MMS Standard & RMDF Upgrade: Latest GRS Policy Changes for Packaging Demand Side

Official Release of the Unified Materials Matter Standard (MMS) (Authoritative Source)

• Release Background: Textile Exchange officially released the Materials Matter Standard (MMS) on December 12, 2025, aiming to integrate 8 existing standards including GRS, RCS, and RWS into a unified sustainable material certification systemTextile Exchange.
• Timeline:
  • December 31, 2026: MMS becomes effective; organizations may voluntarily request audits to the new standardTextile Exchange The Hub
  • December 31, 2027: MMS becomes mandatory; all eligible certified organizations must complete their next audit to the new standard to maintain certificationTextile Exchange
• Key Changes:
  • Unified certification framework for various materials (including recycled plastics), simplifying supply chain compliance processes
  • Enhanced material traceability requirements, improving transparency of recycled material sources for plastic packaging
  • Integrated environmental, social responsibility, and chemical management requirements, making standards more rigorous and comprehensive

Upgrade of RMDF (Recycled Material Data Form) (Authoritative Source)

• Upgrade Content: Textile Exchange launched an improved version of the Recycled Materials Data Form (RMDF) in January 2026, standardizing the collection of information on textile and non-textile waste, with enhanced traceability capabilities specifically for recycled materials in plastic packaging.
• Key Improvements:
  • Added standardized data points: recording recycled plastic composition, color, and source (e.g., plastic bottles, industrial waste)
  • Supports integration with existing tracking systems (e.g., Trackit), simplifying data entry processes for plastic packaging enterprises
  • Improves accuracy of information sharing across supply chains, helping brands verify the authenticity of recycled material sources for plastic packaging
• Implementation Status: Currently in a voluntary adoption phase, will eventually be integrated into Textile Exchange's Trackit system as part of the certification process.

2026 New Implementation Rules for GRS Certification (Authoritative Industry Practice)

• Audit Requirements: On-site audits account for ≥80%, remote audits only allowed in special cases, strengthening on-site compliance inspections for plastic packaging production.
• Supervision Cycle: Annual surveillance audit cycle reduced to 12 months; failure to complete on time will result in certificate revocation. Plastic packaging enterprises need to arrange re-audits promptly.
• Logo Usage: Products containing ≥50% recycled materials are eligible for GRS logo use in end retail; the minimum requirement for B2B transactions is ≥20% recycled materialsTextile Exchange.
• Chemical Management: Strict prohibition of high-risk substances under REACH regulations; plastic packaging enterprises must improve MSDS management and wastewater treatment records.