GRS & RCS: Certification Schemes for Recycled Materials

As climate concerns continue to grow, more people are striving to adopt sustainable lifestyles. In the textile industry, sustainable textiles are increasingly derived from eco-friendly resources such as natural fibers and recycled materials.

The Importance of Traceability

However, for recycled materials, understanding their traceability is crucial for enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting global objectives related to the Circular Economy.

What is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary product standard that establishes requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It’s designed for companies seeking to verify the recycled content of their products—both finished and intermediate—and to ensure responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices in their production.

Objectives of GRS

The key objectives of the GRS include:

• Defining requirements to ensure accurate content claims.
• Ensuring good working conditions.
• Minimizing harmful environmental and chemical impacts.

What about the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)?

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is another 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 utilization of recycled materials.

Objectives of RCS

The RCS aims to:

• Align recycled definitions across multiple applications.
• Track and trace recycled input materials.
• Provide brands and consumers with tools to make informed decisions.
• Offer assurance that materials are genuinely recycled and included in final products.

GRS vs. RCS: Understanding the Differences

Both GRS and RCS certifications emphasize the principles of traceability and supply chain transparency. Enterprises that successfully pass these certifications can apply for transaction certificates from the certification authority, simplifying the certification process for their downstream customers.

SGS: Your Partner in Certification

SGS, as an accredited body for Textile Exchange in China under the Textile Exchange – Content Claim Standard (CCS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and Global Recycled Standard (GRS), provides a reliable certification scheme. This assists manufacturers, retailers, and buyers in ensuring the accuracy of recycled content in their products.

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