founder of Avocado Green. Others, like Shevick of Earthfoam, have a different philosophy. Earthfoam's GOTS-certified mattress sells for $1,299, which is less than even the average cost of non-GOTS certified mattresses. "Keeping prices accessible is core to our business and comes down to controlling our supply chain," says Shevick. "Because we own our production facilities, we eliminate middlemen and reduce overhead costs. This lets us maintain exceptional quality without inflating prices." It remains to be seen what impact the impending tariffs on imports in the US could have on the price of organic mattresses in general, as a lot of these brands source their materials from farms and facilities overseas. (Image credit: Earthfoam) GOTS certification matters when shopping for mattresses — or any textile product — because it offers full transparency on where and how materials are sourced while incorporating practices that help preserve the environment and benefit workers' livelihoods. For people who want a toxin-free mattress, buying GOTS-certified is reassuring. The standard maintains a strict set of criteria to ensure that the fibers are purely organic, without additives or chemicals that pose a threat to human health. Plus, these criteria are revised every three years. Because even this year's best memory foam mattresses that we've tested include man-made chemicals which can result in off-gassing. You'll often have to pay more for a GOTS-certified mattress as the price reflects the costs of implementing practices and machinery compliant with the standard, which are usually more expensive than traditional manufacturing and sourcing methods. That said, the investment in GOTS-certified organic is worth it if you want to do your part to help the global community and the environment. It's also worth noting that these natural materials are often very breathable and moisture wicking, and many of this year's best cooling mattresses that we've tested incorporate wool and cotton for their cooling properties. So, if you do sleep hot or experience night sweats or hot flashes, considering a GOTS-certified mattress is a good idea. "Businesses that are GOTS-certified are very proud of what they're doing. Part of that is their willingness to help educate and share their story. GOTS-certified businesses are excellent companies that are proud to share and communicate with their customers," says Sitler. To learn more about the Global Organic Textile Standard, visit GOTS: Behind the Seams .
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ISEAL grant boosts GOTS auditor training in human rights due diligence
The ISEAL grant is designed to establish an ongoing education framework for GOTS auditors and a training course on GOTS Due Diligence Criteria. Global Standard Responsible, Standard Development and Implementation (Social Responsibility) Ruslan Alyamkin said: 'The increasing demand for responsible and transparent supply chains requires auditors to have a deep understanding of human rights due diligence and its application in textile certification. 'With this project, we aim to equip GOTS auditors with the necessary expertise to assess compliance effectively, reinforcing the credibility of GOTS certification.' The shifting landscape of regulatory measures, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD), coupled with a general ambiguity in the industry regarding the execution of due diligence, may pose challenges to adherence within the textile supply chain. This ISEAL funding is intended to support the development of tools that will empower GOTS auditors to perform their duties with increased assurance and efficiency. GOTS auditor training programme will concentrate on three key goals Creating a continuous learning strategy for GOTS auditors, along with a well-organized framework for their ongoing professional growth. Designing a specialised training curriculum to equip auditors with the skills needed to evaluate compliance with GOTS Due Diligence Criteria. Running a pilot training session for about 30 auditors, using feedback from certification bodies and real-world audit experiences to enhance and refine the training process. The training will draw upon best practices and insights from internationally recognised frameworks like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for the Garment and Footwear Sector, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This approach ensures that GOTS auditors receive advanced training to verify due diligence compliance effectively. Global Standard has already established a robust Due Diligence Framework consisting of The GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Auditors, the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities, the Manual for GOTS Implementation, and the GOTS. 'With mandatory human rights due diligence laws becoming more prevalent and setting higher standards for corporate accountability, the role of auditors in verifying compliance is more crucial than ever,' Alyamkin added. This project also receives funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The implementation of this project will be carried out in cooperation with UpRights, an organisation dedicated to promoting human rights. Last month, Global Standard encouraged the public and wider apparel industry to consult on the next version of its GOTS and its Implementation Manual at a time when "the textile industry needs guidance on how to stay compliant with global regulation". "ISEAL grant boosts GOTS auditor training in human rights due diligence " was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
