GRS

Introduction

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. The GRS was developed by Control Union Certifications and is now managed by Textile Exchange, a global non-profit that works to drive industry transformation in preferred fibers, integrity, and standards.

Objectives

The primary goals of GRS are to:

• Ensure the accuracy of recycled content claims.
• Provide traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Promote environmental sustainability by reducing harmful impacts.
• Ensure social responsibility in production processes.

Key Features

1. Recycled Content

   • Minimum Requirement: Products must contain at least 20% recycled content. The recycled content can come from pre-consumer or post-consumer sources.
   • Verification: The standard ensures that the recycled materials are genuine and traceable through every stage of production.

2. Chain of Custody

   • Content Claim Standard (CCS): GRS uses the CCS to ensure the chain of custody, meaning that each stage of the supply chain is verified to maintain the integrity of the recycled content.

3. Environmental Criteria

   • Chemical Restrictions: GRS imposes strict restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals in the processing of recycled materials. This includes bans on toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other hazardous substances.
   • Environmental Management: Facilities must implement environmental management systems to minimize their impact on the environment, including wastewater treatment, energy use, and waste management.

4. Social Criteria

   • Labor Practices: GRS requires compliance with social responsibility criteria, ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the prohibition of child and forced labor.
   • Worker Rights: Ensures workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and mandates non-discrimination policies.

5. Quality Assurance

   • Residue Testing: Products undergo regular testing to ensure they are free from harmful substances.
   • Technical Quality: The standard sets quality parameters that recycled materials must meet to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

6. Labeling and Marketing

   • GRS Label: Certified products can carry the GRS label, which indicates the percentage of recycled content and compliance with the standard’s environmental and social criteria. This label helps consumers identify and choose products that support recycling and sustainability.

Certification Process

1. Application: Companies apply for certification through a GRS-accredited certification body.
2. Audit: An on-site audit is conducted to verify compliance with GRS standards.
3. Certification: Upon successful completion of the audit, the certification body issues a GRS certificate.
4. Annual Surveillance Audits: Certified companies undergo annual audits to ensure continued compliance with GRS requirements.

Benefits

• Market Differentiation: GRS certification helps brands and companies stand out in the marketplace by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and responsible production.
• Consumer Trust: The GRS label builds consumer trust through transparent, verified claims about recycled content and responsible practices.
• Environmental Impact: Supports environmental sustainability by promoting the use of recycled materials and reducing the environmental footprint of production processes.
• Social Responsibility: Ensures ethical labor practices and safe working conditions in the supply chain.

Application

• Industries: GRS certification applies to various industries, including textiles, apparel, packaging, and consumer products. It is particularly relevant for industries looking to incorporate recycled materials into their products and demonstrate sustainability commitments.
• Global Reach: GRS is recognized internationally, providing a consistent standard for recycled materials across global supply chains.

Conclusion

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a comprehensive and rigorous certification that ensures products contain genuine recycled content and are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. By adhering to GRS, companies can enhance their sustainability credentials, meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and contribute to a circular economy. GRS certification not only helps in reducing environmental impact but also promotes ethical practices within the supply chain, benefiting businesses, consumers, and the planet.

• Recycled Content: The GRS applies to any product containing at least 20% recycled material. The standard ensures that the material is actually recycled and traceable throughout the supply chain.
• Material Categories: Includes but is not limited to textiles, plastics, metals, glass, and paper.
• Chain of Custody: Uses the Content Claim Standard (CCS) to track and verify the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product. The chain of custody requirements ensure proper documentation and traceability from the recycler to the final product.
• Independent Certification: Certification is carried out by accredited third-party certifiers who conduct audits to verify compliance with GRS criteria.
• Chemical Management: Restricts the use of harmful chemicals in recycled material processing. Facilities must meet strict requirements for chemical use and disposal, ensuring no adverse environmental impact.

Certification Process

1. Application: Companies apply for certification through a GRS-accredited certification body.
2. Audit: An on-site audit is conducted to verify compliance with GRS standards.
3. Certification: Upon successful completion of the audit, the certification body issues a GRS certificate.
4. Annual Surveillance Audits: Certified companies undergo annual audits to ensure continued compliance with GRS requirements.