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Published on: May 28, 2025

Understanding the Global Recycled Standard (GRS): A Step Towards Sustainable Manufacturing

Introduction

In today's rapidly changing world, sustainability has become more than a trend—it’s a necessity. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in the production process, and businesses are responding by adopting more sustainable and ethical practices. One way companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability is through internationally recognized certifications, such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

This blog delves into what the GRS is, why it's important, how it works, and its benefits for businesses, consumers, and the planet.

What is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full-product standard that verifies and tracks recycled materials through the supply chain. Originally developed by Control Union Certifications and later owned by Textile Exchange, the GRS sets strict criteria for recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.

The GRS is not just about confirming that a product is made with recycled content—it ensures that every stage of production, from raw materials to final product, aligns with responsible and ethical practices.

Key Objectives of GRS

→ Verify Recycled Materials – Ensure that the materials used in a product are truly recycled and meet the required standards.
→ Responsible Production – Promote environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing processes.
→ Supply Chain Transparency – Maintain full traceability of recycled content through each stage of the supply chain.
→ Reduced Environmental Impact – Support the reduction of harmful effects caused by conventional production.
→ Market Credibility – Help companies build trust with environmentally conscious consumers through verified certifications.

How GRS Works

Recycled Content
Products must contain at least 20% recycled material to qualify for GRS certification. To carry the GRS label, a product must have 50% or more recycled content. The standard defines recycled materials as either pre-consumer or post-consumer waste.
- → Pre-consumer waste: Materials diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process.
- → Post-consumer waste: Materials discarded after consumer use, such as plastic bottles or worn-out textiles.
Chain of Custody
Follows the Content Claim Standard (CCS), ensuring recycled materials are tracked and verified at each production stage—from sourcing and processing to distribution.
Environmental Requirements
Production facilities must meet environmental criteria such as waste and water management, energy usage reduction, and environmental management systems.
Social Responsibility
Companies must ensure safe, fair, and ethical working conditions—no forced or child labor, fair wages, and the right to collective bargaining.
Chemical Restrictions
The use of hazardous chemicals is restricted. Companies must manage and store chemicals safely and follow environmental guidelines.

Benefits of GRS Certification

→ Environmental Protection: Promotes the use of recycled materials, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact.
→ Market Advantage: Appeals to eco-conscious consumers and builds trust through transparent sustainability claims.
→ Improved Supply Chain Transparency: Enhances accountability and traceability throughout the supply chain.
→ Compliance with Global Standards: Aligns with international regulations and market preferences.
→ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Strengthens a company’s CSR strategy and public image.

Industries That Use GRS

While most common in textiles, GRS certification is used in many sectors:

→ Fashion and Apparel
→ Home Furnishings
→ Footwear
→ Packaging
→ Plastic Products
→ Automotive Components

Any company that uses recycled materials can benefit from GRS certification.

Steps to Get GRS Certified

→ Gap Analysis: Review current processes and identify gaps against GRS requirements.
→ Implementation: Update documentation, traceability systems, and procedures as needed.
→ Certification Body Selection: Choose an approved third-party certification body.
→ Audit: Undergo an on-site inspection to verify compliance.
→ Certification: Receive the GRS certificate, valid for one year with required annual audits.

GRS vs. Other Sustainability Certifications

→ Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): Similar to GRS but without social/environmental criteria.
→ OEKO-TEX®: Focuses on chemical safety in textiles.
→ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Ensures organic content and ethical practices.
→ Fair Trade: Emphasizes fair wages and ethical labor.

GRS is unique for its comprehensive approach—combining environmental, social, and material content criteria.

Challenges and Considerations

→ Cost of certification: Initial investment in audits and process upgrades.
→ Supply chain coordination: Ensuring all suppliers meet GRS criteria.
→ Record keeping: Requires strong traceability and documentation systems.

Despite these challenges, GRS certification delivers strong returns in brand credibility and global market access.

Conclusion

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and ethical responsibility across industries. As businesses and consumers become more environmentally conscious, GRS provides a reliable framework for ensuring that recycled products are truly sustainable—from raw material to finished product.

For companies aiming to be leaders in sustainable production, pursuing GRS certification is more than a mark of compliance—it's a powerful statement of values and a step towards a cleaner, more responsible future.

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