India, the largest producer of organic cotton (around 70 per cent of world production) and also the largest processing and export market of textiles using organic fibres with the most Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) certified facilities worldwide will stage the first ever international GOTS conference on 22 May. The conference aims to raise awareness about organic textiles and provide guidance and technical information about the GOTS standard.

Globally, brands, retailers and consumers are increasingly supporting organic cotton. Merely use of organic fibres is not enough. To make textiles in a sustainable way they need to focus on aspects such as Environment, Social Responsibility and Economy. GOTS serves as a reliable tool to implement and evaluate sustainable practices in textile industry since it efficiently covers all the relevant aspects.

The event will cover all issue such as the GOTS Water-Energy Tool, the GOTS audit checklist and methodology, testing nuances including risk assessment, test methods and sampling and industry perspectives on benefits and practical difficulties associated with organic cotton.

Panel discussions will also take place on 'brand expectations from organic textiles' and 'transcending the supply chain for organic textiles.

Organic cotton is a highly sustainable fibre. It has been ranked above conventional cotton, viscose bamboo and linen in Higg's Index. When environment friendly processing techniques, coupled with socially responsible practices are used in the processing of organic fibers, the textiles produced are best examples of sustainability. GOTS combines all these aspects in a comprehensive way. GOTS is recognised as the leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres worldwide and serves as the credible third party assurance for such textiles.

The conference will be a great opportunity for the players in the textile value chain to directly interact with their suppliers in India- the biggest sourcing destination for organic textiles- and other Asian countries. Apart from providing a great opportunity to remain abreast of the latest technical and commercial trends in the industry, it will also provide excellent networking opportunities on offer to engage with industry peers, supply chain partners and customers alike.

The Conference, being the first of its kind as held across the globe, and promoted by GOTS itself, assures one of mileage not only at the event, but also on an international platform.