Setting the global standard for better textiles.

Global Standards is the non-profit organisation developing and operating the world's leading voluntary sustainability standards for textiles. Through GOTS, GRTS and related initiatives, we help businesses build responsible, transparent and resilient textile supply chains that benefit people, the planet and the industry.

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GOTS

The world's leading standard
for organic textiles

GRTS

The new standard for textiles made of responsible fibres

A better textile industry
starts with better standards.

The textile industry is changing rapidly. Businesses are expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility, protect human rights, strengthen supply chain transparency and meet evolving legal requirements. Global Standards provides the practical framework to make this possible. As an independent non-profit organisation, we develop, verify, protect and promote globally recognised voluntary sustainability standards that enable credible action across the entire textile value chain.

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Global Standards combines science, independent verification, digital tools and global partnerships into one integrated system that helps businesses continuously improve.

Rather than addressing individual sustainability topics in isolation, our standards connect environmental responsibility, social criteria, supply chain integrity and credible certification into one holistic system.

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UN SDGs supported

Certification to our VSS helps ensure compliance with each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Stakeholder partnership

Standards set in partnership with international stakeholder communities for widespread global acceptance.

100%

Non-profit, self-financed

All income is used to reach our vision and mission — minimising administrative cost.

A holistic system across the supply chain

We develop, implement, verify, protect, and promote global Voluntary Sustainability Standards for textiles — through a connected system of expertise, science, and partnerships that strengthen one another at every stage of the value chain.

GOTS is a holistic system across the supply chain

We define sustainable materials and practices based on robust scientific findings, ensuring our standards are credible, effective, and impactful for industry and consumers alike.

Learn about Foundation

GOTS is a holistic system across the supply chain

We define sustainable materials and practices based on robust scientific findings, ensuring our standards are credible, effective, and impactful for industry and consumers alike.

Learn about Foundation

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GOTS (Organic)

The world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers, including strict ecological and social criteria.

GRS (Recycled)

An international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content and chain of custody.

OCS (Content)

Verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product, tracking the flow of raw materials from source to product.

RDS (Down/Feather)

Ensures that down and feathers come from ducks and geese that have been treated well and kept free from animal abuse.

The Business Case for Compliance

Turn Sustainability into Revenue

Unlock premium market segments and meet the rapidly growing consumer demand for verified sustainable products.

Mitigate Supply Chain Risk

Protect your brand reputation with robust, independent third-party verification that guarantees environmental and social compliance.

Operational Stability

Streamline your processes, reduce waste, and build resilient, long-term partnerships with certified global suppliers.

How to Get Certified

A straightforward, transparent path to achieving globally recognized sustainability credentials for your facility or brand.

1. Application

Submit your online application detailing your production facilities, materials used, and target standards. Our approved certifiers will review and provide a customized quote.

2. Audit

An on-site inspection is conducted to verify compliance with ecological and social criteria. This includes reviewing records, testing wastewater, and interviewing workers.

3. Certification

Upon successful completion of the audit, you receive your Scope Certificate, allowing you to label your products and trade certified goods globally.

Partnering with Global Standards transformed our supply chain. The certification gave our retail partners absolute confidence in our organic claims, resulting in a 35% increase in international orders.
VP of Sustainability, Aurora Apparel Group Elena Rostova

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Join over 17,000 certified facilities worldwide driving the transition to sustainable textile production.

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