Global Standards Launches GRTS Textile Processing Standard for Broader Fibre Range
New certification framework covers plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres recognised under third-party standards
Global Standards has publicly launched the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS), a textile processing standard covering products made from a broader range of fibres certified to third-party standards recognised by GRTS.
Developed using decades of experience from the established Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), GRTS introduces a certification route within the Global Standards system for products that fall outside GOTS’ organic fibre eligibility criteria. The standard establishes environmental and human rights requirements for textile processing, along with physical traceability requirements across the supply chain.
GRTS Covers Multiple Fibre Categories
GRTS applies to textiles made from plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres. The standard defines requirements covering environmental performance, chemicals, human rights, business conduct, due diligence and traceability.
Fibres entering the GRTS system must be certified against third-party fibre standards recognised by GRTS. They must also meet social, ecological and traceability requirements, including the prohibition of highly hazardous chemicals and GMOs, chain of custody with identity preservation, and the inclusion of social norms in fibre production.
Claudia Kersten, Managing Director of Global Standards, said:
“Following our mission as a non-profit Voluntary Sustainability Standard setter, we aim to ensure the highest level of social and environmental impact in textile value chains. 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.”
Independent Certification and Physical Traceability
GRTS certification is conducted by accredited independent third-party bodies and is required at every stage of processing and trading.
The standard uses chain-of-custody requirements, transaction certificates and volume reconciliation to verify certified fibre content throughout the supply chain. Certification therefore covers the movement and processing of eligible fibres across the relevant stages.
To qualify for GRTS certification, products must contain at least 90% fibres certified to fibre standards recognised by GRTS.
Companies that are already certified to GOTS may find that their existing systems and procedures make it easier to apply for and obtain GRTS certification.
First GRTS Certifications Issued
A total of 27 independent certification bodies are accredited to provide GRTS certification. These bodies operate independently from Global Standards and provide companies with access to an established certification network.
Several companies in South Asia are among the first businesses to complete GRTS certification. Their certificates were issued independently by their respective certification bodies:
- Esstee Exports India Private Limited (CE); GCL INTL (CB)
- Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills Pvt. Ltd (CE); Control Union (CB)
- Armstrong Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd (CE); Control Union (CB)
- Maral Overseas Limited (CE); Control Union (CB)
- Knit Gallery India Private Limited (CE); Control Union (CB)
- Arvind Limited (CE); Control Union (CB)
- Daks India Industries Pvt. Ltd (CE); Eurofins Assurance (CB)
The first certifications mark the start of GRTS implementation in the market. They also recognise the companies that completed the certification process and the independent certification bodies that carried out their assessments.
Certified Companies Share Their Views
R Rameshkumar, Manager – HR / ESG & Sustainability at Esstee Exports comments:
“The GRTS certification process has provided a valuable opportunity for us to review, strengthen and continuously improve our systems and practices related to responsible and sustainable textile production. We believe that this certification will not only strengthen the confidence of our customers and business partners but also prepare our company for the changing expectations and requirements of the global textile industry.”
Tarun Bhati, General Manager – HR, Admin & Compliance at Daks India comments:
“GRTS certification will support our sustainability objectives by improving the traceability and responsible use of recycled materials, reducing environmental impact and strengthening our sustainable manufacturing practices. From a business perspective, it will help us meet the growing sustainability expectations of international customers, build customer confidence, access new global markets and create long-term business growth opportunities.”
Rameshwar Jha, Senior Manager – Compliance at Maral Overseas Limited comments:
“Ultimately, our expectation is that GRTS should not be viewed merely as another certification for Maral, but as a practical framework to further integrate responsible sourcing, traceability, environmental performance, social responsibility and product integrity into our sustainable product development strategy.
We believe this approach is well aligned with the broader objective of GRTS to provide credible assurance that textiles made with responsible fibres are processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner through the relevant value chain.”