Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

Covers all textile products and ensures certification for all companies that wish to verify the recycled content of their products.
Foundation: 2008
Sector: General

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Objective

It is an international certification, established in 2008, which covers all textile products and ensures certification for all companies that wish to verify the recycled content of their products, whether final or finished. This standard also checks whether the company requesting the certificate adheres to responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices in its production.

The standard evaluates the material used in production, whether environmental and social criteria are being met, and the labeling of products made from recycled materials.

It is defined as a comprehensive standard regarding recycled materials that combines rigor and practicality for the textile industry and end consumers.

This certification requires an audit conducted annually to verify compliance with the criteria and belongs to the Global Union group, which also includes other certification programs.
Products that obtain this certificate must be composed of at least 20% recycled material. The objectives of this certification are:
• To reduce the harmful social and environmental impact of textile production;
• To ensure that the final product is made of recycled materials;
• To encourage innovation in addressing issues related to the quality of the materials used.

The standard supports companies seeking to verify the recycled content of their products, as well as responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices in the production of those products. Although the GRS is owned by Textile Exchange, the range of products is not limited to textiles and may include any type of product containing recycled materials.

The desired effect of the GRS is to provide brands with a tool for more accurate labeling, encourage innovation in the use of recovered materials, establish greater supply chain transparency, and provide better information to consumers.
The goal of the GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products and reduce or eliminate the damage caused by their production.