Learn about the Global Recycled Standard

1. Overview of GRS standards

The GRS standard, which stands for Global Recycled Standard, is one of the most prestigious sets of international standards for products with recycled components. GRS was developed to meet the need to verify the origin, supply chain, and production processes of recycled products, and to encourage businesses to strengthen their social and environmental responsibility.

2. Development history of GRS

GRS was initiated by Control Union Certifications in 2008, then transferred to Textile Exchange – an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the textile industry. Through repeated reviews and improvements, the current GRS standard has expanded its scope of application, not only to the textile industry but also to include plastics, paper, metals and other recycled materials.

3. Objectives of GRS Standards

• Verify the recycled content in the product, ensuring transparency about the origin of the material.
• Ensure environmentally friendly production processes, minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem.
• Promote safe and fair working conditions for employees.
• Manage and control hazardous chemicals throughout the supply chain.

4. Scope of application of GRS

The GRS standard applies to the entire supply chain, from the collection and sorting of recycled materials to the stages of production, packaging and transportation of the final product. Any business involved in one or more stages of this chain can apply for GRS certification, including raw material suppliers, fabric factories, textiles, dyeing, garments, packaging, etc.

5. Main requirements of GRS standard

5.1. Recycled components

To achieve GRS certification, the product must contain a minimum of 20% recycled material. However, many brands and manufacturers aim higher, often 50% or more, to demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment.

5.2. Chain of Custody

GRS requires strict control of the journey chain of recycled materials from origin to finished product. This ensures that recycled materials are not blended with virgin materials or substandard substances throughout the production process.

5.3. Environment

GRS certified units must implement solutions to reduce waste, use water and energy resources sparingly, and efficiently treat exhaust gases, wastewater and solid waste. In addition, the use of hazardous chemicals is controlled or completely excluded from the production process.

5.4. Social responsibility

GRS requires businesses to comply with the criteria of employee rights: do not use child labor, forced labor; ensure safe and legal working conditions; implement full and transparent labor protection and salary and bonus regimes.

5.5. Chemical requirements

The GRS standard establishes a Restricted Substances List (RSL) to protect the health of consumers and workers, while ensuring that the final product is environmentally friendly.

6. GRS Certification Process

The GRS certification process includes the following basic steps:

• Enterprises register and submit dossiers for certification to accredited inspection organizations.
• Conduct a document assessment, production process and field at the facility.
• Inspection, sampling and inspection of recycled materials, chemicals, environmental and social conditions.
• Issue GRS certification when the enterprise fully meets the requirements.
• Certification has a term, usually 1 year and needs to be renewed and re-evaluated periodically.

7. Benefits of GRS Certification

• Affirming the enterprise’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
• Increase transparency and prestige for products, easily access fastidious international markets.
• Help improve the efficiency of supply chain management and social responsibility.
• Supporting businesses to meet the legal regulations and expectations of modern consumers.
• Encourage innovation in the use of recycled materials, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Challenges in applying GRS standards

Although GRS brings a lot of value to businesses and society, the implementation also faces many difficulties:

• Investment costs for supply chain management and control systems and meeting high environmental and social standards.
• The requirement for transparency and tight control can require a lot of resources and expertise.
• Competition between enterprises that have not met the standards and have met the standards in terms of product costs.
• The challenge of collecting and sorting recyclables of uniform quality.

The GRS standard has become an important tool to realize the goal of sustainable development in the modern manufacturing industry. The application of GRS not only helps businesses improve their brand image and increase competitiveness, but also contributes to building a circular economy, protecting the green planet for future generations. Therefore, GRS is being increasingly interested by businesses around the globe as well as in Vietnam, aiming to be a prestigious certificate for recycled products.