What is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certification?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It is intended to verify the recycled content of products and to ensure that environmental and social criteria are met during production.
The GRS was developed by Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit organization that works to promote more sustainable and responsible practices in the textile industry. The standard covers the full supply chain, from the recycling of materials to the final product, and is applicable to any product that contains at least 20% recycled material.
Key aspects of the GRS include:
1. Recycled Content: Verification of the presence and amount of recycled material in a product.
2. Chain of Custody: Tracking and documenting the movement of materials through the supply chain to ensure that recycled materials are properly handled and identified.
3. Social and Environmental Practices: Requirements for companies to comply with relevant laws and regulations, respect human rights, and implement environmental management practices.
4. Chemical Restrictions: Limits on the use of certain chemicals, such as hazardous substances, in accordance with relevant regulations and standards.
Certification to the GRS provides assurance to consumers and businesses that products are made with recycled materials and produced in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.