Understanding Textile Exchange’s New Certification Framework
Preparing for the Materials Matter Transition
Is your organization ready for Materials Matter Standard?
Textile Exchange is introducing a new certification framework that will progressively replace GRS, RCS, RWS, RMS and RAS.
For brands, manufacturers, traders, recyclers and raw material producers, the transition may affect certification, traceability, supplier engagement, sustainability claims and product labelling.
Understanding the changes today can help your organization prepare for tomorrow.
Why this matters
Materials Matter Standard is more than a certification transition. It introduces a new approach to traceability, claims substantiation and supply chain transparency that may affect organizations across the entire value chain. The transition may impact >>
For organisations currently certified to GRS, RCS, RWS, RMS or RAS, preparation starts long before the first Materials Matter audit.
-
Product claims
-
Product labels
-
Supplier requirements
-
Traceability systems
-
Human rights expectations
-
Sustainability communications
-
Certification planning
What Is Materials Matter Standard?
Materials Matter Standard is Textile Exchange’s new sustainability certification framework for raw material production and primary processing.
The framework brings together several existing standards into a more harmonised system designed to strengthen:
- Human rights and livelihoods
- Environmental management
- Animal welfare
- Traceability
- Data integrity
- Sustainability claims
The objective is to simplify the certification architecture while increasing transparency and credibility across supply chains.
Which standards are affected?
The following standards will transition into Materials Matter Standard:
-
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Visit the GRS certification program page -
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Visit the RCS certification program page -
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
Visit the RWS certification program page -
Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
Visit the RMS certification program page -
Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS)
Visit the RAS certification program page
The following standards remain separate:
-
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
Visit the OCS Blended certification program page -
Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
Visit the RDS certification program page
Organizations currently relying on RCS should begin reviewing inventory, sourcing strategies and future certification plans.
Why Is Textile Exchange introducing Materials Matter Standard?
As expectations around supply chain transparency, sustainability claims and traceability continue to increase, Textile Exchange is evolving its standards system to provide a more consistent framework across different materials.
Materials Matter Standard aims to:
- Reduce complexity
- Strengthen sustainability requirements
- Improve traceability
- Increase confidence in claims
- Support better supply chain visibility
The transition is closely linked to Textile Exchange’s Climate+ strategy and reflects growing expectations around responsible sourcing, transparency and data integrity.
Key Transition Dates
In practice, the most important preparation activities often involve supplier engagement, traceability systems and claims management long before certification becomes mandatory.
Who is affected?
| Role | Primary Impact Areas |
| Brands | Claims, labels, supplier readiness |
| Manufacturers | Chain of custody, traceability |
| Traders | Transaction management, TE-IDs |
| Recyclers | Environmental management, traceability |
| Farms | Animal welfare, land management, human rights |
Materials Matter Standard affects more than certification.
It also affects how organizations manage supply chains, communicate sustainability performance and substantiate claims.
About Control Union
Control Union is a global certification, assurance and supply chain verification partner supporting organizations across agriculture, textiles, recycled materials, manufacturing and consumer products.
As an accredited Textile Exchange certification body, we support brands, manufacturers, traders, recyclers and raw material producers in navigating certification transitions, strengthening traceability and building confidence in sustainability claims.
Our expertise includes:
-
Materials Matter
-
Content Claim Standard (CCS)
-
Organic Content Standard (OCS)
-
Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
-
Recycled and responsible sourcing certification
-
Supply chain traceability and verification
Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether you are beginning to explore Materials Matter Standard or actively preparing for the transition, our teams can help you understand the implications and identify practical next steps.
Contact your local Control Union representative to learn more.