standard glossary text
") (GRTS)? ## The complement to the proven [GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gots "The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.
") programme GRTS (Global Responsible Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
")) was developed to extend the proven GOTS programme to a wider range of responsible fibres. While GOTS remains the global benchmark for textiles made with certified [organic](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/organic "'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body.
GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.
General term for all Substances and Preparations directly applied as textile auxiliary agents, inks, dyes or pigments.
"), environmental management, [human rights](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/human-rights "Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)
") and social criteria, [traceability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/traceability "The ability to trace the origin of an object back to its source.
In a GOTS context, the ability to trace a GOTS Good as it moves through its supply chain.
An individual establishment where chemical Inputs are formulated (see Formulator) and produced. It is included in a Letter of Approval and audited by a Scope 4 Approved Certifier.
") inspections and additional risk-based measures. [4. Environmental and chemical requirements ](#)GRTS applies strict environmental, chemical, and product compliance requirements throughout textile processing and manufacturing encompassing areas such as packaging, durability and responsible processing. [5. Human rights including social responsibility criteria ](#)GRTS includes comprehensive human rights including social criteria based on internationally recognised norms and frameworks, covering safe working conditions, prohibition of child labour and forced labour, non-discrimination and responsible employment practices. [6. Traceability and transparent claims ](#)[Transaction Certificates](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/transaction-certificate "A document issued by a GOTS-approved Certification Body for GOTS-certified products, verifying their compliance with the Standard. It provides traceability by listing product details, shipment information and confirming integrity through volume reconciliation process.
") and controlled labelling requirements support traceability and help companies communicate claims with greater credibility and consistency. [7. Trusted infrastructure built on more than 20 years of experience ](#)GRTS is built on the existing GOTS certification infrastructure, including approved Certification Bodies, traceability systems and established implementation processes.  ## Why companies choose GRTS [Applying one rigorous processing standard across responsible fibre types ](#)GRTS enables companies to apply consistent environmental, social, chemical and traceability requirements across a broader range of certified responsible fibres. This supports a harmonised approach across mixed-fibre product portfolios. [One consistent programme across product portfolios ](#)Using a harmonised programme across both GOTS and GRTS-certified products to reduce complexity and improve consistency. [Reducing audit duplication and certification costs ](#)GRTS is designed for efficient integration alongside GOTS using the same certification infrastructure, Certification Bodies and aligned [audit](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/audit "A systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the Standard's requirements (including environmental and social criteria) are fulfilled by a Certified Entity or applicant for the status of Certified Entity. Audits are conducted by Approved Certification Bodies (see 'Approved Certification Body').
") processes. Companies certified to both standards can combine certification activities into a single audit, helping reduce administrative effort, audit duplication and associated certification costs. [Strengthening supply chain credibility ](#)Providing independently verified claims supported by certification, traceability and third-party verification. [Supporting regulatory preparedness ](#)Strengthening due diligence, traceability and the evidence needed to support [sustainability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/sustainability "In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
") claims in response to increasing sustainability and supply chain regulations. [Scaling certification to GRTS requirements globally ](#)Enabling responsible sourcing and certified production across a broader range of fibre types with the same high level of credibility and integrity. ## More than a label: GRTS is a globally harmonised programme for credible textile processing and manufacturing with responsible fibres. ## Learn more about GRTS - [Labelling](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1371) - [GRTS Resources](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1370) - [What are the key features of GRTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1368) - [What are the benefits of GRTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1369) - [How it works](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1367)