GRS |

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an internationally recognized, voluntary certification developed by Textile Exchange. It is designed to verify the recycled content of products and ensure that their production meets stringent environmental, social, and chemical requirements.

Unlike the simpler Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), which only verifies recycled content, GRS covers the entire supply chain — from recycling and raw material processing to final product manufacturing — while also assessing ethical labor practices, environmental management, and chemical use.

Objectives of GRS

• Provide third-party verified assurance of recycled content claims.
• Ensure responsible production practices across the entire supply chain.
• Reduce the harmful impact of production on people and the environment.
• Support the growth of the circular economy by encouraging the use of recycled materials.

Scope of GRS Certification

GRS applies to textiles, apparel, home furnishings, packaging materials, and other consumer goods made with pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled content. It is used by:

• Fiber and yarn producers
• Textile and garment manufacturers
• Brands and retailers
• Packaging suppliers

Who Should Use GRS?

GRS certification is suitable for:

• Recyclers, textile mills, and manufacturers using recycled inputs
• Brands and retailers making sustainability claims on products
• Packaging and material suppliers seeking verifiable recycled content certification
• Organizations committed to sustainability, compliance, and traceability

Key Components of GRS

1. Recycled Material Verification

• GRS-certified products must contain a minimum of 20% recycled material.
• To carry the GRS label, products must contain at least 50% recycled content.

1. Chain of Custody (CoC)

• Based on the Content Claim Standard (CCS) to ensure full traceability of materials through every stage of production.

1. Environmental Requirements

• Mandates proper wastewater treatment, emissions controls, and resource management (water, energy, etc.).
• Encourages reduction of environmental impact through best practices.

1. Chemical Restrictions

• Prohibits the use of harmful chemicals listed in the GRS Restricted Substances List (RSL).
• Requires facilities to have a chemical management system in place.

1. Social Responsibility

• Complies with key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
• Prohibits child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.
• Requires fair wages, legal employment, and the right to collective bargaining.

1. Third-Party Auditing

• All certified entities undergo annual audits by approved certification bodies to verify compliance.

1. Labeling and Claims

• Products can carry the GRS logo only if they meet the certification’s strict requirements.
• Brands must ensure proper usage of the label according to Textile Exchange guidelines.

Benefits of GRS Certification

• Builds consumer trust through verified sustainability claims
• Ensures responsible sourcing and ethical labor practices
• Reduces environmental impact of production through recycling and cleaner processes
• Helps brands meet regulatory and market demands for circular economy and climate goals
• Enables companies to track recycled content with documented proof
• Encourages transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain