Representatives and researchers from International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) exchanged insights on advances, obstacles and triumphs in sustainable cashmere production in a recent Good Cashmere event.
The gathering spans from March 25 to 26, 2025, centers on advanced technology applications and effective animal welfare, effective strategies to maintain biodiversity and enhance supply chain visibility, all aimed at paving the way for a more sustainable cashmere industry.
“Sustainability is a license to operate. Good cashmere standards are not only a set of rules and standards; it is a commitment to a better future for the cashmere industry,” said aid from Dr. Michael Otto, founder of the Trade Foundation and honorary chairman of the Otto Group Oversight Committee.
Key topics at the conference included the deployment of virtual reality tools, scientific fundamental approaches to protect animal welfare and biodiversity through partnerships with herders, and efforts to ensure Coca-Cola throughout the supply chain.
Good cashmere standard (GCS) has become one of the most widely operated standards, with over 50 international fashion brands as well as companies such as H&M, Marc O'Polo, Boden and White Company, fusing cultured GCS-type cashmere fibers into their products.
The percentage of textiles with GCS labels rose by 30% between 2023 and 2024.
During the event, animal welfare experts were highlighted during the discussions, and active treatment in the livestock framework played a key role in maintaining ethically good and financially viable goat feeding practices.
Good cashmere standards are praised for their progressive approach and effective farm-level implementation. By transforming scientific research into practical agricultural applications through training programs, digital tools and model farms, it sets an example for responsible cashmere production.
Recent validation results show that GCS farms fully comply with core metrics and environmental requirements, while social and animal welfare standards are more than 90%.
The conference also deals with biodiversity conservation in Inner Mongolia’s grassland, which has about 5,500 GCS farms and 2 million wool goats that are threatened by drought and other climate-induced challenges.
Stakeholders include scientists, non-governmental organizations such as Global Nature Fund, brands such as Marc O'Polo, and Chinese producers, agree to protect the future of these grasslands for these grasslands to realize the future of cashmere production. The focus is also on collaborative efforts throughout the textile supply chain and modern grazing practices and knowledge management among pastoralists.
