What is GRS? 6 Steps to Get GRS and RCS Certified

If you're serious about making a difference in the world of sustainability, getting GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) certified is a must. These certifications not only prove your commitment to using recycled materials but also ensure that your production practices align with strict environmental and social standards. In this article, we'll guide you through the 6 key steps to achieve GRS and RCS certification, and break down what these standards really mean. Whether you're just starting out with sustainability or looking to boost your brand's eco-friendly reputation, this guide will help you navigate the certification process with ease.
 

Step 1: Select an Approved Certification Body

You can find a list of the certification bodies (CBs) here. Any suppliers, manufacturers, and importers dealing with products under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) can apply for GRS certification. For non-textile customers who want to apply for GRS and RCS certification, the process starts with filling out the "Non-Textile Application for GRS/RCS" form. This form is submitted to the certification body, which will then forward it to Textile Exchange for approval. Before a certification body can accept GRS certification applications from non-textile customers, they must first get approval from Textile Exchange.
 

Step 2: Send Application and Schedule an Audit

Applicants need to complete a certification application contract, agree to the certification standards, pay the necessary fees, and provide detailed product and production process information for verification. Once the certification body receives all the required documents and fees, the application is officially accepted, and the process moves forward to scheduling an audit.
 

Step 3: On-Site Audit

This audit checks that:

• The product’s recycled material content meets GRS standards.
• The production process complies with GRS guidelines.
• The company has a documented traceability system to track raw materials, semi-finished, and finished products.
• The company keeps systematic records of all logistics, including characteristics, quantities, sources, and destinations.
• The company has a documented process to ensure compliance with GRS environmental and social criteria.

   
The lead auditor creates a formal audit plan, which is shared with the company at least 7 working days before the audit. This plan includes the auditor's objectives, scope, time, and location. If any non-conformities are found during the audit, the lead auditor prepares a report detailing the issues, relevant GRS standards, severity of non-conformities, and necessary corrective actions. The company must then implement these corrective actions and notify the certification body. If the company fails to do so, the application will be automatically terminated.

Depending on the severity of the issues, the certification body may conduct a follow-up audit or directly accept the improvements before confirming certification.
 

Step 5: Approved or Follow-Up (If Needed)

The decision to issue a certificate is based on the document review and on-site audit reports. If approved, the certificate is issued, and the company and product names are added to the certified product database. If certification is denied, the certification body will inform the applicant of the reasons, specific non-conformities, necessary corrective actions, and the procedure and deadlines for filing an appeal.

If the company still seeks certification, it must submit proof of corrective actions within the given timeframe. The certification body may then arrange a follow-up audit or accept the improvements and issue the certificate. If the company fails to complete the improvements within 90 days, the application will be automatically terminated.
 

Step 6: Certificate Renewal

GRS certificates are valid for one year. Companies wishing to withdraw from certification during this period must notify the certification body in writing 60 days in advance and pay the certificate fee for the valid period. Companies with valid certificates must cooperate with follow-up audits to ensure continued compliance with GRS standards. Before the certificate expires, the certification body reassesses the product and process to decide whether to issue a new certificate, based on information from the past three years. 

Side note: certified products must be labeled with the recycled material content percentage, certification number, and the name of the certification body.
 

What are the requirements for GRS certification?

To get your product GRS certified, the requirements are that your product needs to be made from non-virgin material and contain at least 20% recycled fiber in its raw materials, with absolutely no contamination. Plus, the recycled fibers have to clearly indicate whether they come from pre-consumer or post-consumer waste, along with the specific percentages of each. But it doesn’t stop there—GRS certification also demands stricter standards around corporate social responsibility, pollution control during production, and chemical usage.

And here’s the kicker: even if you meet all those requirements, you still can’t use the GRS label on your product. To actually display the GRS certification label (hangtag), your product’s raw materials must contain at least 50% recycled content.
 

What is GRS?

GRS, or the Global Recycled Standard, was first created by Control Union (CU) in 2008, and ownership was handed over to the Textile Exchange in 2011. GRS is aimed at companies that want to make claims about the recycled content in their final products.  It is a comprehensive standard that guarantees the recycled content is handled responsibly from start to finish. That means, if a GRS certified company outsources any part of its finished product production, those related production units must also meet GRS standards.

Read more: What is Oeko-Tex? Everything You Need To Know

Why use GRS?

Using the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) shows that your brand truly cares about sustainability and ethical production. GRS certification doesn’t just confirm that your products include a certain percentage of recycled materials—it also boosts your brand’s image by catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly choices. But GRS is more than just a label. It ensures that your entire supply chain is transparent, covering everything from the recycled content in your products to the ethical and environmental practices behind their creation. GRS helps your brand stand out by proving that you’re genuinely committed to making a positive difference. It’s not just about meeting expectations; it’s about leading the way.
 

What is RCS?

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) was first developed back in 2013 through a collaboration with the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group. RCS works by tracking and confirming the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product through a thorough chain of custody verification, making sure the recycled content is accurately represented. This standard applies to any product containing at least 5% recycled material and can be used throughout the entire supply chain, from the recycling process to the final business-to-business sale.

While RCS is all about confirming the recycled content, it doesn’t dive into social or environmental issues, product quality, or legal compliance. But remember, RCS is a voluntary standard—it doesn’t replace any laws. Companies using RCS still need to follow all the relevant rules and make sure their product claims are legit in every country they sell in. There are two types of labels used for identification:
 

• RCS 100%: Indicates that the product contains 95% or more recycled materials.
• RCS BLENDED: Indicates that the product contains between 5% and 95% recycled materials.

 

What are the requirements for RCS?

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) has specific requirements that must be met to achieve certification. These requirements are designed to ensure that products labeled with RCS accurately represent their recycled content and that the entire supply chain adheres to strict standards. Here are the key requirements:
 

1. Minimum Recycled Content

The product must contain at least 5% recycled material to be eligible for RCS certification.
 

2. Chain of Custody

Every stage of production, from the recycling process to the final business-to-business sale, must be certified to ensure traceability. This involves a clear chain of custody that tracks the recycled content through all processing stages.
 

3. Material Verification

The recycled content must be verified using third-party certification to ensure that the materials meet the required standards.
 

4. Transparency

Companies must maintain clear and accurate records of the recycled materials used in their products. This transparency is essential for ensuring the integrity of the certification process.
 

5. Labeling Requirements

Products that are certified under RCS must be labeled according to the standard's guidelines. The label should indicate the percentage of recycled content and must comply with the RCS labeling rules.
 

6. Documentation and Record Keeping

Companies are required to keep detailed records and documentation to prove compliance with RCS standards. This includes maintaining records of the recycled content, production processes, and any transactions along the supply chain.
 

7. Self-Declaration for Collection and Concentration Sites

Sites involved in the collection and concentration of recycled materials must provide self-declaration forms, supported by documentation, and may be subject to on-site visits to verify compliance.
 

8. No Social or Environmental Compliance Required

Unlike some other certifications, the RCS does not specifically address social or environmental compliance in the processing and manufacturing stages. Its primary focus is on verifying the recycled content of the product.
 

GRS vs. RCS certificate

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a voluntary international standard that outlines the requirements for third-party certification of recycled materials and their chain of custody. The main aim of RCS is to boost the use of recycled materials in products.

On the other hand, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a more comprehensive voluntary international standard. It not only covers the certification of recycled materials and their chain of custody but also includes social and environmental practices, as well as chemical restrictions. The primary goal of GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products while also addressing and reducing the negative social, environmental, and chemical impacts associated with production.

 

Objective	RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)	GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
Alignment of recycled definitions across multiple applications	✔️	✔️
Track and trace recycled input materials	✔️	✔️
Provide consumers (both brands and end consumers) with a tool to make informed decisions	✔️	✔️
Provide assurance that materials are actually recycled and in a final product	✔️	✔️
Reduce harmful impact of production on people and the environment	❌	✔️
Provide assurance that materials in the final product are actually recycled and processed more sustainably	❌	✔️
Drive innovation in addressing the "quality" problem of recycled materials	❌	✔️

FAQs

1. What is the difference between grs and rcs certificate?

Both the RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) share the common goals of aligning recycled definitions across applications, tracking and tracing recycled materials, and providing consumers with tools to make informed decisions. They both ensure that materials in the final product are genuinely recycled. However, the GRS goes a step further by focusing on reducing the harmful impact of production on people and the environment, ensuring more sustainable processing of recycled materials, and driving innovation in addressing quality issues related to recycled content. 
 

2. What is grs certified polyester?

GRS-certified polyester is a polyester that has been certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This means that the polyester in the product contains a verified percentage of recycled content and has been produced in a way that’s socially and environmentally responsible throughout the entire supply chain.

Here’s what makes GRS-certified polyester stand out:
 

• Recycled Content: To qualify for GRS certification, the polyester must contain at least 20% recycled material. Products with 50% or more recycled content can proudly display the GRS label.

• Sustainability: GRS certification ensures that the production process is eco-friendly, meeting strict criteria for things like chemical use, waste management, and energy consumption to minimize environmental impact.

• Social Responsibility: GRS-certified polyester is made under conditions that prioritize social responsibility, ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions. 

• Traceability: The GRS certification provides full traceability of the recycled content, tracking it from the source through every stage of production, so you know exactly what you're getting.

 

3. What is the difference between GRS and GOTS?

GRS is all about recycled materials, making sure products have a certain percentage of recycled content and that the production process meets strict environmental, chemical, and social guidelines. On the other hand, GOTS centers around organic materials, like cotton, and ensures that the entire supply chain, from farming to the final product, follows rigorous environmental and ethical standards.

For certification, GRS requires at least 20% recycled content in a product, while GOTS mandates that textiles are made from at least 70% certified organic fibers. Both certifications have strong environmental and social criteria, but GOTS is particularly strict about avoiding toxic chemicals and ensuring fair labor practices. GRS, meanwhile, focuses on reducing the environmental impact of production and maintaining transparency in recycled content throughout the supply chain.

Below is a table to help you understand better:
 

Aspect	GRS (Global Recycled Standard)	GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Primary Focus	Recycled materials	Organic fibers
Material Requirements	Requires at least 20% recycled content for certification; products with 50% or more recycled content can carry the GRS label	Requires at least 70% certified organic fibers; remaining content must meet strict environmental criteria
Environmental Criteria	Focuses on minimizing environmental impact through chemical restrictions, waste management, and energy efficiency	Prohibits toxic chemicals, requires wastewater treatment, and promotes sustainable farming practices
Social Responsibility	Includes criteria for fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and ethical business practices	Enforces fair wages, safe working conditions, prohibition of child labor, and other social criteria
Traceability	Tracks and verifies recycled content throughout the supply chain, ensuring transparency	Ensures traceability of organic fibers from farm to finished product, maintaining organic standards
Certifying Body	Textile Exchange	GOTS International Working Group
Application	Applicable to products containing recycled materials	Applicable to textiles made with organic fibers

4. Is Global recycled Standard legit?

Yes, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a legitimate and widely recognized certification in the textile industry. It is an internationally accepted standard that verifies the recycled content in products, ensuring that the materials used are indeed recycled and that the entire production process meets strict environmental, social, and chemical criteria. GRS certification is managed by the Textile Exchange, a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the textile industry. The standard is respected by brands, manufacturers, and consumers as a reliable measure of a product’s sustainability and commitment to responsible production practices.
 

5. How much is the RCS exam?

The cost of the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) certification exam can vary widely depending on several factors, including the certification body you choose, the size and complexity of your operation, and the scope of the certification (e.g., the number of sites or products involved). Generally, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s best to contact a certification body directly to get a detailed quote based on your specific needs and circumstances. Some certification bodies may also charge additional fees for the application process, audits, and follow-up assessments.