Sustainability Insights

Global Standard, the organization behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has joined the Make the Label Count coalition, a group of international natural fiber producers, manufacturers, brands, and environmental organizations. As a recognized leader in the organic textile industry, Global Standard brings its expertise to ensure sustainability claims are credible and that all voices across the value chain are represented. By joining this initiative, the nonprofit aims to strengthen consumer trust in textile labeling and promote transparency in sustainability claims.

A major goal of the coalition is to prevent greenwashing and empower consumers with accurate information about the environmental impact of textiles. With over 16,000 certified facilities worldwide, GOTS demonstrates that both businesses and consumers prioritize sustainability, so long as the claims are verifiable. “Consumers can trust the GOTS label because of robust, verifiable ecological and human rights criteria,” said Marie-Luise Pörtner, Global Regulations Specialist at Global Standard. The organization emphasizes the importance of credible textile sustainability standards backed by independent third-party certification.

The coalition is also advocating for improvements in the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, which aims to measure a product’s environmental impact. While the PEF has potential, it currently has key limitations, including different assessment criteria for natural and synthetic fibers and a lack of consideration for microplastics and plastic waste. Without revisions, the methodology could unintentionally promote unsustainable consumption under the guise of EU-approved green claims. By working with Make the Label Count, Global Standard hopes to push for a more accurate and fair approach to textile sustainability assessments.