What Does GRS Certification Mean?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a comprehensive certification that verifies and tracks the recycled content in products throughout the entire supply chain. Originally developed and owned by Textile Exchange, this standard applies to any product containing a minimum of 20% recycled materials. GRS goes beyond just recycled content—it also ensures adherence to social, environmental, and chemical processing requirements.

Key Components of the GRS Certification:

• Recycled Content Verification: Confirms that at least 20% (and commonly 50% for consumer labels) of the product's material is recycled.
• Chain of Custody Assurance: Tracks recycled material from raw input through processing, manufacturing, and distribution to maintain traceability.
• Environmental Practices: Limits and monitors the use of harmful chemicals during production.
• Social Responsibility: Enforces fair labor conditions and ethical practices within production facilities.
• Third-Party Certification: Involves independent audits by accredited organizations like SCS Global Services, ensuring credibility and transparency.

Why Does GRS Certification Matter?

For Brands and Manufacturers:

• Transparency: Provides a verified method to claim recycled content accurately.
• Supply Chain Integrity: Increases trustworthiness by ensuring recycled materials aren’t mixed with non-recycled sources.
• Sustainability Commitment: Demonstrates clear environmental responsibility and social ethics.
• Innovation: Encourages the use of reclaimed materials and more sustainable production methods.

For Consumers:

• Informed Decisions: Enables buyers to choose truly recycled and responsibly made items.
• Safety and Ethics: Affirms that products are made without harmful chemicals and under fair labor conditions.
• Environmental Impact: Supports reduction of waste, less reliance on virgin material, and lower carbon footprint.

How Does GRS Certification Work?

1. Material Verification: Both pre-consumer (factory scraps) and post-consumer (used products) recycled materials conform to the ISO definition of recycled.
2. Processing Controls: Limits substances hazardous to health or environment to meet environmental and chemical safety standards.
3. Social Audits: Checks working conditions meet fair labor practices.
4. Supply Chain Audits: Independent third-party audits verify each step’s compliance with GRS requirements.
5. Certification Labeling: Certified products carry the GRS logo for easy consumer recognition.

Eco Fact:

The GRS certification requires a minimum of 20% recycled content for business-to-business claims, but consumer-facing labels typically require at least 50% recycled content.

How to Check for GRS Certification:

• Look for a GRS logo on product tags or packaging.
• Verify certification status via Textile Exchange’s or certification bodies’ publicly accessible directories.
• Request information from brands about their certification and audit reports.

What to Know About GRS vs. RCS:

• The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) also verifies recycled content but does not include environmental or social criteria.
• GRS is a stricter and more holistic standard, including chemical restrictions and labor protections.
• A company certified under GRS can often easily add RCS certification, but the reverse is not automatic.

Takeaway: Empower Your Ethical Fashion Choices

Choosing products with GRS certification means supporting genuine sustainability in fashion—not just recycling claims, but an entire system promoting safer chemicals, fair labor, and transparency. By understanding these standards, consumers can confidently select apparel that helps reduce environmental harm and supports responsible industry practices.

Remember, certifications like GRS provide real proof behind green claims. When you see GRS on clothing or textiles, you’re backing a verified commitment to improving the planet and respecting the people who make our clothes.

At Design Delight Studio, we believe clothing should be as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Our apparel is certified by leading global standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and PETA-Approved Vegan — designed with transparency, comfort, and sustainability in every stitch.