Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Advancing Transparency in Sustainable Manufacturing
In a market increasingly driven by environmental awareness, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) has emerged as a comprehensive certification that not only verifies recycled content in products but also ensures responsible environmental, social, and chemical practices throughout the supply chain. Developed by Textile Exchange, the GRS is a voluntary, globally recognized standard that supports the transition to a circular economy by promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability.
What is the GRS?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary product standard that certifies:
The recycled content of a product
The chain of custody through the supply chain
Responsible social and environmental practices
The chemical safety of production processes
The standard applies to the full supply chain, from the point of recycling to the final product, across industries including textiles, packaging, plastics, automotive, and more.
Core Goals of the GRS
The GRS was developed with four major objectives:
Verify Recycled Materials
To confirm the presence and accurate percentage of recycled input in products.Responsible Production
To ensure environmentally sound processing, chemical management, and proper wastewater treatment.Supply Chain Transparency
To provide a credible means of tracking recycled content through all production stages.Social Responsibility
To protect workers’ rights and ensure safe, ethical labor conditions.
Key Components of GRS Certification
Recycled Content Verification
GRS requires that products contain at least 20% recycled content to qualify for certification, with a labeling threshold of 50% or more to be GRS-labelled.
Chain of Custody (CCS)
Utilizes the Content Claim Standard (CCS) to track recycled materials through each stage of the supply chain, from sourcing to finished goods.
Chemical Restrictions
Mandates strict guidelines for chemical use, aligned with environmental and consumer safety. Restricted substances must be avoided in processing and finishing.
Environmental Requirements
Certified facilities must demonstrate practices to minimize waste, reduce water and energy consumption, and responsibly handle effluent and emissions.
Social Responsibility
Facilities must comply with core labour standards, including no forced labour, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize — as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Environmental and Ethical Benefits
Climate Impact Reduction
Using recycled content over virgin materials significantly reduces carbon emissions, water usage, and energy consumption, contributing to measurable climate goals.
Waste Diversion
Encourages the collection and reuse of post-consumer and post-industrial waste, reducing landfill pressure and ocean-bound pollution.
Safer Products
Eliminates hazardous substances in production, ensuring safer products for both people and planet.
Responsible Sourcing
Certifies that sourcing and production meet strict sustainability criteria, helping businesses avoid greenwashing and maintain consumer trust.
GRS vs. RCS: What's the Difference?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) are both developed by Textile Exchange but differ significantly in scope.
GRS offers a more rigorous certification, making it ideal for brands committed to holistic sustainability, while RCS is suited for verifying content in less complex supply chains.
Why Choose GRS-Certified Products?
Builds credibility and consumer confidence through third-party verification
Aligns with global ESG frameworks and corporate sustainability goals
Supports sustainable sourcing, brand transparency, and regulatory compliance
Demonstrates leadership in circular economy and climate-conscious innovation
As consumers, regulators, and industries demand higher levels of environmental and ethical responsibility, the Global Recycled Standard provides a robust framework to support brands in making genuine, verifiable commitments. GRS certification is more than a badge — it's a meaningful contribution to a cleaner, more equitable, and more circular future.