GRTS certification
Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) certification recognises fibres that meet environmental, social and manufacturing standards. Make it official – give your textiles and fashion products the credit they deserve.
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What is GRTS certification?
Global Responsible Textile Standard
The Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) is a globally recognised certification for textiles made with certified responsible fibres. It combines environmental, social and supply chain requirements into one certification.
Designed by Global Standards, the trusted not-for-profit behind GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), it includes a wide range of responsibly produced fibres.
Mission-driven textile brands can produce a broader certified product range under GRTS, while maintaining the environmental and social standards that underpin GOTS:
responsible chemistry: limits or prohibits specified harmful substances
responsible workplaces: support for fair, safe and ethical working conditions
independent certification: third-party assessment against defined standards
supply chain traceability: transparency across all processing and production stages
respect for animal welfare: no mulesing or materials from threatened species
environmental consideration: including emissions, water use, soil health and biodiversity
sustainable processing: from raw materials to manufacturing and labelling
What are responsible fibres?
In GRTS, 90% of the fibre content must be responsible. GRTS includes:
non-GMO natural fibres (plant and animal), for example linen and wool
man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF), such as viscose, lyocell and modal
recycled fibres, for example, recycled polyester
biopolymers, such as PLA, PHA and Azlon
organic or organic-in-conversion fibres (up to 69% of the total content)
Excluded materials include:
virgin and recycled cotton
mulesed wool
virgin polyester
genetically modified organisms (GMO)
materials treated with biocides and PFAS
Like GOTS, GRTS applies to the whole supply chain. It covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distribution. GRTS applies to a wide range of responsible clothing and textile products, including fibres, yarns, fabrics, garments, textiles-based toys, home textiles, mattresses and bedding.
Who is GRTS for?
GRTS is for all responsible textile businesses. Certification can provide third-party verification for the responsible practices your brand is already delivering or support you to launch improved processes ahead of incoming environmental regulations. It is ideal for those who already produce GOTS-certified products, but not limited to those who are currently certified.
Brands can carry GOTS-certified and GRTS-certified products. The same product can't be certified as both GOTS and GRTS. We can arrange joint inspections, streamlining your processes under one overarching certification framework.
If you're new to fibre certification, we can support with all aspects of the process. Our friendly certification team works closely with Global Standards, to give you the latest updates and insights. We aim to make certification as simple as possible.
Differences between GOTS and GRTS
GOTS is a leading global standard for organic textiles, while GRTS includes responsible fibres.
GRTS-certified textiles can contain organic fibres at less than 70% of the total composition. The scope of permitted materials is broader, including natural, limited synthetic, and recycled fibres.
Both schemes combine environmental, social, and supply chain requirements into one certification. Certified brands can display the relevant scheme logo in their marketing (see our labelling guide).
Benefits of GRTS certification
enables certification for responsible fibres under one standard
transparency through fully audited supply chains
aligns with the latest GOTS standard, streamlining your range and processes
joint GRTS and GOTS audits
supports compliance with current and future environmental regulations
supports ESG claims through third-party certification
GRTS certification costs
Your fee includes annual inspections, review of corrective actions, unlimited product and label approvals, business support, technical certification support and market insight.
How to get GRTS certified
You can obtain certification through an approved certification body, like Soil Association Certification. The process is simple:
Step 1: Fill out our application form
Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with an application pack. This pack provides you with a step-by-step guide to certification – everything from what ingredients we allow, to our packaging requirements, as well as important details of our fees and contract. Once you have read through these documents, we will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Step 2: Meet a member of our certification team
We have a lovely team who will be able to support you throughout the application process.
Step 3: It's time for us to come and visit you
Once your application for certification has been received and processed, our inspector team will arrange a visit. Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to make this as smooth as possible, and will let you know in advance what you need to do to prepare for the inspection.
Step 4: Congratulations, you're certified
Your application’s complete, your inspection went smoothly and your labels have been approved. You'll then receive your first certificate. This means you’re officially certified to GRTS standards, and we’re all one step closer to transparency in our fashion and textiles industry.
Step 5: Meet the team and get support
It's now time for you to meet our friendly Business Development team who will work with you on an ongoing basis. Our work together will help to shape the responsible fashion and textiles market.
