The GRS is intended to meet the needs of companies looking to verify the recycled content of their products (both finished and intermediate) and to verify responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in their production. The objectives of the GRS are to define requirements to ensure accurate content claims and good working conditions, and that harmful environmental and chemical impacts are minimised. This includes companies in ginning, spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing and printing and stitching in more than 50 countries.

The GRS ensures the traceability of materials and guarantees environmentally friendly production. It focuses on the production of fiber, but takes into consideration the entire product life cycle. It is the assurance:

1.   that there is water treatment in place,

2.   that no toxic additives are used as process chemicals, and no finishes (such as fire retardants or stain repellants) are added to the fabric,

3.   and that workers have basic rights.

Through third-party verification, the GRS motivates your (quality) claim independently towards your clients. Furthermore, traceability and contamination risks can be managed better by certifying your management system and/or your product.

The GRS label may be used with final products, such as clothing or household textiles, if they contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials(e.g. RPET).