Global Standards, the nonprofit organization that operates the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), has launched the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS). The new standard covers textiles made from a wider range of plant-based, animal, synthetic, regenerated cellulosic and recycled fibers.

GRTS sets requirements for environmental practices, chemical use, human rights, business conduct, due diligence and traceability across textile processing, manufacturing and trading. Certification is required at each relevant stage of the supply chain. Annual on-site audits, transaction certificates and volume checks will be used to verify the movement and quantity of certified materials.

Products certified under GRTS must contain at least 90 percent fiber content from materials covered by standards recognized by the program. These materials must remain separate from conventional materials throughout the supply chain. GRTS also does not allow companies to claim certified volumes based only on bookkeeping records.

“By offering a standard that covers fibers beyond organic and building it on the same system as GOTS, we support the industry’s business case for sustainability,” said Claudia Kersten, managing director of Global Standards.