Human Rights Criteria Strengthened in Sustainability Certifications

Standards are changing in the global textile sector; Textile Exchange is increasing the weight of human rights criteria in certifications such as GRS and RCS, bringing production working conditions under audit scope.

New Certification System and Timeline

Textile Exchange is preparing to transition to a new system by increasing the weight of human rights criteria in its sustainability standards.

Three human rights guides and implementation tools have been published to help companies adapt to the new era, and the new system will go into effect on December 31, 2026.

Working Conditions and Wage Audits

In the new era, businesses will be required to identify human rights risks and take necessary precautions against these risks.

Critical issues such as occupational health, safety, employee protection, wages, fringe benefits, and the prevention of excessive working hours will be closely evaluated during audits.

GRS, RCS and the New Umbrella Structure

These changes, which also cover the Global Recycled Standard and Recycled Claim Standard systems, will be gathered under a new umbrella structure in the upcoming period.

Existing standards for animal fibers such as wool, mohair, and alpaca will also be brought together within the same system.

Process for Producers in Turkey

ETKO, which provides certification services in Turkey, shared the transition calendar with the sector and announced that preparations have begun.

It will become mandatory for covered producers in the country to comply with the newly established conditions in order to maintain their certifications.