Choosing between GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) can be confusing. Both are Textile Exchange standards that verify recycled content in products, but they differ significantly in requirements, scope, and applicability.
This guide compares GRS and RCS across key dimensions to help you choose the right certification for your products and business goals.
Table of Contents
- What is GRS Certification?
- What is RCS Certification?
- Key Differences: GRS vs RCS
- Which Certification Should You Choose?
- FAQ: GRS and RCS Certifications
- Conclusion
What is GRS Certification?
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is a global, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions [1].
Developed by Textile Exchange, GRS aims to increase the use of recycled materials in products and reduce the harm caused by production [1].
GRS Scope and Requirements
GRS covers the entire supply chain, from recycling stage to final product. Key requirements include [1]:
- Recycled Content: Minimum 20% recycled content for certification [1]
- Chain of Custody: Track and trace recycled material through supply chain
- Social Requirements: Based on ILO conventions (labor rights, health and safety, etc.) [1]
- Environmental Management: Environmental policy, wastewater treatment, energy use, etc. [1]
- Chemical Restrictions: Prohibited and restricted substances list (based on REACH, Oeko-Tex) [1]
- Labeling: Products with 50%+ recycled content can use GRS label [1]
Who Needs GRS Certification?
GRS is suitable for:
- Textile and apparel manufacturers with 20%+ recycled content
- Brands and retailers committed to sustainability
- Companies supplying to markets requiring GRS (EU, North America, Australia)
- Manufacturers wanting to demonstrate comprehensive responsibility (not just recycled content)
GRS 4.0 is the latest version (effective 2023). Certifications to GRS 4.0 are valid for 5 years, with annual surveillance audits.
What is RCS Certification?
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is a standard that verifies recycled content in products. It provides a tracking system from source to final product, ensuring accurate and honest recycled content claims [3].
Also developed by Textile Exchange, RCS is a simpler alternative to GRS, focusing solely on recycled content verification [3].
RCS Scope and Requirements
RCS has narrower scope than GRS. Key requirements include [3]:
- Recycled Content: Minimum 5% recycled content for certification [3]
- Chain of Custody: Track recycled material from source to final product
- No Social/Environmental Requirements: RCS does NOT include social, environmental, or chemical requirements (unlike GRS) [3]
- Labeling: Products with 5%+ recycled content can use RCS label [3]
Who Needs RCS Certification?
RCS is suitable for:
- Products with 5-100% recycled content (including those with <20% that can’t get GRS)
- Companies wanting to verify recycled content claims without full GRS requirements
- Suppliers to brands that accept RCS as proof of recycled content
- Manufacturers in early stages of sustainability journey (RCS as stepping stone to GRS)
RCS 2.0 is the latest version (effective 2019). Certifications to RCS 2.0 are valid for 5 years, with annual surveillance audits.
Key Differences: GRS vs RCS
The following table summarizes the key differences between GRS and RCS to help you understand which standard fits your needs.
| Criteria | GRS (Global Recycled Standard) | RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Recycled Content | 20% [1] | 5% [3] |
| Social Requirements | ✅ Yes (based on ILO conventions) [1] | ❌ No [3] |
| Environmental Requirements | ✅ Yes (environmental management) [1] | ❌ No [3] |
| Chemical Restrictions | ✅ Yes (prohibited substances list) [1] | ❌ No [3] |
| Scope | Comprehensive (recycled + social + environmental + chemical) | Narrow (recycled content verification only) |
| Certification Complexity | Higher (more requirements to meet) | Lower (fewer requirements to meet) |
| Cost | Higher (more audit time, more requirements) | Lower (less audit time, fewer requirements) |
| Label Usage | Products with 50%+ recycled content [1] | Products with 5%+ recycled content [3] |
| Validity | 5 years (with annual surveillance) [2] | 5 years (with annual surveillance) [4] |
| Market Recognition | Higher (preferred by major brands) | Growing (accepted by increasing number of brands) |
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Choosing between GRS and RCS depends on your specific situation. Consider the following factors:
Factor 1: Recycled Content Percentage
| Recycled Content % | Recommended Certification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| <5% | No certification (consider increasing recycled content) | Both GRS and RCS require minimum 5% recycled content |
| 5-19% | RCS only | GRS requires minimum 20% recycled content |
| 20%+ | GRS (preferred) or RCS (simpler option) | GRS provides more comprehensive certification; RCS is simpler/lower cost |
Factor 2: Market Requirements
Different markets and customers have different preferences:
- EU/North America/Australia: GRS is more widely recognized and preferred by major brands
- Asia (China, Vietnam, etc.): Both GRS and RCS are accepted; GRS has higher recognition
- Budget-conscious brands: RCS may be accepted as proof of recycled content (lower cost for suppliers)
- Sustainability-focused brands: GRS is preferred (demonstrates comprehensive responsibility)
Factor 3: Business Goals
Consider your long-term sustainability strategy:
- Comprehensive responsibility: Choose GRS (covers social, environmental, chemical aspects)
- Recycled content verification only: Choose RCS (simpler, lower cost)
- Stepping stone approach: Start with RCS, then upgrade to GRS when ready
- All product lines coverage: Get RCS for products with 5-19% recycled content, GRS for products with 20%+
Decision Flowchart
Start → What is your recycled content percentage?
- ├─ <5% → Increase recycled content or use other sustainability claims
- ├─ 5-19% → RCS certification (only option)
- └─ 20%+ → Do you need comprehensive certification (social + environmental + chemical)?
- ├─ Yes → GRS certification (recommended)
- └─ No → RCS certification (simpler/lower cost) or GRS (for higher recognition)
FAQ: GRS and RCS Certifications
The following are frequently asked questions about GRS and RCS certifications. These questions are optimized to capture “People Also Ask” sections in Google search results.
Q: What is the minimum recycled content for GRS certification?
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) requires a minimum of 20% recycled content for certification [1]. This applies to the total weight of the product (excluding accessories).
Products with 50% or more recycled content can use the GRS label on the product or packaging [1].
Q: What is the minimum recycled content for RCS certification?
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) requires a minimum of 5% recycled content for certification [3]. This lower threshold makes RCS more accessible for products with limited recycled material.
Products with 5% or more recycled content can use the RCS label [3].
Q: Which is better: GRS or RCS?
Neither certification is universally “better.” The choice depends on your specific needs:
GRS is more comprehensive (covers social, environmental, and chemical requirements) and is preferred by major brands and markets (EU, North America).
RCS is simpler, focuses only on recycled content verification, and is suitable for products with 5-19% recycled content (which cannot get GRS).
If you have 20%+ recycled content and want to demonstrate comprehensive responsibility, choose GRS. If you have 5-19% recycled content or want a simpler/lower-cost certification, choose RCS.
Q: Can I have both GRS and RCS certification?
Yes. Some companies get both certifications to cover all their product lines:
GRS for products with 20%+ recycled content (comprehensive certification)
RCS for products with 5-19% recycled content (which cannot meet GRS minimum)
This approach allows you to make accurate recycled content claims across your entire product range.
Q: How long does GRS or RCS certification take?
A: The certification process typically takes 3-6 months from application to certification, depending on:
Complexity of your supply chain (number of tiers, locations)
Readiness for audit (gap remediation, documentation preparation)
Certification body selection and scheduling
Number of sites/facilities to be audited
After certification, you need annual surveillance audits to maintain certification. Full re-certification is required every 5 years [2][4].
Q: How much does GRS or RCS certification cost?
Certification costs vary depending on several factors:
Certification body (SGS, Intertek, TÜV, etc. – fees vary)
Company size (number of employees, facilities)
Supply chain complexity (number of tiers, locations)
Audit scope (number of sites, processes)
Estimated cost range (for SMEs, single facility):
RCS certification: $2,000 – $5,000 USD
GRS certification: $3,000 – $8,000 USD
Costs are estimates based on certification body websites. Actual costs may vary. Contact certification bodies for accurate quotations.
Q: Is GRS or RCS mandatory for exporting to EU/US?
No, neither GRS nor RCS is legally mandatory for exporting to EU or US markets.
However, they are market requirements (not legal requirements) set by brands and retailers. Many major brands (e.g., H&M, Nike, Adidas) require their suppliers to have GRS or RCS certification as part of their sustainability commitments.
Related regulation: EU’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) may create indirect pressure for sustainability certifications, but GRS/RCS are not directly mandated.
Conclusion
Choosing between GRS and RCS depends on your recycled content percentage, market requirements, and business goals:
- Products with 5-19% recycled content: RCS is your only option (GRS requires 20%+)
- Products with 20%+ recycled content: GRS is preferred (comprehensive certification, higher recognition)
- Limited budget or simple verification needs: RCS is lower cost and simpler
- Comprehensive responsibility demonstration: GRS covers social, environmental, and chemical aspects
Many companies choose a hybrid approach: GRS for products with 20%+ recycled content, RCS for products with 5-19% recycled content. This covers all product lines with appropriate certification.
Need help choosing or getting certified? Contact our experts for personalized guidance.
✅ Get Certified with Expert Guidance
We help manufacturers and brands get GRS and RCS certified efficiently. Our services include:
- Gap analysis (compare your current practices with standard requirements)
- Audit preparation (documentation, training, facility readiness)
- Certification body selection (help you choose the right auditor)
- Post-certification support (surveillance audit preparation, label usage guidance)
References
Textile Exchange. (2019). RCS 2.0 Certification Procedures. Retrieved from https://textileexchange.org/standards/rcs/ [4]
Textile Exchange. (2023). Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0. Retrieved from https://textileexchange.org/standards/grs/ [1]
Textile Exchange. (2023). GRS 4.0 Certification Procedures. Retrieved from https://textileexchange.org/standards/grs/ [2]
Textile Exchange. (2019). Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) 2.0. Retrieved from https://textileexchange.org/standards/rcs/ [3]
Published by：David，Please indicate the source when reprinting:https://www.tranwin.asia/grs-vs-rcs-which-recycled-certification-to-choose/
