Today marks a significant milestone in the textile industry’s journey toward genuine sustainability with the public launch of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS).
Developed by GOTS, GRTS is a comprehensive new certification program designed to bring sustainability, transparency, and ethical production to a much broader range of fibers.
If your brand is looking to scale its environmental and social commitments beyond organic cotton, GRTS provides the credible, unified framework you need.
What is GRTS?
While GOTS remains the gold standard for organic fibers, the industry has seen a growing demand for a unified standard that applies the same rigorous processing criteria to other sustainable materials. GRTS answers this call.
GRTS covers the processing of textiles made from a wide range of fibers certified to third-party standards recognized by GRTS, including:
Plant and animal fibers
Synthetic fibers
Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF)
Recycled fibers
To qualify for GRTS certification, goods must contain at least 90% fibers certified to recognized fiber standards. This allows companies to apply one consistent, credible sustainability program across both their organic and non-organic sustainable product lines.
The Core Pillars of GRTS Certification
Like its predecessor, GRTS covers the entire value chain from fiber processing to the finished product, requiring strict compliance verified by independent third-party auditing bodies like ETKO.
The key technical criteria include:
Environmental and Chemical Management: All chemical inputs used in production are subject to strict international norms. Businesses are mandated to adopt responsible processing principles, which include reducing water and energy consumption, as well as maintaining proper wastewater treatment.
Human Rights and Social Compliance: A sustainable product must also be an ethical one. GRTS enforces due diligence criteria based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) frameworks. Fair wages, safe working environments, and trade union rights are mandatory throughout the supply chain.
Transparent Traceability: Products must be made from natural, recycled, or regenerated fibers approved by the standard. Transaction-based verification systems are utilized to ensure the integrity of the supply chain and document transparent product flow.
The Business Case for GRTS
Consumer demand for eco-friendly, ethically made textiles is at an all-time high. Brands that can transparently prove their environmental and social commitments gain a massive competitive edge, while those that cannot risk accusations of "greenwashing."
GRTS provides that independent guarantee. Furthermore, for companies that are already certified to GOTS, the transition is seamless. Existing systems and procedures can make it incredibly easy to apply for and receive GRTS certification.
As Claudia Kersten, Managing Director of Global Standards, explains:
"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."
Why Choose ETKO for Your GRTS Certification?
With GRTS now fully operational, ETKO is proud to be among the accredited independent certification bodies ready to guide you through the process. We offer transparent, internationally accredited auditing services to help textile businesses elevate their credibility in the global market.
Our straightforward 5-Step Application Process ensures a smooth path to certification:
Application & Information Exchange: We gather preliminary information about your company’s structure and production.
Proposal & Contract: We present a detailed proposal and sign a contract upon your approval.
Pre-Audit Preparation: We assist in identifying the necessary documentation (chemical inventory, social compliance records, etc.).
On-Site Audit: ETKO’s expert auditors visit your facility to examine your on-site compliance with GRTS criteria.
Reporting & Certification: Once any non-conformities are resolved, the audit report is approved, and your certificate is officially issued.
A GRTS certificate is a powerful document proving that your brand adheres to forward-looking, ethical, and responsible production standards.
Ready to start your sustainability journey?
Contact ETKO today or Request a Quote to learn how we can be your reliable solution partner for GRTS certification.