Responsible and sustainable textiles

GRTS (Global Responsible Textile Standard) defines requirements to ensure sustainable textile processing, from the sourcing of responsible fibres through manufacturing, marketing and labelling, in order to provide a credible assurance to brands and consumers.

It applies to the processing, manufacturing, trading and distribution of textile products made with responsible fibres, using a certification system built on traceability, environmental and social criteria, due diligence and product integrity.

GRTS certification guarantees:

• Verified traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, supported by operator certification, Scope Certificates, Transaction Certificates and documented chain of custody
• Predominant use of responsible fibres (minimum content requirements) and strict control of fibre blends.
• Production and processing practices that include environmental and chemical management requirements (environmental policy, regulatory compliance, resources, emissions, waste, wastewater, etc.).
• Respect for human rights and social requirements applicable to certified sites (prohibition of forced labour, child labour, health and safety requirements, non-discrimination, etc.).
• A due diligence approach to deploy and manage chemical, environmental, social and governance requirements in a risk-based and proportionate manner.
• Product quality and control requirements (testing, risk management and residue limits as per the standard).

Certification by an approved certification body allows the use of the GRTS logo and product claims, provided that all applicable processing, manufacturing and trading stages up to the finished product are GRTS certified.

All GRTS labels and claims must be approved in advance by the certification body before use. Approved labelling includes the GRTS logo, the statement "Certified by …" and the certification number.

To protect the integrity of GRTS claims, intermediate claims are not permitted. A finished product cannot be marketed as GRTS certified solely because certified yarn or fabric has been used; the entire applicable value chain must be GRTS certified

The standard for responsible textile sets composition thresholds to ensure credible claims:

• Minimum 90% “Responsible Fibre content” in the product.
• Maximum 10% additional fibres allowed (according to the list and conditions of the standard).
• GRTS products may contain certified organic fibres, but not above 70% of the composition.
• Virgin synthetic fibres are only accepted in a limited way, and only when they are essential to the functionality of the finished product.

GRTS label covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of textiles made from responsible fibres. Final product categories may include, among others (non-exhaustive list): fibres, yarns, fabrics, garments, textile accessories, textile toys, home textiles, mattresses and bedding products.

The textile processing standard for responsible fibres is intended for textile processors, manufacturers and other stakeholders involved in processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, warehousing and distribution (on case bases) of textiles made from responsible fibers

Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)
GRTS Standard

Certified operators, as well as organisations applying for GRTS certification, must ensure that all chemical inputs used in the relevant processing stages comply with the applicable GRTS requirements

ECOCERT's GOTS Chemical Input Approval service is intended for manufacturers, formulators and traders of chemical inputs used in textile production. The assessment includes a document review and, where applicable, an on-site audit of manufacturers and formulators.

Upon successful assessment, ECOCERT issues a GOTS Letter of Approval (LOA), demonstrating that the approved chemical inputs meet the requirements of the GOTS Chemical Input Approval Programme and can be used to support compliance with the chemical input requirements applicable to GRTS