OEKO-TEX, GRS & Better Cotton: The Three Labels Apparel Brands Count On
Sustainable sourcing is now a baseline expectation in fashion. Retailers, regulators and consumers demand clear proof that every fabric meets strict safety, recycling and farming standards. Three labels deliver that proof:
1. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
- Scope: Tests every component of a textile against 100+ harmful substances.
- Benefit: Immediate “skin-safe” assurance for end-users.
- Update cycle: Chemical limits revised yearly to match global regulations.
2. Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- Scope: Verifies ≥20 % recycled content plus chain-of-custody control.
- Benefit: Auditable Transaction Certificates simplify customs and ESG reporting.
- Added value: Includes social, environmental and chemical criteria for facilities.
3. Better Cotton
- Scope: Promotes water efficiency, reduced pesticides and fair labor in cotton farming.
- System: Mass-balance allows flexible blending while tracking overall certified volumes.
- Impact: Over 2 million farmers now deliver cotton with proven lower footprint.
Why Certifications Matter to Apparel Brands
- Market demand: 70 % of shoppers read sustainability claims before purchase.
- Regulations: EU Green Claims Directive and U.S. CBP traceability rules require verifiable data.
- Risk management: Third-party certificates cut recall and reputational risks.
How CHOSION TEX Simplifies Certified Sourcing
- Ready-stock collections: Fabrics pre-certified to OEKO-TEX, GRS and Better Cotton.
- 7-day lab turnaround: Fast re-testing for custom developments.
- Digital docs: Certificates and MSDS auto-sync to your PLM via API.
- Training support: Webinars and onsite workshops keep your teams audit-ready.
Bottom Line
Embedding OEKO-TEX, GRS and Better Cotton at the material stage accelerates compliance, increases sell-through and builds consumer trust. Partner with CHOSION TEX to secure certified fabrics—fast.
