GOTS Roundtable | Lisbon, Portugal – A Global Call for Sustainable Change in Textiles

 

GOTS Roundtable | Lisbon, Portugal – A Global Call for Sustainable Change in Textiles

The textile and fashion industries are at a turning point. With rising concerns about climate change, supply chain transparency, and consumer trust, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Standing at the center of this transformation is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the world’s leading certification for organic textiles.

This year, GOTS is hosting a remarkable Roundtable in Lisbon, Portugal—a half-day gathering designed to inspire, challenge, and unite global stakeholders in the pursuit of ethical and sustainable textiles. The event will take place on Monday, 13 October 2025, at the Centro Cultural de Belém, one of Lisbon’s most iconic cultural venues.

 

A Gathering with Purpose

Unlike traditional conferences filled with long speeches and passive listening, the GOTS Roundtable has one clear mission: dialogue and collaboration.

This event brings together:

• Global Brands committed to sustainable sourcing.
• Textile Manufacturers and Processors at the heart of production.
• Suppliers and Stakeholders seeking integrity in organic and ethical practices.

Notably, certification bodies are intentionally excluded from this roundtable to ensure that conversations remain open, honest, and solution-driven among the actual supply chain actors.

 

The Power of Dialogue

The Roundtable is more than just an industry update—it’s a chance to ask bold questions:

🔹 How can we fight greenwashing and ensure consumer trust?
🔹 What are the biggest hurdles for manufacturers in achieving compliance?
🔹 How do we make sustainability affordable and accessible for smaller players?
🔹 What role do innovation and technology play in safeguarding textile standards?

By opening the floor to real conversations, GOTS aims to bridge the gaps that often divide brands from producers, creating a space where problems are met with shared solutions.

 

Agenda Highlights

The Lisbon Roundtable is carefully structured to maximize engagement:

09:00 – 10:45 | GOTS Updates & Insights

A dynamic plenary session with updates on the latest GOTS standards, the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), fraud prevention strategies, and new impact measurement tools. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of where the industry is headed.

11:15 – 12:45 | Breakout Discussions

Small group roundtables give everyone a voice. Attendees will dive into practical challenges—such as supply chain traceability, certification costs, and fraud risks—and explore actionable solutions. Ideas will then be brought back to the full group for shared learning.

12:45 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch & Cultural Experience

No industry event is complete without connection. Over a delicious buffet lunch, participants can strengthen relationships, spark collaborations, and exchange ideas. For those seeking a creative touch, there will also be a hands-on Azulejo tile painting session—a nod to Portugal’s cultural heritage and a fun way to network outside the meeting room.

 

Why Lisbon?

Portugal has a rich history in textiles and is emerging as a leader in sustainable production within Europe. Hosting the roundtable in Lisbon highlights both the country’s craftsmanship and its role in driving innovation in eco-friendly textile manufacturing.

Beyond the event, Lisbon itself offers a backdrop of culture, art, and inspiration—an ideal location to reflect on the global shift towards sustainability.

 

What Participants Can Expect

Attendees will walk away with:

✔ Clarity on new GOTS and GRTS updates and how they affect the global textile chain.
✔ Actionable Strategies to tackle certification, compliance, and fraud prevention.
✔ Networking Opportunities with some of the industry’s most forward-thinking brands and manufacturers.
✔ Inspiration from collective problem-solving and creative cultural activities.
✔ A Stronger Voice in shaping the future of sustainable textiles.

 

A Step Towards the Future

As consumer demand for ethical fashion grows, the stakes for textile companies are higher than ever. Brands can no longer rely on vague sustainability claims—proof and credibility matter. That’s where GOTS plays a critical role.

The Lisbon Roundtable is not just an event; it’s a movement towards greater trust, transparency, and accountability in global textile production. Every voice at the table helps shape a future where sustainability is the norm, not the exception.

 

Final Thought

The GOTS Roundtable in Lisbon is more than just a meeting—it’s a moment in history where global textile leaders gather to build the future of organic and ethical production. With its mix of knowledge-sharing, interactive problem-solving, and cultural connection, this event promises to be both impactful and unforgettable.

For brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders ready to be part of change, Lisbon is the place to be.