In 2018, the number of GOTS certified facilities increased 14.6 per cent. Certified facilities are now located in 64 countries around the globe. GOTS certification covers the processing of certified organic fibers along the entire supply chain from field to finished product.

The progress is seen in both production and consuming regions. Countries and regions with the largest growth in percentage in 2018 in GOTS certification are Bangladesh, North America, Pakistan and South Korea. In terms of total numbers, the highest increase is reported from India, followed by Bangladesh and Europe. The 18 GOTS-approved certification bodies reported more than 2.02 million people working in GOTS-certified facilities. Bangladesh registered a growth of 29 per cent in terms of GOTS-certified facilities. Besides a thriving export market, India has an emerging domestic market for organic textiles. Several new brands started offering GOTS goods in the domestic sector during 2018 and two major brands are planning to do so this year.

Increasing number of certified facilities aligns with the common desire to solve sustainability-related problems. Company leaders use GOTS as a risk management tool and as a market opportunity. Consumers value the verifiable certification from field to finished product.