October 7, 2026

Global Standards Launches GRTS, Covering a Broader Range of Fibres

Show environmental & social responsibility in textiles with GRTS. Step toward sustainability with a wide range of fibers. Apply now!

Global Standards announced the official launch of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) on 14 September 2026. The new standard covers the processing of textiles made from fibres certified to third-party standards recognised by GRTS and extends to a broad range of plant, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres.

According to the organisation’s announcement, GRTS was developed on the decades-long experience of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Until now, products falling outside GOTS’ organic fibre eligibility criteria had no equivalent certification route within the Global Standards system. Global Standards states that GRTS responds to growing industry demand for a standard defining environmental and human rights criteria for the processing and physical traceability of a broader range of fibres.

The standard sets out defined requirements in the areas of environment, chemicals, human rights, business conduct, due diligence and traceability. To enter the system, fibres must be certified to third-party fibre standards recognised by GRTS and must meet social, ecological and traceability criteria such as the prohibition of highly hazardous chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), identity-preserved chain of custody and the inclusion of social norms in fibre production. For a product to qualify for GRTS certification, it must contain at least 90% fibres certified to these standards.

Certification is carried out by accredited independent third-party bodies at every stage of processing and trading. Chain of custody requirements, transaction certificates and volume reconciliation support the verification of certified fibre content throughout the supply chain. According to Global Standards, the existing systems and procedures of GOTS-certified companies may make it easy for these companies to apply for and receive GRTS certification. The organisation announced that the standard is fully operational and that 27 independent certification bodies have been accredited to certify against GRTS. Detailed information on the standard is available on the Global Standards website.