UpRights Supports The Creation Of Global Organic Textile Standard Business And Human Rights Due Diligence Handbook
05-10-2023
UpRights is thrilled to announce a significant achievement in our ongoing partnership with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). In order to support more sustainable and ethical business practices in the textile industry, UpRights assisted GOTS in the creation of the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities. This document will strengthen GOTS’ existing frameworks to ensure Certified Entities incorporate effective due diligence into their operations while bringing GOTS closer to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) frameworks.
GOTS’ Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities complements the most recent Standard and Implementation Manual, released in March 2023 with support from UpRights. The Standard and Implementation Manual’s criteria pertaining to the environment, chemical input, social and human rights, and governance, are now supplemented with a comprehensive due diligence management process.
GOTS’ criteria and due diligence are now also brought closer to the OECD’s comprehensive international framework for due diligence for responsible supply chains in the garment and footwear sector. This is part of a rigorous alignment assessment process, which is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and which began in July 2023 and is expected to go into 2024.
The result will assist and empower all GOTS Certified Entities to conduct effective due diligence, tailored to the unique circumstances of each entity. This is set out in a practical, six-step process to proactively address risk of harm and adverse impacts to human rights and the environment. It is a roadmap to identify; prevent; track; communicate; and remedy those adverse impacts within Certified Entities’ operations and supply chains. With cooperation among Certified Entities and working with the entire supply chain, from raw fibre harvesting, through responsible manufacturing, up to labelling to provide credible assurance to end consumers.
UpRights looks forward to continuing its cooperation with GOTS through the development of further instruments and training for GOTS Approved Certification Bodies and Auditors. Most of all we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these efforts as companies strive to uphold human rights and environmental responsibility.
Let’s meet.
UpRights is based in The Hague, Netherlands
Info@uprights.org
Phone: +31 707013213
