2025-04-04T10:49:05.000Z

---

Representatives from various international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and leading researchers convened for an insightful exchange of ideas at the recent Good Cashmere event, held from March 25 to 26, 2025. This significant gathering focused on the advancements, challenges, and successes in the realm of sustainable cashmere production, highlighting the pressing need for ethical practices in this lucrative industry.

The conference primarily revolved around cutting-edge technological applications designed to improve the welfare of cashmere goats, protect biodiversity, and enhance supply chain transparency. All these efforts are geared toward transforming the cashmere industry into a more sustainable and responsible sector, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from it.

Professor Dr. Michael Otto, the founder of the Aid by Trade Foundation and honorary chairman of the Otto Group supervisory board, emphasized the importance of sustainability in contemporary business operations. He remarked, "Sustainability is a license to operate. The Good Cashmere Standard is not merely a set of rules and criteria; it is a commitment to a better future for the cashmere industry." This statement encapsulates the essence of the gathering, which sought to foster a collective commitment to sustainable practices.

Discussions at the conference included fascinating topics such as the deployment of virtual reality tools in training herders, and the implementation of scientifically grounded approaches developed through collaborative partnerships to ensure the welfare of animals and the preservation of biodiversity. A critical focus was placed on enhancing traceability throughout the supply chain, allowing consumers to know the sourcing of their cashmere products.

The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) has emerged as one of the most comprehensive standards currently in operation, with over 50 international fashion brands and companies, including industry leaders like H&M, Marc O’Polo, Boden, and The White Company, incorporating GCS-verified cashmere fibers into their offerings. Notably, the percentage of textiles featuring the GCS label surged by 30% between 2023 and 2024, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

During the event, experts in animal welfare highlighted the essential role that ethical treatment plays within animal husbandry frameworks. They noted that maintaining humane and positive conditions for cashmere goats is not only an ethical obligation but also a prerequisite for ensuring the financial viability of goat rearing practices in the long term.

The GCS has received praise for its progressive approach and effective implementation at the farm level. By converting scientific research into practical agricultural applications through comprehensive training programs, digital tools, and the establishment of model farms, it serves as a benchmark for responsible cashmere production. Recent verification results from GCS farms indicated that these facilities fully meet core environmental requirements, while social and animal welfare standards have been achieved with over 90% compliance.

The conference also devoted attention to the urgent need for biodiversity conservation in Inner Mongolia's grasslands, which are home to approximately 5,500 GCS farms and around 2 million cashmere goats. These critical ecosystems face significant threats from climate-induced factors, including droughts. Stakeholders from various fields, including scientists, NGOs such as the Global Nature Fund, fashion brands like Marc O’Polo, and producers from China collectively recognized the necessity of protecting these grasslands to secure the future of cashmere production.

Moreover, the discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts across the entire textile supply chain, as well as the adoption of modern grazing practices and effective knowledge management among herders. This holistic approach aims not only to enhance the livelihoods of those involved in cashmere production but also to ensure that ecological integrity is preserved for years to come.