Since 2020, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has advanced responsible cashmere production through The Good Cashmere Standard® (GCS). The standard goes beyond animal welfare. It ensures full fibre traceability and mandates regular independent audits. Recent verifications once again confirmed strong compliance across farms and producers.
Growing Market Adoption
Market performance reflects this progress. Between 2023 and 2024, textiles containing GCS-verified cashmere grew by 30 percent. In 2024 alone, brands introduced 6 million GCS-labelled garments to the market. Along with long-term partners such as H&M, J.Crew, and The White Company, new brands including Mango, Magasin, Marimekko, and Nordstrom have joined the initiative.
Rigorous Audits and High Compliance
Accredited auditors assess compliance against 150 indicators. These cover goat welfare, shearing practices, biodiversity protection, soil health, and working conditions. Nearly 3,700 cashmere farms and twelve producers passed verification this season. Only verified partners may market fibres under the GCS certificate.
All approved farms and producers met 100 percent of the core indicators. They also achieved over 90 percent compliance across main and basic indicators, showing continued improvement.
Industry Confidence and Collaboration
Gudrun Kersten, Verification Manager at AbTF, highlighted the strength of collaboration with partner farms and producers. She noted that close cooperation helps integrate GCS requirements into daily operations and fibre processing.
Tina Stridde, Managing Director of AbTF, emphasised the standard’s global appeal. She stated that strict enforcement and transparency drive brand trust. Complete traceability from finished garments to raw materials continues to boost demand for verified fibres.
Strict Requirements Drive Progress
This year’s audits applied demanding criteria. Around 30 percent of farms did not meet the requirements. Verifications covered four pillars: animal welfare, environmental protection, decent working conditions, and management systems.
Auditors confirmed full compliance with social and environmental standards. All farms met requirements for working hours, grievance mechanisms, and occupational health and safety.
Animal Welfare and Environmental Impact
Animal welfare and management indicators reached a 92 percent compliance rate. Feeding standards achieved full compliance, marking a 15 percent improvement. In addition, 88 percent of farms now practise rotational grazing. This helps reduce soil erosion and supports biodiversity.
AbTF identified areas for further improvement. These include documentation quality and stable space during periods of need. GCS continues to prioritise adequate pasture access and animal comfort as part of its long-term commitment to progress.
