Stuttgart, Germany – The following statement was issued today by Global Standard, the nonprofit that owns and operates the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS):
“Global Standard views the recently published European Commission Omnibus package as a step backwards in the pursuit of a more sustainable EU as the cornerstone of the Green Deal. Removing around 80% of companies from the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), postponing its reporting requirements and introducing substantial changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) goes far beyond simplification. By weakening social and environmental norms applying to companies, the Omnibus package is penalizing those economic actors, such as the more than 15,000 GOTS-certified facilities, that are convinced and have proven that long-term sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. The proposed amendments also discourage investors – when investments in sustainable technologies are needed more than ever.
In addition, at a time when consumers are most interested in the social as well as the environmental impact of supply chains, watering down the CSDDD’s requirements is disheartening. This move may lead to further environmental damage, corporate human rights violations and business as usual, further reinforcing power imbalances.
GOTS remains firmly committed to advancing sustainability in the textile sector by relying on internationally recognised frameworks, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. These frameworks provide a globally recognised foundation for responsible business conduct, supporting the idea that sustainability is not compromised in pursuit of economic or administrative simplifications.”
27 February 2025