STUTTGART – Global Standards, the nonprofit behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has introduced GRTS, a new standard for the processing of fibres certified to defined Responsible Fibre Standards.
The standard covers a broad range of plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres, providing a new certification route for brands, mills, manufacturers and sourcing teams across the textile industry.
A Broader Standard
GRTS is a new processing standard that can apply to a broad range of fibres certified to third-party Responsible Fibre Standards. It brings credible environmental and social requirements across the textile supply chain and has been designed to complement the established GOTS framework.
For businesses, one of the main benefits is the ability to certify more of their fibre portfolio. GRTS covers eligible textiles made with certified plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres, providing a certification route for products that fall outside the organic fibre scope of GOTS.
The standard also places a strong emphasis on supply chain visibility. GRTS combines independent third-party certification with traceability, transaction verification and due diligence requirements across the entire textile supply chain.
It also builds on an established certification system. GRTS uses the ‘gold-standard’ certification infrastructure and many of the core requirements already established through GOTS. For GOTS-certified companies, certification activities can be aligned with existing systems and audit cycles, helping to reduce duplication and administrative effort.
GRTS has also been designed for global implementation. The first textile manufacturers in India and Türkiye have already achieved GRTS certification, setting a basis for the growth of the new standard across international textile supply chains.
Certification is available through a global network of 27 independent approved certification bodies, including 13 approved to operate in the United States.
For companies looking to understand what GRTS could mean for their business, further information is available from Global Standards.
Find out more at:
https://global-standards.org/our-standards/grts
