What the New GRTS Standard Means for Brands Sourcing Private Label Apparel

The GRTS standard for apparel introduces a new certification route for textile products made with fibres that meet its requirements. Launched by Global Standards in September 2026, GRTS extends the organisation’s textile processing framework beyond the organic fibre focus of GOTS. For brands, distributors and promotional companies, understanding the new standard can help with material selection and supply chain planning.

What Is the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)?

The Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) was launched by Global Standards, the organisation behind the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

While GOTS focuses on textiles made with certified organic fibres, GRTS covers a broader range of eligible fibres, including plant-based, animal, synthetic, man-made cellulosic and recycled fibres.

The standard establishes requirements for environmental and chemical management, human rights, business conduct, due diligence and traceability throughout the applicable textile processing and manufacturing supply chain.

According to Global Standards, GRTS was developed to provide a certification route for eligible textile products that fall outside GOTS’ organic fibre criteria.

Official source: Global Standards announces the launch of GRTS

What Does GRTS Require?

GRTS covers several areas that matter to responsible textile sourcing.

Responsible fibre sourcing

Fibres entering the GRTS system must meet the standard’s material requirements and be certified to third-party fibre standards recognised by GRTS. They must also meet applicable social, ecological and traceability criteria.

Environmental and chemical management

The standard establishes requirements relating to environmental performance and chemical management during textile processing.

Human rights and business conduct

GRTS includes requirements concerning human rights, business conduct and due diligence across the activities within its certified scope.

Supply chain traceability

The standard uses chain-of-custody requirements, transaction certificates and volume reconciliation to support verification of certified fibre content throughout the supply chain.

Minimum eligible fibre content

To qualify for GRTS certification, goods must contain at least 90% fibres certified to fibre standards recognised by GRTS. Meeting this threshold alone does not automatically qualify a product: the other applicable requirements must also be met.

For the full requirements, consult the official GRTS information from Global Standards.

Why Does GRTS Matter for Private Label Apparel?

For brands and distributors, the new standard may be relevant when developing products that use eligible responsible fibres but do not fit GOTS’ organic fibre criteria.

Its practical significance depends on the product, the materials selected and the requirements of the intended customer or market.

1. It Expands the Range of Materials That Can Be Considered

Private label collections may include cotton, recycled polyester, wool, man-made cellulosic fibres and other materials.

GRTS provides a framework for eligible products made with a broader range of fibres, subject to its fibre requirements and certification rules. It does not mean that every synthetic or recycled material automatically qualifies.

Buyers should identify the exact fibre composition and confirm whether the relevant fibre standard is recognised under GRTS.

2. It Makes Supply Chain Documentation Important

Certification is not simply a logo on a product label. GRTS requires certification across the relevant processing and trading stages, with documentation supporting the chain of custody.

For buyers, this means discussing documentation early rather than waiting until bulk production is complete.

Depending on the order, useful questions include:

• Which fibre standards apply to the selected materials?

• Are the relevant suppliers and processing facilities covered by the required certification?

• Can the necessary transaction certificates and supporting records be provided?

• Does the documentation support the intended product claims?

Clear answers can help prevent problems when a customer requests evidence for a certified product.

3. It Helps Buyers Define Requirements Earlier

Certification requirements can influence material availability, supplier selection, documentation and production planning.

If your customer requires GRTS, confirm this before finalising the fabric and approving samples. You should also check whether the product and the relevant supply chain can meet the applicable requirements.

GRTS is a voluntary standard, not a universal legal requirement across all apparel markets.

GRTS vs. GOTS: What Is the Difference?

Although GRTS and GOTS share the same standards organisation, they serve different purposes in textile production. GOTS focuses on organic fibres and the processing of organic textiles. In contrast, GRTS covers a wider range of fibre types and addresses responsible textile processing, including environmental practices, human rights and traceability.

For apparel buyers, the main difference lies in the scope of each standard. Before choosing a supplier, check which standard applies to your product, which facilities hold certification and whether the relevant documents cover your order.

What Should Apparel Buyers Do Before Placing an Order?

If you’re sourcing promotional apparel, workwear, uniforms or private label garments, take these steps before committing to a certified product programme.

• Confirm customer requirements. Ask which standard the customer needs and whether it applies to the fibre, finished product or entire supply chain.

• Check material eligibility. Identify the fibre composition and verify that GRTS recognises the relevant fibre standards.

• Review supplier documents. Check certificate validity, scope and the specific facilities or activities each certificate covers.

• Clarify traceability. Identify the required chain-of-custody records and transaction documents, and confirm who will provide them.

• Plan before sampling. Check material availability, lead times and certification requirements before finalising the product specifications.

These steps help establish whether the proposed sourcing route is suitable before production begins.

How BREEZO Supports Apparel Sourcing

BREEZO works with business customers sourcing promotional apparel, corporate wear, workwear, uniforms and private label garments.

When a project has specific certification requirements, those requirements should be discussed early so that the material options, relevant suppliers and required documentation can be assessed before sampling and bulk production.

GRTS may be relevant for some future or current sourcing programmes, depending on the fibres and supply chain involved. Any claim that a product or production facility is GRTS certified must be supported by valid documentation covering the applicable scope.

To discuss your next apparel project, learn more about BREEZO and share your product specifications, material preferences and certification requirements.

Final Thoughts

The GRTS standard gives the textile industry a new certification framework for eligible fibres beyond the organic fibre focus of GOTS. For apparel buyers, its practical value depends on material eligibility, supply chain certification and the documentation available for the specific product.

If you’re considering GRTS for a private label collection, start by confirming the requirements with your customer and checking the relevant materials and suppliers. Early planning can help you assess whether the standard fits your sourcing programme before sampling and production begin.