Textile Exchange Standard Services for GRS and RCS

Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and Content Claim Standard (CCS) services

UL Verification Services Inc. is an ANAB-accredited ISO/IEC 17065 certification body approved by Textile Exchange to provide certification to GRS, RCS and CCS Textile Exchange standards.

Thanks to this recognition and our third-party certification programs, we can help major global retailers and brand owners avoid greenwashing and provide them with competitive differentiation in the marketplace.

Instances of greenwashing, the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service, have risen in frequency as consumers show an increased interest in sustainability. We can help you prevent unintended greenwashing, and our assessments and certifications can help you differentiate your brand from your competitors.

We can help you meet applicable requirements, regulations and strategies for your environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Leverage our expertise to improve product visibility and drive consumer demand.

Understanding GRS and RCS

The GRS and RCS rely on the foundation of the CCS, the chain of custody model that all Textile Exchange programs follow.

The GRS is an international, voluntary, full product and supply chain standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled input, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.  

The primary goal of the GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products and reduce the harmful social, environmental, and chemical impacts of production.

The RCS is an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled input and chain of custody. One of the primary goals of the RCS is to increase the use of recycled materials in the textile industry.

Why you need GRS/RCS

Verifying recycled material

We verify materials to meet the ISO 14021 definition of “recycled.” Both pre-consumer and post-consumer materials qualify.

Responsible production

GRS sites must meet strict social and environmental requirements. Chemicals with the potential for harm are not permitted for use on GRS products.

Chain of custody

The CCS certification indicates that the identity of the recycled material stays consistent from the recycler to the final product.

Credible certification

As an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited third-party certification body, UL Verification Services Inc. can audit each stage in the supply chain according to GRS/RCS requirements.

Confident communication 

Products adhering to all requirements may feature labels with the GRS or RCS logos.

Stakeholder engagement

The textile exchange standards, which include RCS and GRS, are managed and owned by the Textile Exchange and are managed by them using the input of recyclers, suppliers, brands and retailers worldwide.

How we can help

• We can help you avoid greenwashing and provide you with competitive differentiation in the marketplace.

• We can help you meet applicable requirements, regulations and strategies for ESG and CSR efforts.