Global Standard, the non-profit organization behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has officially joined the Make the Label Count coalition. This coalition brings together international natural fibre producers, manufacturers, brands, standards, and environmental organizations to advocate for credible sustainability claims in the textile sector.
With over 16,000 GOTS-certified facilities worldwide, Global Standard contributes its expertise and leadership to ensure that all voices across the textile value chain are heard. The organization is committed to preventing greenwashing, promoting transparency, and empowering consumers to make informed choices about sustainable textiles.
A Call for Trustworthy Sustainability Claims
Marie-Luise Pörtner, Global Regulations Specialist at Global Standard, highlighted the importance of credibility in sustainability claims:
“Consumers can trust the GOTS label because of robust, verifiable ecological and human rights criteria throughout the textile production value chain, a strong due diligence commitment, and sustainability claims backed by independent third-party certification bodies.”
Strengthening the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Methodology
Launched in 2021, the Make the Label Count coalition is advocating for improvements in the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, which assesses the environmental impact of textiles. While PEF has the potential to drive sustainable production and consumption, its current approach has key limitations:
- Inconsistencies in assessing natural vs. synthetic fibres
- Exclusion of microplastic pollution and plastic waste
- Risk of endorsing misleading sustainability claims without necessary adjustments
By joining this initiative, Global Standard reaffirms its commitment to science-based sustainability in textiles and ensuring that environmental claims are both accurate and transparent.
For more information, visit Global Standard’s website.
