GRS

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary product standard developed by Textile Exchange that has become the most widely recognized certification for recycled textiles. It establishes requirements for third-party verification of recycled content and chain of custody, ensuring that sustainability claims about recycled materials are accurate and traceable.

Certification Requirements

GRS certification requires a minimum of 20% recycled content for certification eligibility, though products must contain at least 50% recycled content to use the "GRS" label on consumer-facing materials. The standard accepts both pre-consumer waste (manufacturing scraps) and post-consumer materials (used products). Full chain of custody documentation must trace recycled materials from their source through each processing step to the final product. Certified facilities must also demonstrate compliance with chemical restrictions aligned with industry standards and undergo annual on-site audits by accredited certification bodies.

Chain of Custody System

The GRS chain of custody system ensures traceability throughout the supply chain. Transaction certificates accompany each shipment of certified materials, documenting the recycled content as it moves between facilities. Scope certificates verify that individual facilities are certified to handle GRS materials. Mass balance accounting is permitted under strict rules, allowing certified and non-certified materials to be processed together while maintaining accurate content claims.

Environmental and Social Criteria

Beyond recycled content verification, GRS addresses broader sustainability concerns. Environmental criteria include wastewater treatment requirements, chemical management systems, and programs for energy and water monitoring and waste reduction. Social criteria prohibit forced and child labor, require safe working conditions, mandate fair wages and reasonable working hours, and protect workers' freedom of association.

Business Benefits

For textile manufacturers, GRS certification opens doors to sustainability-focused brands that increasingly require verified recycled content in their supply chains. Certified products often command premium pricing, and the certification process itself improves supply chain transparency and documentation practices. In export markets, particularly Europe and North America, GRS certification provides significant competitive advantage.

Certification Process

Obtaining GRS certification involves selecting an accredited certification body, implementing the required management systems for tracking recycled content and maintaining environmental and social compliance, undergoing a facility audit, and receiving a scope certificate upon successful verification. Annual surveillance audits maintain certification status.