What is the difference between OEKO-TEX and GRS certificates?
- dkfiber2004
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
As interest in sustainable textile products continues to grow, global buyers are increasingly evaluating product reliability and environmental impact through various certifications.
Among these, OEKO-TEX® and the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) are two of the most widely recognized international certifications.
This post provides a clear comparison between these two certifications from a buyer’s perspective.
1. What is OEKO-TEX® Certification?
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a certification that verifies the safety of textile products by ensuring they are free from harmful substances.
Purpose: Confirms whether the product is safe from harmful chemicals
Scope: Applies to all stages of processing (yarn, fabric, dyeing, finished products, etc.)
Tested Substances: More than 100 harmful substances, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Certification Meaning: This product is harmless to human health.
2. What is GRS Certification?
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is an international certification that comprehensively evaluates the use of recycled materials and the fulfillment of environmental and social responsibility throughout the entire production process.
Purpose: Verifies the authenticity of recycled content and ensures sustainability
Scope: Applies to products containing at least 20% recycled materials
Verification Criteria: Traceability of recycled inputs (Chain of Custody)
3. Comparison of major differences
Category | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 | GRS (Global Recycled Standard) |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Testing for harmful substances to humans | Use of recycled materials and sustainability |
Scope of Certification | Safety of the final product | Entire process: Raw materials → Production → Distribution |
Target Audience | End consumers | B2B supply chain |
Recycled Content | Not included | Requires a minimum of 20% recycled content |
Environmental & Labor Standards | Partially applied | Strictly applied |
OEKO-TEX guarantees that the product is safe for human use, while GRS certifies that the product is environmentally friendly and responsibly produced.
DK FIBER supplies polyester staple fiber that is certified under both OEKO-TEX and GRS standards.
