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Global Standards

Benefits of GRTS

One recognised global standard

GRTS (Global Responsible Textile Standard) provides a harmonised international programme for the processing and manufacturing of textiles made with certified responsible fibres across multiple fibre categories.

Credible responsible fibre claims

Independent certification, traceability systems and controlled labelling requirements support transparent, verifiable and credible product claims.

Support for regulatory and market expectations

GRTS helps companies strengthen documentation, traceability, due diligence and the evidence needed to support sustainability claims in response to increasing sustainability and supply chain regulations. Find out more.

Supply chain traceability

Transaction Certificates, identity-preserved chain of custody systems and certified processing requirements support traceability from responsible fibre to finished product.

Human rights including social requirements

GRTS includes comprehensive human rights including social criteria aligned with internationally recognised norms and frameworks, including requirements related to safe working conditions, prohibition of child labour and forced labour, non-discrimination and fair treatment of workers. A common approach across global supply chains.

Chemical input criteria

The GRTS chemical-input approval scheme assesses chemical inputs against the applicable GRTS input criteria before their use in certified processing. Approval does not establish that an input is risk-free.

Independent third-party verification

All certified facilities are audited by approved Certification Bodies through annual inspections and additional risk-based measures.

Reduced operational complexity

For companies already working within the GOTS programme, GRTS enables efficient expansion into additional responsible fibre categories using aligned certification infrastructure, Certification Bodies and audit systems.

Environmental criteria throughout processing

Strict requirements for wastewater treatment, resource efficiency, emissions management, textile waste management, and packaging apply throughout all stages of textile production.