The development and utilization of nature by human beings have never stopped. With the deepening of the understanding of nature, human beings gradually realize the importance of protecting the environment while developing and utilizing the environment, so many regulations and certifications have been formulated.
Today, let’s take a look at Global Recycled Standard certification.
What is Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full-product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled input, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.
The primary goal of the GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products and reduce the harmful social, environmental, and chemical impacts of production.
Who invented Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?
The Global Recycling Standard (GRS) was originally invented by Control Union Certifications in 2008 and ownership was transferred to Textile Exchange on January 1, 2011.
Textile Exchange is a global not-for-profit organization driving positive action on climate change in the fashion and textile industries.
What is the newest version of Global Recycled Standard?
After a multi-stakeholder review, the latest version 4.0 of the Global Recycling Standard was published on 1 July 2017.
Based on the news from Textile Exchange, after a comprehensive multi-stakeholder review, a new standard system may be released in Q4 of 2023 (subject to change).
What are Global Recycled Standard requirements?
If you want to be certified by the Global Recycled Standard, you can apply to an accredited certification body after meeting the following conditions, which will make your work easier and save costs.
- Claimed Material accepted for the standard meets the established definition of Recycled Material.
- Products with 20% or more recycled content.
- Claimed Recycled Material follows a complete, verified chain of custody from input to final product.
- Workers employed at facilities involved in the production of GRS products are protected by a strong social responsibility policy.
- Facilities involved in the production of GRS products have strong environmental protections in place.
- Chemicals used in the production of GRS products do not introduce unnecessary harm to the environment or workers.
For more detailed instructions, please download the full text of GRS4.0 for comparison. Download Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Version 4.0
What products does the Global Recycled Standard apply to?
Global Recycled Standard is for finished or intermediate products based on recycled materials, such as:
- recycled garments, clothes, and final textile products
Why is GRS important?
- Define “recycled material” and verify recycled content in products.
- Provide greener and more informed purchasing decision-making solutions for brands and consumers.
- Reduce the harmful impact of production on people and the planet.
- Ensuring that products are processed in a more climate-friendly manner.
- Encourage a higher percentage of recycled content in products.
How to get the Global Recycled Standard certification?
If you want to get GRS certification, the following steps will help you.
- Select an Approved Certification Body (CB): Many well-known testing companies are approved certification bodies, such as SGS, Intertek, etc.
- Send Application: We recommend applying with more than one CB to compare estimates.
- Schedule an Audit: Good preparation can reduce certification costs by saving auditing time.
- On-Site Audit: The CB will send an auditor to conduct an audit against the requirements of the standard.
- Follow-Up (If needed): If a follow-up is needed, you will be given a corrective action plan to follow.
- Certification Decision: Audit results will be reviewed to make a final certification decision.
Global Recycled Standard Approved Certification Bodies
Each applicant may choose its accrediting body. And all GRS-accredited certification bodies have the right to provide relevant inspection and certification services worldwide.
All companies participating in the GRS certification scheme are required to work following all criteria of the standard.
Here are some of the GRS approved certification bodies:
SGS
Intertek
SCS Global Service
Where to check a Global Recycled Standard certified company?
If you want to confirm whether a company has passed the GRS certification and whether the material has a GRS certificate, it is very simple, just click the link below and enter the company name or product name.
Find a Certified Company
What is Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)?
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled input and chain of custody.
The primary goal of the RCS is to increase the use of recycled materials.
Global Recycled Standard VS. Recycled Claim Standard
Similarities:
- Both are certified for recycled materials and are all standardized and managed by Textile Exchange.
- Both require products to contain a certain percentage of recycled materials.
- All to reduce the impact of the waste of resources on human beings and the earth.
- They are mainly applicable to the textile industry, clothing industry, etc.
Differences
- GRS applies to products with a recycled content of more than 20%; RCS applies to products with a recycled content of more than 5%.
- GRS adds environmental and social responsibility requirements and requirements for restricting the use of hazardous chemicals based on RCS requirements.
- The certification mark is different.
Conclusion
We pursue beauty and fashion, and we pursue the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
Uncle Nine Leather has always been committed to reducing damage to the environment during the production process and using more environmentally friendly materials as much as possible to serve our customers.
If your brand has the same goals as us, please contact us, let’s work together to pursue beauty and fashion while working hard to protect our blue planet.
