Supply chain actors connected at GOTS Bangladesh seminar

Delegates highlighted the importance of traceability and transparency within the supply chain; communication of workers' rights; an open and supportive attitude to collective bargaining; increased mutual consideration of certifications; capacity building among workers and the need for robust internal systems for certification bodies, said GOTS in a press release.

Furthermore, it was pointed out that GOTS helped to improve conditions in manufacturing units. For example, some factories installed an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to become GOTS certified.

"The large turnout today is proof that GOTS successfully serves as a platform for its stakeholders to work on sustainable solutions together," said Sumit Gupta, GOTS representative in India & Bangladesh.

GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fibre such as organic cotton and organic wool, and includes both environmental and social criteria. Key provisions include a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highly hazardous chemicals (such as azo dyes and formaldehyde), and child labour, while requiring strong social compliance management systems and strict waste water treatment practices. GOTS was developed by leading international standard setters - Organic Trade Association (US), Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association Natural Textile Industry (Germany), and Soil Association (UK) to define globally-recognised requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from field to finished product.

GOTS is a non-profit organisation which is self-financed. GOTS' regional representatives organise events all over the world to connect stakeholders and receive feedback on the specific needs of market players. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India