Global Standard, the nonprofit organization behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has officially joined the Make the Label Count coalition, a global alliance of natural fiber producers, manufacturers, brands, standards, and environmental organizations.
As a key player in the organic textile industry, GOTS brings its extensive expertise to the coalition, advocating for transparent and credible sustainability claims in the textile sector. The move aligns with Global Standard’s mission to prevent greenwashing and help consumers make informed choices about the clothes they buy.
“GOTS, with more than 16,000 certified facilities, proves that businesses want to demonstrate their sustainability efforts and that consumers are eager to purchase eco-friendly textiles—provided that labels are accurate and credible,” said Marie-Luise Pörtner, Global Regulations Specialist at Global Standard. “Consumers can trust the GOTS label because it upholds strong ecological and human rights criteria throughout the production process, with sustainability claims backed by independent third-party certification.”
Founded in 2021, Make the Label Count focuses on ensuring that the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology for textiles fairly evaluates a product’s environmental impact. While PEF aims to guide the industry toward sustainable production and consumption, it currently has significant limitations, including inconsistent criteria for natural and synthetic fibers and the exclusion of microplastics and plastic waste.
By joining the coalition, GOTS will push for improvements in the PEF framework, ensuring that EU-backed sustainability labels do not inadvertently support unsustainable textile practices. The partnership is a crucial step in the ongoing effort to create a transparent, fair, and science-based sustainability system for textiles worldwide.
