YORK – Our latest Ecotextile Talks episode examines Global Standards’ new Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) – a new scheme based on the same social, environmental, and due-diligence requirements used by GOTS, but applied to a wider range of eligible fibre inputs.
Claudia Kersten, managing director of Global Standards, tells host Philip Berman that the organisation had built an infrastructure for organic fibres but had previously been unable to apply it to other materials.
It’s very simple. It’s GOTS with different fibres
“It’s very simple. It’s GOTS with different fibres,” said Kersten.
The standard could cover materials including traceable recycled polyester and lyocell, provided they meet GRTS material requirements. Virgin polyester remains prohibited, according to Jeffrey Thimm, fibres lead at Global Standards who also appears on the show.
“We don’t just look at the fibre itself as a physical product, but the production system behind its creation,” Thimm said.
Global Standards said GRTS can recognise fibre production standards that meet its criteria, including provisions on genetically modified organisms and highly hazardous pesticides. It may also offer smaller fibre producers a route into certified supply chains.
Kersten said more than 25 accredited certification bodies were ready to audit against the scheme. Existing GOTS-certified facilities could combine GOTS and GRTS assessments because the social requirements are shared.
The discussion also examines the standard’s potential role amid changing due-diligence and green-claims rules, including the EU’s Empowering Consumers Directive.
Listen to the full podcast for more on the GRTS rollout, recognised fibre standards, certification requirements and the implications for brands, processors and fibre producers.
Subscribe to Ecotextile Talks podcasts and radio shows by following us on Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music. Also, check out our complete podcast archive.
