The RCS and GRS are formulated with the intention of increasing the utilization of recycled materials
The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) establish the benchmarks for the third party accreditation of recycled materials and the chain of custody. The GRS encompasses a higher minimum recycled content percentage of 50% and supplementary social and environmental prerequisites concerning processing and chemical utilization.
Textile Exchange (TE) are transitioning to a more integrated standards framework.
In 2021, a comprehensive overhaul of TE’s standards framework was initiated to formulate a harmonized system that assimilates their existing range of standards, with outcomes centered around their climate and nature strategy. At present, Textile Exchange are finalizing the pilot version 1.0 of the unified standard, slated for release in the first half of 2024. Entities that are currently certified or seeking certification under TE’s current standards ought to stay attuned to updates as the timeline unfolds. For further details regarding the timeline, transition, and pertinent information about recycled materials, visit the Standards Transition page Here.
Objectives
Enhancing transparency and certainty for recycled fibers
The RCS and GRS possess three principal aims:
Align the understandings of ‘recycled’ across diverse applications.
Authenticate the recycled content in products.
Empower brands and consumers to make well-informed purchasing choices.
The GRS has additional aspirations:
Diminish the adverse effects of production on people and the environment.
Ensure that products are processed in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Stimulate higher percentages of recycled content in products.
Functioning Mechanism
Tracking recycled inputs from origin to destination.
Verification of recycled materials
Materials are verified to adhere to the ISO definition of “recycled.” Both pre-consumer and post-consumer materials are acceptable.
Accountable production
GRS-certified sites must fulfill stringent social and environmental obligations. Chemicals with potential harm are prohibited from being used on GRS products.
Chain of custody
Certification guarantees the integrity of the recycled content is preserved from raw material to final product. Learn more.
Reliable certification
A proficient, third-party certification body scrutinizes each phase in the supply chain.
Assertive communication
Products that satisfy all requirements can be labeled with the RCS or GRS logo.
Stakeholder participation
The RCS and GRS are overseen with the contributions of producers, suppliers, brands, and retailers from across the globe.
Resources
Relevant Documents:
RCS-101 Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Download Here.
RCS-201 Implementation Manual
Download Here.
GRS-201 GRS Implementation Manual
Downlaod Here.
GRS-403 Quick Guide to the RCS and GRS
Download Here.
CCS-101 Content Claim Standard (CCS)
Download Here.
TE-301 Standards Claims Policy
Download Here.
GRS-202 Textile Exchange Guide to Recycled Inputs
Download Here.
GRS-101 Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Download Here.
Previous Revisions and Alterations
GRS 4.0 and RCS 2.0 were launched on July 1, 2017, following a review involving multiple stakeholders.
From April 1 to May 31, 2021, Textile Exchange solicited public feedback regarding the current iteration of the Global Recycled Standard 4.0 and Recycled Claim Standard 2.0.
In July 2021, Textile Exchange initiated the shift from eight standards to a single unified standard. This GRS 4.0 and RCS 2.0 revision process will now implement this transition.
Proceed with the Subsequent Steps in Your Certification Process
For Brands and Retailers:
Begin procuring certified recycled materials or obtain certification for your own operations.
For Suppliers:
Leverage Textile Exchange's standards to supply products that are certified to incorporate recycled content.
To Locate a Certified Company:
Refer to Textile Exchange's directory to verify if a company is certified or to identify suppliers and manufacturers that hold the RCS or GRS.