The textile industry faces significant environmental challenges, including the use of water and other resources throughout production. Global Standard and Drip by Drip recently sat down to discuss how certification, water-focused projects and collaboration can help address some of these challenges.
Here’s what we learned about our common efforts to promote water conservation and organic textile production:
The Power of Partnership
When asked about the synergy between Global Standard and Drip by Drip, the response was clear: collaboration amplifies impact! Both of us recognize that our combined efforts can support sustainable practices and raise awareness on a global scale – and maybe even influence policies.
“Together, we can inspire brands to integrate comprehensive sustainability practices—from organic certifications to water conservation programs—especially in regions where they are most needed,” Yared from Drip by Drip notes.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Water and Organic Textiles
Global Standard and Drip by Drip bring together different areas of expertise. While Global Standard develops and maintains GOTS, Drip by Drip focuses on water-related projects in textile-producing regions.
“Together, we can inspire brands to integrate comprehensive sustainability practices—from organic certifications to water conservation programs—especially in regions where they are most needed,” Yared from Drip by Drip notes.
Let’s have a look at an actual project of Drip by Drip: In partnership with the Hisaar Foundation, Drip by Drip is making significant strides in providing safe drinking water and sustainable solutions to communities in Pakistan affected by the textile industry’s environmental impact. Through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative, the project focuses on schools in Gudap Town, located on the outskirts of Karachi in the Malir District, creating meaningful change for local families and students.
Water management is relevant at different stages of textile production. GOTS sets defined environmental criteria for certified textile processing, including requirements relating to chemical inputs, wastewater treatment and environmental management.
GOTS covers textile processing stages after raw fibre production; it does not certify organic farming or cotton cultivation. Compliance with applicable GOTS requirements is independently assessed and certified by accredited third-party Certification Bodies.
Drip by Drip complements this with projects focused on water access, sanitation and water management.
One example is its work with the Hisaar Foundation in Pakistan. Through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative, the project works with schools in Gudap Town on the outskirts of Karachi.
Activities include providing water filtration and sanitation infrastructure, establishing kitchen gardens, and offering WASH clubs and training on water conservation and hygiene.
According to Drip by Drip, the project currently reaches 189 students, 21 teachers and staff, and 100 local families—approximately 700 people. Six WASH facilities have been implemented, with further facilities planned.
Exploring New Approaches
Across the textile sector, approaches such as closed-loop water systems, alternative dyeing processes and improved wastewater treatment are being explored.
For GOTS-certified operations, defined environmental and chemical requirements apply to the textile processing stages covered by the standard. Drip by Drip, meanwhile, focuses on practical water-related initiatives for communities.
Together, these perspectives show how different organisations can address different parts of a complex textile production system.
Challenges and Opportunities
Changing established practices requires collaboration across producers, manufacturers, brands and policymakers.
“By uniting farmers, manufacturers, policymakers, and brands around shared commitments to sustainable practices, we can foster meaningful change,” Yared explains.
Clear information is equally important, helping consumers understand how products are made and what particular standards and initiatives actually cover. Drip by Drip’s mantra, “Water First. Fashion Second.”, reflects its focus on water. For Global Standard, clear requirements and independent certification provide a structured framework for assessing covered textile-processing operations.
“We Are All in This Together!”
Our exchange with Drip by Drip shows the value of bringing together different areas of expertise. Water projects, textile-processing requirements, independent certification and education each address different aspects of the challenges facing the textile sector.
For consumers, specific and transparent information can help make the initiatives behind textile products easier to understand.
Because #behindtheseams, there’s always more to discover.
