GRS – GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is a certification that helps businesses affirm their commitment to recycled products, enhance brand credibility, and meet the requirements of international markets. TTS CERT provides professional GRS certification consulting solutions – internationally recognized, highly efficient, and optimized for all types of businesses.

• Extensive experience in recycled certification
  

• Comprehensive and effective support
  

• Network of reputable certification partners
  

• Long-term commitment to sustainable development
  

Achieve GRS easily and cost-effectively — Let TTS CERT help you realize your sustainability goals today.

1. Introduction to GRS

What is the GRS Standard?

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is an international standard issued by Textile Exchange to verify the recycled content in products and ensure environmental, social, and chemical management throughout the supply chain. It provides transparency and sustainability for recycled products.

What is GRS Certification?

GRS Certification is issued to confirm the percentage of recycled content in a product and ensure that the entire supply chain complies with strict environmental, social, and chemical requirements. This certification enhances transparency, reliability, and sustainability commitments in production.

Who Should Apply for GRS?

• Recycled material suppliers (pre-consumer & post-consumer)
  

• Processors and manufacturers (spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing)
  

• Finished product manufacturers (garments, footwear, accessories, packaging, etc.)
  

• Packaging and distribution units
  

• Retailers and brands seeking verified recycled-content products

2. Key Requirements of GRS

The GRS (Global Recycled Standard) includes four core requirement groups:

1. Recycled Material Traceability

• Verifies the use of recycled materials (pre-consumer or post-consumer).
  

• Ensures transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
  

2. Environmental Management

• Compliance with regulations on waste, wastewater, emissions, and energy use.
  

• Measures to minimize environmental impact during production.
  

3. Social Responsibility

• Ensures safe, legal working conditions with no forced labor, child labor, or discrimination.
  

• Compliance with labor rights and welfare requirements.

4. Chemical Management

• Restricts the use of hazardous chemicals during production.
  

• Compliance with the GRS Restricted Substances List (RSL).

3. Benefits of GRS Certification

GRS certification helps businesses:

• Strengthen sustainability commitments: Proves transparent and controlled use of recycled materials, aligning with green consumption trends.
  

• Enhance brand reputation: Builds an image of environmental and social responsibility; increases trust from partners and consumers.
  

• Expand access to global markets: GRS is required by many global brands and major export markets such as the EU, USA, and Japan.
  

• Gain competitive advantage: Differentiates businesses from competitors lacking certification, especially in textiles, packaging, and consumer goods.
  

• Improve production processes: Compliance with GRS requires stricter system management, improving operational efficiency.
  

• Increase supply-chain transparency: Traceability and controlled supply chains enhance product reliability and brand value.

4. Why Choose TTS CERT for GRS Consulting?

TTS CERT has extensive experience in science & technology activities, specializing in certification consulting, management knowledge transfer, and supporting businesses in applying both Vietnamese and International Standards.

Key reasons to choose TTS CERT for GRS consulting:

• In-depth expertise in recycled certifications: A team of experts deeply knowledgeable in GRS and international market requirements.
  

• Comprehensive and effective support: From gap assessment to system development and certification preparation, helping save time and resources.
  

• Strong network of accredited certification bodies: TTS CERT partners with certification organizations recognized by Textile Exchange.
  

• Understanding of Vietnamese business practices: Tailored solutions for each business model to meet international standards effectively.
  

• Long-term commitment: Continued support after certification to maintain systems and enhance competitiveness.

 5. GRS Certification Consulting Process

TTS CERT follows a scientific and systematic consulting process to ensure full compliance with GRS requirements:

Step 1: Information collection and preliminary assessment

Gather details about products, production processes, supply chain, and GRS scope.

Step 2: Gap analysis

Evaluate current practices versus GRS requirements to identify nonconformities and develop an action plan.

Step 3: System development and documentation

Develop procedures, policies, and documentation on traceability, environmental management, social responsibility, and chemical management.

Step 4: Internal training and awareness

Train key personnel to ensure effective system implementation.

Step 5: Certification preparation

Support documentation preparation and connect with accredited certification bodies recognized by Textile Exchange.

Step 6: On-site audit support

Assist businesses throughout the certification audit and provide clarifications when needed.

Step 7: Post-certification support

Help maintain and continuously improve the system and prepare for surveillance audits.

6. Featured Clients

Many companies in textiles, packaging, yarn, and recycled plastics have chosen TTS CERT for GRS consulting to meet sustainability goals and export requirements to the EU, USA, Japan, and other major markets.

TTS CERT has successfully supported numerous clients in achieving GRS certification, strengthening brand reputation and expanding global opportunities.

7. Latest Version – GRS 4.0

The latest version of the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is Version 4.0, along with the Implementation Manual V4.2.

Key details:

• GRS 4.0 released: July 1, 2017
  

• Implementation Manual V4.2 effective from November 21, 2019, replacing V4.1
  

• A product must contain at least 20% recycled material to be certified
  

• To use the GRS label, products require ≥50% recycled content
  

• Applicable to textiles and other recycled products (plastic, paper, metal, etc.)
  

• Requirements include supply-chain verification, chemical management, and labor conditions
  

⚠️ Important Notes

Textile Exchange is developing the Materials Matter Standard, expected to launch on December 12, 2025. Businesses applying GRS 4.0 should stay updated for upcoming changes.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is GRS recognized internationally?

Yes. GRS is globally recognized, especially in markets like the EU, USA, and Japan.

Is GRS mandatory for export?

Not legally, but many major brands and importers require GRS certification to collaborate.

Can GRS certification be used for product marketing?

Yes, once certified and meeting labeling rules provided by the certification body.

Can small and medium enterprises achieve GRS certification?

Absolutely. GRS applies to all business sizes as long as requirements are met.

Where can I verify GRS certificates?

You can search GRS-certified companies on the Textile Exchange website under Find a Certified Company and verify TCs under Authenticate a Transaction.