Short answer: GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) verify recycled content. GRS also adds social, environmental and chemical requirements. OCS (Organic Content Standard) verifies organically grown content such as organic cotton. All three are owned by Textile Exchange.
GRS – Global Recycled Standard
- Verifies recycled content (minimum 20 percent for the claim)
- Tracks material through every stage of the supply chain
- Adds social, environmental and chemical-use requirements for processing sites
- Most requested by UK and European brands for recycled polyester and recycled cotton
RCS – Recycled Claim Standard
- Verifies the presence and amount of recycled material (minimum 5 percent)
- Chain-of-custody only, without GRS's extra social and environmental criteria
OCS – Organic Content Standard
- Verifies organically grown material from farm to final product
- Used for organic cotton and blends
Transaction Certificates (TCs)
Each certified shipment between companies needs a Transaction Certificate issued by the certification body. Brands need TCs to make recycled or organic claims on finished products.
Which one do you need?
- Recycled claim with full sustainability requirements: GRS
- Recycled content claim only: RCS
- Organic cotton claim: OCS
- Chemical safety of the finished textile: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (a separate system)
FAQ
Is GRS better than RCS?
GRS is stricter. Many brands require GRS for recycled polyester.
Does OCS cover chemical safety?
No. Pair OCS with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 for chemical testing.