The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) announced its continued global growth in its 2025 Annual Report, published on 23 April 2026. According to the report, the number of GOTS-certified facilities operating across 95 countries reached approximately 17,800, a 15.3 percent increase compared to 2024. Achieved in a year marked by geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving regulatory requirements, this growth indicates that demand for credible and independent sustainability standards continues to strengthen.

One of the year’s most significant developments was GOTS’s successful completion of the OECD Due Diligence Alignment Assessment. The assessment found that 98 percent of the criteria were fully or partially aligned with OECD guidance, positioning GOTS among the most advanced standards evaluated. Investments in digital infrastructure also continued to strengthen system integrity; Global Trace Base, first-stage fibre registration systems, and impact monitoring mechanisms enhanced traceability and data quality across certified supply chains.

In terms of standard development, GOTS Version 8.0, published in March 2026, reflects the latest developments in environmental and social responsibility, circular economy principles, and alignment with regulatory frameworks. The mandatory compliance date is set for 1 March 2027. The Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), which extends beyond organic textiles to cover responsible non-organic fibres, completed its first public consultation in 2025 and is expected to be released in September 2026.

In capacity building and technology, the Global Standard Academy was launched, and due diligence handbooks and auditor training programmes were expanded. The “Space Cotton” pilot project, conducted in collaboration with AI company Marple and the European Space Agency, aims to map cotton cultivation through satellite imagery; following its successful implementation in India, the project was extended to Türkiye in 2025.