Understanding GRS Certification: What Brands Need to Know

Understanding GRS Certification: What Brands Need to Know

As brands switch to sustainable materials like rPET, certifications become crucial to prove authenticity and traceability.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is the leading certification for recycled fibers and fabrics, ensuring transparency from raw material to finished product.

What Is GRS?

GRS is an internationally recognized standard developed by Textile Exchange. It applies to recycled materials such as rPET, recycled nylon, and recycled cotton.
The standard covers:

• Recycled content verification
• Chain-of-custody tracking
• Environmental and social responsibility requirements
• Independent third-party auditing

Traceability & Chain-of-Custody

GRS ensures full traceability of recycled content. Every batch of rPET or other recycled fibers is documented from the source (plastic bottles, textile waste) to the final fabric.
Key traceability requirements include:

• Material origin documentation
• Chain-of-custody at each manufacturing step
• Batch-level traceability for audits

TC Certificates Explained

A Transaction Certificate (TC) is issued by the GRS-certified mill or supplier for each batch of rPET. It confirms the recycled content, weight, and chain-of-custody.
Brands require a TC to:

• Legally claim recycled content in marketing
• Comply with sustainability reporting (ESG)
• Ensure product authenticity

Supplier Verification: Avoiding Fake Certificates

Unfortunately, some suppliers provide counterfeit GRS claims. Brands should verify:

• Check GRS license number on Textile Exchange database
• Request TC copies with batch numbers
• Confirm audit reports and validity period
• Inspect material visually for color, texture, and consistency

Marketing & Sustainability Claims

Brands often use GRS certification to support eco-conscious marketing:

• “Made with 50% recycled content”
• Carbon footprint reduction claims
• Storytelling: bottles → fabric → backpack

GRS ensures transparency and credibility, preventing greenwashing and building consumer trust.

Factory Perspective: How We Ensure Compliance

As a Chinese backpack manufacturer producing rPET bags, our approach includes:

• Partnering only with GRS-certified yarn and fabric suppliers
• Maintaining batch-level TC documentation for every shipment
• Following chain-of-custody procedures strictly
• Conducting internal quality audits before delivery
• Advising brands on integrating rPET bags into ESG reporting

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