At the invitation of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), more than 70 experts from across the cashmere value chain gathered in Shanghai, China. The participants met at the GCS Unit Meeting to review progress and define new objectives for The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS).
The discussions focused on implementation and verification processes, animal welfare standards, and the growing relevance of GCS in the global textile market.
As the world’s largest sustainability standard for cashmere, The Good Cashmere Standard hosted a two-day conference attended by animal welfare specialists, cashmere experts, and partner companies. The sessions addressed species-appropriate animal husbandry and enhancements to the GCS verification system.
Participants also exchanged practical insights with local stakeholders on implementing standard requirements at cashmere goat farms. Another key focus was ensuring end-to-end transparency of verified cashmere fibre across the supply chain. This aspect is gaining urgency due to upcoming regulatory frameworks in the EU and the United States.
A key highlight of the meeting was the address by herdswoman Chaoluomenqiqige, who operates a GCS model farm with her husband, Zhaonashun. She shared firsthand experiences of working under The Good Cashmere Standard and highlighted its positive impact on farm operations, particularly in advancing animal welfare practices.
Commenting on the session, Tina Stridde, Managing Director of the Aid by Trade Foundation, said, “It is impressive how much commitment herders put into their everyday work. This makes the model farms important centres of innovation and inspiration for all partners of The Good Cashmere Standard.”
Through the GCS Unit Meeting, the Aid by Trade Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement of the standard in collaboration with local partners. The outcomes of the meeting will guide the future development of GCS and support stronger animal welfare, transparency, and sustainability across cashmere production.
