GRTS Launches Public Consultation for Sustainability Standards
The non-profit Global Standards, behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has initiated a public consultation period for its new voluntary sustainability benchmark—the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS). While GOTS focuses on organic textiles, GRTS expands the scope to encompass broader health, ecological, and equity principles. Companies can combine GOTS and GRTS (along with other credible systems) to demonstrate environmental and social performance under one trusted framework.
Organic Cotton Accelerator Reaches 100,000 Farmers
The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) made significant strides last year in advancing organic cotton globally. Its annual report highlights expansion into new regions like Turkey, scaling its Farm Program to cover over 100,000 farmers across India, Pakistan, and Turkey—including 36,000 transitioning to organic practices. Pilot projects in Turkey brought 78 farmers into the program, managing 3,040 hectares (7,512 acres) of land. Turkey is the world’s second-largest organic cotton producer.
Textile EPR Gains Momentum in the U.S.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles is becoming reality. California led the charge by passing the first textile EPR bill (SB 707) in 2024. New York is considering similar legislation (Senate Bill 6654), which would establish a statewide producer-funded textile collection and management system. Washington State is also drafting EPR rules targeting large producers and importers. While policy progress is evident, scaling reuse infrastructure—like collection networks and logistics—remains a critical challenge requiring industry-municipal collaboration.
Acne Studios Partners with Temera for Traceability
Swedish fashion house Acne Studios teamed up with traceability firm Temera to launch a Digital Product Passport (DPP) system across multiple product categories. Starting with its FW25 collection, all items will feature QR codes on labels and care cards, linking consumers to verified details about materials, certifications, supply chain, and care instructions—available in six languages. The DPP also covers packaging, social responsibility, and B Corp status.
Gen Phoenix Secures $15M Funding
Gen Phoenix and Tapestry formalized a three-year, $50M+ material supply agreement, alongside a $15M funding round led by Material Impact. Tapestry’s Coachtopia increased its stake in Gen Phoenix to 9.9%, nearly quadrupling its initial investment.
Kearney’s 2025 Circular Fashion Index Highlights Growth
Kearney’s 2025 Circular Fashion Index (CFX) projects the circular market will grow at 9.2% annually, reaching $17.21B by 2034. Analyzing 246 brands across 18 sectors, the CFX found over 70% at a “moderate” sustainability level—indicating mainstream adoption of circular strategies—but few achieve large-scale implementation.
Princess Polly Earns B Corp Certification
Australian e-tailer Princess Polly achieved B Corp status after meeting rigorous social/environmental standards. The two-year effort reflects its commitment to balancing profit with planetary impact, praised by B Lab ANZ’s interim CEO Angie Farrugia.
Guess Streamlines ESG Strategy
Marking a decade of sustainability efforts, Guess refined its “Action Guess” strategy in its 2024-2025 ESG report. Key goals include using 75% eco-materials by 2030 (25% by 2025) and ensuring 90% of products meet Guess Eco criteria (reduced water/chemicals). Its Z Gen-focused Guess Jeans line uses only recycled/organic materials, while Guess Airwash—developed with Jeanologia—replaces stonewashing with nano-bubbles/ozone to cut water/energy use.
Green Story Launches LATAM Pilot
Sustainability analytics firm Green Story partnered with Mexico City’s Fundamentally to launch Fundamentally Green Metrics—LATAM. The data-driven initiative will equip 30 Latin American brands/manufacturers with lifecycle assessments (LCAs), DPPs, and environmental metrics. Green Story’s tech is already used by Pakistan’s top denim mills and brands like Earthletica (Australia) and Bayo (Philippines).
EcoBeautyScore Debuts in Europe
Amid greenwashing concerns, brands like L’Oréal Paris and NIVEA Q10 are adopting the EcoBeautyScore label in Europe. Developed by a 70+ member consortium over three years, this EU-aligned system rates products A–E based on lifecycle impacts (ingredients, packaging, disposal). Initial categories include shampoos, conditioners, and facial care.
