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Global Standards

Why Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)?

The complement to the proven GOTS programme

GRTS (Global Responsible Textile Standard) was developed to extend the proven GOTS programme to a wider range of responsible fibres.

While GOTS remains the global benchmark for textiles made with certified organic fibres, many textile companies also work with fibres certified to other responsible production standards for which no globally harmonised processing and manufacturing standard previously existed.

At the same time, the textile market increasingly includes products made with a broader range of responsibly produced fibres.

GRTS & GOTS - two textile labels, one programme

To support these products within a credible and harmonised programme and further Global Standard's vision of more responsible textile production, GRTS was developed to extend the established GOTS model beyond organic fibres while maintaining the same robust approach to environmental responsibility, chemical management, human rights including social criteria, traceability and certification.

GRTS addresses this gap by applying the same system-level approach used in GOTS across a broader range of certified responsible fibres.

The result of adding GRTS to GOTS is:

  • one consistent certification programme
  • one traceability system
  • one approach to environmental and social responsibility
  • one globally recognised assurance system across multiple fibre types

Seven reasons to work with GRTS

1. A globally recognised programme for processing of responsible textiles

GRTS provides a consistent and internationally recognised benchmark for the processing and manufacturing of textiles made with certified responsible fibres.

2. Certification across the entire supply chain

GRTS certification covers every processing stage, from first fibre processing to the finished product.
Every company involved in a certified supply chain must comply with the same environmental, social and traceability requirements.

3. Independent verification

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

4. Environmental and chemical requirements

GRTS applies strict environmental, chemical, and product compliance requirements throughout textile processing and manufacturing encompassing areas such as packaging, durability and responsible processing.

5. Human rights including social responsibility criteria

GRTS includes comprehensive human rights including social criteria based on internationally recognised norms and frameworks, covering safe working conditions, prohibition of child labour and forced labour, non-discrimination and responsible employment practices.

6. Traceability and transparent claims

Transaction Certificates and controlled labelling requirements support traceability and help companies communicate claims with greater credibility and consistency.

7. Trusted infrastructure built on more than 20 years of experience

GRTS is built on the existing GOTS certification infrastructure, including approved Certification Bodies, traceability systems and established implementation processes.

Why Companies choose GRTS

Applying one rigorous processing standard across responsible fibre types

GRTS enables companies to apply consistent environmental, social, chemical and traceability requirements across a broader range of certified responsible fibres.

This supports a harmonised approach across mixed-fibre product portfolios.

One consistent programme across product portfolios

Using a harmonised programme across both GOTS and GRTS-certified products to reduce complexity and improve consistency.

Reducing audit duplication and certification costs

GRTS is designed for efficient integration alongside GOTS using the same certification infrastructure, Certification Bodies and aligned audit processes. Companies certified to both standards can combine certification activities into a single audit, helping reduce administrative effort, audit duplication and associated certification costs.

Strengthening supply chain credibility

Providing independently verified claims supported by certification, traceability and third-party verification.

Supporting regulatory preparedness

Strengthening due diligence, traceability and the evidence needed to support sustainability claims in response to increasing sustainability and supply chain regulations.

Scaling responsible textile production globally

Enabling responsible sourcing and certified production across a broader range of fibre types with the same high level of credibility and integrity.

More than a label:

GRTS is a globally harmonised programme for credible textile processing and manufacturing with responsible fibres.

Learn more about GRTS