GRS Certified

GRS Certified status indicates that a product or facility has been independently verified to meet the requirements of the Global Recycled Standard. This certification provides brands and consumers with assurance that recycled content claims are accurate, verified, and backed by a robust chain of custody system.

Recycled Content Requirements

Certification requires a minimum of 20% recycled input, though products must contain at least 50% recycled content to display the "GRS" label on consumer-facing materials. The standard accepts both pre-consumer materials (manufacturing waste and scraps) and post-consumer materials (products that have completed their intended use). All recycled content must be traceable through verified chain of custody documentation.

Facility Requirements

Certified facilities must maintain environmental management systems that address chemical handling, wastewater treatment, and pollution prevention. Social compliance covering labor standards is equally mandatory—facilities must demonstrate fair treatment of workers, safe conditions, and adherence to local labor laws. These requirements ensure that GRS certification addresses sustainability holistically, not just recycled content.

Documentation System

The GRS documentation system operates through two certificate types. Scope Certificates (SC) certify that a facility is qualified to process GRS materials and has passed the required audits. Transaction Certificates (TC) accompany each shipment of certified materials, documenting the recycled content and maintaining chain of custody as materials move through the supply chain. Annual audits by accredited bodies verify ongoing compliance.

Accredited Certification Bodies

Several internationally recognized organizations are accredited to issue GRS certification, including Control Union, IDFL, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, SGS, and Hohenstein. Working with an accredited certifier ensures that the certification will be recognized by brands and buyers globally.

Benefits Across the Value Chain

For manufacturers, GRS certification enables access to sustainability-focused brands, premium pricing potential, improved supply chain credibility, and competitive differentiation in export markets. Brands benefit from verified sustainability claims, defensible environmental marketing, and consumer trust. Consumers gain confidence that recycled content claims are accurate and can make purchasing decisions that support the circular economy.

Maintaining Certification

Ongoing certification requires annual surveillance audits, transaction certificates for each shipment of certified materials, continuous compliance monitoring, and full recertification every three years. This rigorous maintenance ensures that GRS certification remains meaningful and trustworthy.