Global Standard gGmbH is the nonprofit organization behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - the world’s leading certification for organic textiles. Founded in 2008 and based in Stuttgart, Germany, it develops and manages voluntary sustainability standards that promote ecological integrity and social responsibility across global textile supply chains.

The organization was established by four founding bodies:

• The Organic Trade Association (USA)

• The International Association of Natural Textile Industry (Germany)

• The Soil Association (UK)

• The Japan Organic Cotton Association

These organizations had previously developed national standards for organic textiles. They formed a working group in 2002 to harmonize their approaches and launched the first version of GOTS in 2006. Global Standard gGmbH was officially founded two years later to oversee the certification system and manage updates.

In 2024, the organization expanded its work by introducing the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS). While GOTS is limited to textiles made with certified organic fibers, GRTS applies the same rigorous environmental and social criteria to a broader set of responsible fibers.

Global Standard oversees the following key functions:

• Regular standard development and revision involving global stakeholder input

• Approval and supervision of third-party certification bodies

• Oversight of licensing, labeling, and logo use

• Outreach to brands, retailers, and policy influencers on sustainable textile practices

As a self-funded nonprofit, all income supports the development, implementation, and promotion of its standards. For more information, visit the Global Organic Textile Standard website.