What is Global Recycled Standard 4.0

What is GRS?

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, and comprehensive product standard that specifies third-party certification requirements for recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. The objective of the GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products and to minimize or eliminate the harm caused by their production.

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) was originally developed by Control Union (CU) in 2008 and was transferred to the ownership of Textile Exchange on January 1, 2011. The previous version of the standard, GRS 3.0, was released in 2014.

GRS 4.0 replaced GRS 3.0 and came into effect on July 1, 2017. Facilities certified to GRS 3.0 were required to comply with GRS 4.0 starting from July 1, 2018.

GRS certificate style

What is the goal of GRS?

1.Establish a unified definition for various applications.

2.Trace the input of recyclable materials.

3.Provide a tool for customers (brands and consumers) to make informed decisions.

4.Reduce the negative impact of production on people and the environment.

5.Ensure the sustainable recycling and disposal of materials in the final product.

6.Promote innovation in addressing quality issues associated with the use of recycled materials.

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) applies to any product containing a minimum of 20% recycled materials. Certification for every production stage (TC) is required, starting from the recycling process and concluding with the last seller in a business-to-business transaction.

The collection and concentration sites for materials must undergo self-declaration, documentation review, and on-site inspections to ensure compliance.

Specific requirements for GRS certification

Part A Requirements for recycled materials

The GRS standard applies to products containing 20% or more recycled content

Part B Social requirements

Expected results:

Employees working in facilities involved in the production of GRS (Global Recycled Standard) products must be protected by robust social responsibility policies. The social requirements of GRS apply to all operations within the organization undergoing verification. These social requirements are based on the principles of global social responsibility compliance programs. In all cases, international labor standards, national and/or local legislation, or the most stringent GRS requirements should be applied, provided they do not violate applicable laws. Verified facilities must demonstrate compliance with the social principles outlined in Section B2 during their annual audits. Other audit certifications may be accepted, as outlined in the equivalent standards recognized by Textile Exchange.

B2.1 Forced, Bonded, Indentured, and Prison Labor

B2.2 Child Labor，No workers under the age of 16 may be employed.

B2.3 Freedom of Association and Effective Recognition of the Right to Collective Bargaining

B2.4 Discrimination, Harassment, and Abuse

B2.5 Health and Safety

B2.6 Wages, Benefits, and Employment Conditions

B2.7 Working Hours

Part C Environmental requirements

Expected results:

Facilities involved in the production of GRS (Global Recycled Standard) products must implement robust environmental protection measures. GRS environmental requirements apply to all operations within the organization undergoing verification. In all circumstances, national or local legislation, or the most stringent GRS requirements, must be adhered to, provided they do not violate applicable laws. Verified organizations must demonstrate compliance with the environmental requirements outlined in Section C during their annual audits. Other audit certifications may be accepted, referring to the equivalent standards recognized by Textile Exchange.

C1. Environmental Management System

C1.1 Environmental Management System、 EMS Manual

C1.2 Chemical Management System

C2. Environmental Performance Indicators

C2.1 Energy Use

C2.2 Water Use

C2.3 Wastewater/Sewage

C2.4 Air Emissions

C2.5 Waste Management

Part D Chemical requirements

Expected results:

Chemicals used in the production of GRS (Global Recycled Standard) products must not cause unnecessary harm to the environment or workers. The GRS standard specifically addresses the use and management of chemicals during the manufacturing process of GRS-certified products. This standard does not apply to the entire facility but is limited to the production of GRS products. The GRS does not regulate the chemical composition of the final products, as it cannot control the presence of substances that may exist in the recycled materials used as initial inputs in the GRS production chain. It is the responsibility of the final seller of GRS products to ensure that the products comply with their own or specified Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs) or any applicable legal requirements in the selling country.

D1 – Chemical Management under GRS

D1.1 GRS Product Chemical Management

D1.2 Record Keeping

D2 – Restrictions on Chemicals in GRS

The GRS establishes standards for the chemicals that can be used in the production of GRS products based on the following key principles:

1.Exclusion of intrinsically hazardous substances identified under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) as posing risks to human health and/or the environment.

2.Exclusion of substances and mixtures classified under specific hazard codes or hazard phrases.

3.Exclusion of substances that do not comply with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL).

D2.1 Intrinsically Hazardous Substances

Chemicals used in the production of GRS products must not contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as defined under Article 57 of European Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), as outlined in Annex XIV of the regulation.

D2.2 Exclude substances and mixtures classified with specific line codes or hazard phrases

D2.3 Exclude substances from the ZDH that do not comply with the Manufacturer’s Restricted Substances List (MRSL).

Which YGM products have GRS certification?

As a company dedicated to sustainable development, YGM has successfully integrated environmental responsibility into every step of its production process, achieving remarkable milestones, including the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification for its reflective fabric products. This certification not only reflects YGM’s commitment to green manufacturing but also highlights its position as a leader in environmental sustainability within the international market. Looking ahead, with ongoing technological innovation, continuous optimization of production processes, and strict adherence to international standards, YGM is poised to gain further professional recognition and expand its reach into broader global markets, contributing even more to the world’s sustainable development efforts.