Recycled Content Standards: GRS vs. RCS Compared
You're using recycled materials in your textiles. Your buyers are asking about certifications. Some mention GRS. Others mention RCS. What's the difference, and which one do you need?
GRS and RCS both verify recycled content, but GRS is a comprehensive standard covering environmental and social criteria, while RCS verifies recycled content only.
The Quick Answer
Choose GRS if: - You're selling to major brands (most require GRS) - You need comprehensive certification (environmental + social + recycled) - You want the most recognized recycled standard - You're exporting to premium markets
Choose RCS if: - You only need to verify recycled content (not environmental/social) - You're working with smaller brands that accept RCS - You want a simpler, faster certification process - Cost is a primary concern
According to industry data, 68% of major brands require GRS for recycled textiles, while only 15% accept RCS alone. Most brands that accept RCS also accept GRS.
What GRS Actually Covers
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is a comprehensive standard covering:
1. Recycled Content Verification - Minimum 20% recycled content (GRS) - Recycled content traceability - Chain of custody - Material composition verification
2. Environmental Criteria - Restricted chemical list (positive list) - Wastewater treatment requirements - Energy and water use - Waste management - Packaging requirements
3. Social Criteria - Worker rights and safety - Fair labor practices - Health and safety standards - Employment practices
4. Technical Quality - Quality testing requirements - Performance standards - Labeling requirements
What RCS Actually Covers
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is a content verification standard covering:
1. Recycled Content Verification Only - Minimum 5% recycled content (RCS 100) - Minimum 95% recycled content (RCS Blended) - Recycled content traceability - Chain of custody
2. That's It
RCS does NOT cover: - Environmental criteria - Social criteria - Technical quality - Chemical restrictions - Processing requirements
RCS is faster and cheaper to obtain because it only verifies recycled content. GRS is more comprehensive but requires more documentation and compliance.
The Real Difference: What Buyers Want
Major Brands:
Most major brands require GRS because:
- It's comprehensive (covers environmental and social) - It's recognized globally - It provides brand protection - It meets consumer expectations
Examples: Patagonia, The North Face, Adidas (Parley), Nike (Move to Zero), and most major recycled textile brands require GRS.
Smaller Brands:
Some smaller brands accept RCS because:
- It's faster to obtain - It's less expensive - It verifies recycled content (which is what they need) - They don't need environmental/social certification
If you're targeting major brands or premium markets, GRS is typically required. RCS alone may limit your market access.
Cost and Time Comparison
GRS: - Certification cost: $2,000-$8,000+ (depending on scope) - Time to certification: 3-6 months - Annual renewal required - Ongoing compliance monitoring
RCS: - Certification cost: $1,000-$4,000+ (depending on scope) - Time to certification: 1-3 months - Annual renewal required - Ongoing compliance monitoring
Many facilities get both certifications: RCS for quick market access, GRS for major brand requirements. The documentation overlap makes dual certification more efficient.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose GRS if:
1. You're targeting major brands - Most require GRS 2. You want comprehensive certification - Environmental + social + recycled 3. You're exporting to premium markets - GRS is more recognized 4. You have the resources - GRS requires more documentation and compliance 5. You want future flexibility - GRS opens more doors
Choose RCS if:
1. You only need recycled content verification - Not environmental/social 2. You're working with smaller brands - That accept RCS 3. You need faster certification - RCS is typically faster 4. Cost is a primary concern - RCS is typically less expensive 5. You can upgrade later - You can add GRS later if needed
Can You Have Both?
Yes. Many facilities maintain both certifications:
- RCS for quick market access and smaller brands - GRS for major brands and premium markets
The documentation overlap (recycled content traceability, chain of custody) makes dual certification more efficient than starting from scratch.
The Bottom Line
GRS and RCS both verify recycled content, but they're not interchangeable. GRS is comprehensive and required by most major brands. RCS is simpler and faster but may limit market access.
Choose based on your target market. If you're targeting major brands or premium markets, GRS is typically required. If you're working with smaller brands that accept RCS, RCS may be sufficient.
That's the difference between comprehensive certification and content verification. And in today's recycled textile market, where certification opens doors to premium markets and major brands, choosing the right standard isn't optional. It's essential.
Never limit your market access because you chose the wrong certification. CertiThread helps you understand certification requirements, maintain compliance documentation, and choose the standards that open the most doors for your business.