What is the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)?

The Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) is the newest and most comprehensive global certification programme that brings together sustainability, transparency, and ethical production standards in the textile supply chain. Developed by Global Standards, the non-profit organisation behind the globally renowned GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GRTS is a globally recognised certification for textiles made with certified responsible fibres.

Covering natural, recycled, and regenerated fibre categories, this standard extends the proven reputation and credibility of GOTS to non-organic sustainable product lines. Its main purpose is to strictly apply requirements for reducing environmental impacts, chemical management, human rights, and transparent traceability across the entire value chain, from raw material to finished product. It enables companies to apply one consistent and credible sustainability programme across both organic and recycled product lines.

Why is the GRTS Certificate Important for Sustainable Textiles?

Today, consumer demand for eco-friendly textile products and responsible production is rapidly increasing. Brands that transparently prove they are fulfilling their environmental and social responsibilities gain a significant competitive advantage in the global market. The GRTS certificate protects your brand from "greenwashing" claims by independently guaranteeing to consumers that your products are manufactured in compliance with international norms.

What are the Key Technical Criteria of GRTS Certification?

Like GOTS, GRTS covers every stage of textile processing and manufacturing, from fibre processing to the finished product, under independent third-party auditing. It requires businesses to fulfill the following strict requirements:

• Use of Certified Responsible Fibres and Traceability: Products must be made from natural, recycled, or regenerated fibres approved by the standard. To help ensure integrity throughout the supply chain, transaction-based verification systems are used, and transparent product flow is documented.

• Chemical and Environmental Management: All chemical inputs used in production and environmental management processes are subject to strict international norms. Responsible processing principles are adopted; reducing water and energy consumption and wastewater treatment are mandatory.

• Human Rights and Social Compliance: Not only the environment but also workers' rights are guaranteed. Due diligence criteria based on internationally recognised norms and ILO (International Labour Organization) frameworks are applied. Fair wages, safe working environments, and trade union rights are mandatory throughout the supply chain.

Why Choose ETKO Your GRTS Certification Process?

As ETKO, we offer independent, transparent, and internationally accredited auditing services for businesses in the textile sector to increase their credibility in the global market and achieve their environmental goals.

We conduct the annual on-site audits required by GRTS with our expert staff and guide you through every stage of your certification process. A strong GRTS certificate is your most valuable document, proving to the whole world that your brand adheres to forward-looking, ethical, and responsible production standards beyond organic fibres. We are here to be your reliable solution partner in your sustainability journey.