Textile Exchange unveils Organic Content Standard 3.0

Textile Exchange (TE) has launched the Organic Content Standard (OCS) 3.0 after the conclusion of a regular revision process involving an international working group and following Textile Exchange’s standard setting procedures. Textile Exchange works to drive industry transformation in preferred fibres, integrity and standards, and responsible supply networks.

The OCS is an international, voluntary standard that provides chain of custody verification for materials originating on a farm certified to recognised national organic standards. The standard is used to verify organically grown raw materials from the farm to the final product.

The former OCS implementation manual is now divided into two documents. The OCS User Manual provides interpretation and guidance for users of the standard while the OCS certification procedures details requirements certification bodies must follow. The new version comes with more robust traceability between the farm and first processor, according to Textile Exchange.

GMO testing for organic cotton must occur in accordance with Textile Exchange’s OCS-103 GMO screening of organic cotton. Organic wool inputs must be non-mulesed (according to the non-mulesed definition of the Responsible Wool Standard) or from a farm with ceased-mulesing status. Certified organisations must now maintain technical specifications for all OCS materials.

“The Organic Content Standard was our first standard and the basis of establishing our Chain of Custody, which is the backbone for all of our standards. I am proud of the evolution of the OCS through the revision process. It remains a key tool for supporting and stabilising organic fibres,” La Rhea Pepper, managing director at Textile Exchange said.