Global Standards Launches GRTS For Broader Range Of Textile Fibres
Global Standards has launched the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), a new textile processing standard covering a wider range of fibres, including plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres.
Developed using experience from the established Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), GRTS provides a certification route for textile products made from fibres outside GOTS’ organic fibre eligibility criteria. The standard addresses growing industry demand for environmental and social responsibility, along with physical traceability across diverse fibre types.
“GRTS is a strategic and exciting step for us. By offering a standard that covers fibres beyond organic and building it on the same system as GOTS, we support the industry’s business case for sustainability and enable more positive impact together,” said Claudia Kersten, Managing Director, Global Standards.
GRTS covers environmental performance, chemical management, human rights, business conduct, due diligence and traceability. Fibres entering the system must be certified to third-party fibre standards recognised by GRTS and meet defined social, ecological and traceability requirements.
The standard includes restrictions on highly hazardous chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), identity-preserved chain of custody and social criteria for fibre production. Certification is carried out by accredited independent third-party certification bodies across processing and trading stages, supported by transaction certificates and volume reconciliation.
Products seeking GRTS certification must contain at least 90% fibres certified to standards recognised by GRTS. Companies already certified to GOTS may also be able to leverage existing systems and procedures when applying for GRTS certification.
Currently, 27 independent certification bodies are accredited to provide GRTS certification. Several companies in South Asia are among the first to complete the process, including Esstee Exports India, Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills, Armstrong Spinning Mills, Maral Overseas, Knit Gallery India, Arvind Limited and Daks India Industries.
R Rameshkumar, Manager – HR / ESG & Sustainability at Esstee Exports, said the certification helped strengthen systems related to responsible and sustainable textile production, while supporting customer confidence and preparedness for evolving sustainability requirements.
Tarun Bhati, General Manager – HR, Admin & Compliance at Daks India, said GRTS would support improved traceability, responsible use of recycled materials, reduced environmental impact and sustainable manufacturing practices, while helping address international customer expectations.
Rameshwar Jha, Senior Manager – Compliance at Maral Overseas, described GRTS as a framework for integrating responsible sourcing, traceability, environmental performance, social responsibility and product integrity into sustainable product development.
The launch expands Global Standards’ certification framework beyond organic fibres, offering textile manufacturers a verified system for responsible processing and physical traceability across a broader range of fibre inputs.
