Industry News
GRS Transaction Certificates Explained: Guide for Backpack Buyers and Brands Sourcing Sustainable Backpacks from China
Sep
Introduction: The Push for Authentic Sustainability
The demand for sustainable backpacks is soaring. Consumers and retailers are increasingly savvy, seeking not just “green” claims but verifiable proof of them. For sourcing managers, designers, and brand buyers looking to China—the world’s manufacturing hub—this presents a critical challenge: how do you ensure the recycled materials in your products are genuine and traceable? The answer lies in a single, crucial document: the GRS Transaction Certificate (TC). As a leading GRS-certified backpack manufacturer in China, we work daily with sourcing managers and brands to navigate the complexities of sustainable compliance. In this guide, we demystify the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Transaction Certificate (TC) — the crucial document that validates your products’ recycled claims and ensures sustainable supply chain transparency.
What is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, full-product standard. Administered by Textile Exchange, it sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.
- Goal: To increase the use of recycled materials and reduce the harmful impact of production.
- Scope: Applies to any product containing at least 20% recycled material. Only products with 50%+ recycled content can carry the GRS logo.
- Verification: It tracks recycled materials from their source to the final product through a robust chain of custody system.
What is a GRS Transaction Certificate (TC)?
A Transaction Certificate (TC) is the official, auditable document issued by an accredited certification body (e.g., Control Union, SGS) for each shipment of GRS-certified goods. It is the proof that a specific batch of material or product has moved through a certified supply chain.
Crucially, without a valid TC, a claim of “GRS-certified” is just a claim—it cannot be verified. The TC is the tangible output of the entire GRS system, providing the essential chain of custody from post-consumer or post-industrial waste to the backpack on the shelf.
Why GRS Transaction Certificates Matter for Buyers & Brands
For professionals building brands, the TC is more than paperwork; it’s a strategic asset.
1. Authenticity & Trust
The TC validates your “recycled content” claim, protecting your brand from accusations of greenwashing. It provides undeniable evidence that the RPET or recycled nylon in your backpack is genuine.
2. Full Supply Chain Traceability
The TC system creates a transparent trail. You can trace your backpack’s fabric back to the yarn mill and even to the source of the recycled plastic bottles or material, ensuring ethical and environmental integrity at every step.
3. Compliance and Risk Mitigation
With increasing ESG regulations and stringent buyer audits, the TC serves as your primary compliance document. It mitigates the risk of failed audits, fines, or rejected shipments due to unverified claims.
4. Enhanced Market Value
Transparency sells. A verified story resonates with conscious consumers and B2B partners, allowing you to command a premium price and strengthen your brand’s market position.
How Backpack Manufacturers Use GRS TCs in Practice
Understanding the flow of TCs demonstrates a factory’s expertise. Here’s how it works at a certified backpack factory:
- Sourcing: We order GRS-certified fabric from our mill. Upon receipt, they provide us with a TC for that fabric batch.
- Production: This fabric is tracked through our factory, kept separate from conventional materials. We maintain detailed records of input (fabric) and output (finished backpacks).
- Shipment: When we ship your order of backpacks, we apply for a TC from our certifier. This TC covers the exact quantity of backpacks shipped to you.
- Delivery: We provide you with the GRS TC for your shipment, which is your proof of compliance. You can then use this to verify your own claims to retailers or consumers.
This process repeats at every stage of the supply chain, creating an unbroken chain of custody.
Comparison of Common GRS-Certified Backpack Materials
| Material | Durability | Weight | Water Resistance | Sustainability Profile (Recycled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Nylon (rNylon) | Excellent | Light | High | Diverts fishing nets, fabric waste from landfills. High-impact reduction. |
| Recycled Polyester (rPET) | Very Good | Light | High | Diverts PET bottles from oceans and landfills. Industry standard for recycled packs. |
| Recycled Cordura® | Exceptional | Medium | Very High | Offers premium durability from recycled content. Ideal for technical & military gear. |
| Recycled Canvas | Good | Heavy | Medium (requires treatment) | Often uses recycled cotton, reducing water & pesticide use significantly. |
What Buyers Should Look for in a GRS TC
When your factory provides a TC, scrutinize it. Here are the key elements to verify:
- Certificate Number: A unique identifier for the transaction.
- Issuing Body: The name of the certification agency (e.g., CU, ITS, SGS).
- Supplier & Buyer Details: Your company’s name and address must be listed correctly as the “Buyer” or “Consignee”.
- Product Description: Must accurately describe the shipped goods (e.g., “Backpacks made with GRS 50% rPET”).
- Quantity: The weight or unit count must match your purchase order and delivery.
- Supplier’s GRS Scope Certificate Code: The code that proves the factory is certified to handle GRS goods.
Common Questions from Buyers & Brands (FAQ)
Does every single backpack unit need its own Transaction Certificate?
No, a Transaction Certificate (TC) is issued for a specific batch or shipment of products, not for each individual unit. As a buyer, you should receive the TC from your manufacturer for the entire order quantity. You can then use this single TC to verify the recycled content claims for all backpacks in that shipment.
How can I verify if a GRS TC is authentic?
Always request the TC directly from your supplier. Check the issuing body (e.g., Control Union, SGS, ITS) and the supplier’s GRS scope certificate number. Reputable certification bodies often have online databases or can be contacted directly to verify the validity of a certificate number. Cross-check the company name, product description, and quantities on the TC against your order and shipment details.
Can we use the GRS logo and TC for our product marketing?
Yes, but with strict conditions. You are only authorized to use the GRS logo on products that contain a minimum of 50% recycled content and for which you hold a valid Transaction Certificate. The logo use must comply with the Textile Exchange’s specific guidelines on sizing, color, and accompanying text (e.g., including the % recycled content). Always ensure your claims are backed by the corresponding TC.
What is the difference between a GRS Scope Certificate and a Transaction Certificate?
A Scope Certificate (SC) is issued to a factory (like ours) after a successful audit, proving we have the management systems and processes in place to handle and produce GRS goods. It’s our license to operate. A Transaction Certificate (TC) is a document issued for each batch of certified goods we sell. It provides the chain of custody for that specific shipment, proving the recycled content from raw material to finished product. You need both for verified compliance.
Conclusion & Call to Action
In the world of sustainable sourcing, trust is built on documentation. The GRS Transaction Certificate is the non-negotiable proof that turns a sustainability claim into a verified, marketable asset. It ensures transparency, mitigates risk, and adds tangible value to your brand.
Partnering with a GRS-certified backpack manufacturer in China who understands and seamlessly provides TCs is essential for any brand serious about authenticity.
Ready to source with confidence? Contact us today to request our GRS Scope Certificate, material swatches, and a sample TC to see the documentation you will receive with your order.
