GRS and RCS Recycled Materials Certification: Key to Verified Sustainable Claims

Introduction

In today’s eco-conscious market, brands and manufacturers are increasingly expected to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable sourcing and transparent production. GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) are internationally recognized certification programs designed to validate the use of recycled materials throughout a product’s supply chain. These standards not only improve environmental credibility but also build consumer trust through verified claims.

What Is GRS and RCS Certification?

GRS is a voluntary, international product standard that certifies recycled content, chain of custody, environmental and social practices, and chemical restrictions in the production of products. Its goal is to increase the use of recycled materials while minimizing harmful production impacts.

RCS, on the other hand, focuses solely on verifying the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product through a third-party audit of the supply chain. While it shares similarities with GRS, it does not cover environmental and social compliance and chemical restrictions.

Key Differences Between GRS and RCS

Note: Consumer-facing labels can only be used on products certified at the final B2B transaction point.

Who Can Apply for GRS/RCS Certification?

Any organization involved in the product supply chain can apply for GRS or RCS certification, including:

• Manufacturers
• Traders
• Brands

What Products Qualify for GRS/RCS Certification?

GRS and RCS are applicable to a wide range of industries and materials that meet the recycled content thresholds. Commonly certified products include:

• Apparel and textiles
• Footwear and leather goods
• Plastic and metal products
• Packaging materials
• Toys and accessories

What Does GRS/RCS Certification Require?

For GRS:

1. Recycled Content & Chain of Custody: Requires a minimum of 20% recycled material and full traceability across all production stages.
2. Social Responsibility: Includes fair wages, working hours, health and safety, and labor rights. Pre-existing certifications (e.g., SA 8000, BSCI) may support compliance.
3. Environmental Management: Assesses systems for waste, energy, and resource use.
4. Chemical Management: Requires a chemical inventory, SDS, and compliance with GRS restricted substance lists.

For RCS:

Focuses exclusively on recycled content verification and chain of custody documentation.

Certificate Types

• Scope Certificate (SC): Confirms the company and its products meet GRS or RCS standards.
• Transaction Certificate (TC): Issued for each certified shipment, ensuring product traceability for downstream clients. TC certificates are essential for maintaining the integrity of certified supply chains.

Certification Process

1. Preliminary Consultation
2. Submit Application
3. Review Preparation
4. On-site Audit
5. Issue SC Certificate
6. Issue TC Certificate

Why Get GRS/RCS Certified?

• International Recognition: Widely accepted by global brands and markets
• Market Access: Facilitates entry into regions focused on sustainable sourcing, such as the EU and North America
• Brand Credibility: Demonstrates environmental responsibility and boosts green branding
• Cost Efficiency: Encourages the use of recycled materials, reducing dependence on virgin resources
• Supply Chain Transparency: Verifies material flow and promotes traceable and ethical sourcing

Our Services

We offer end-to-end support to simplify your GRS/RCS certification journey:

• One-stop GRS/RCS certification consulting
• On-site audit preparation and support
• SC certificate renewal assistance
• TC certificate account setup and issuance support
• Environmental and chemical management system development
• Tailored training and knowledge-building sessions
• Custom services to meet your specific business needs

Why Choose Us?

• Strong Technical Expertise: Certified professionals and access to industry experts
• Proven Track Record: Extensive experience with sustainability certifications across industries
• Industry Coverage: Expertise in textiles, plastics, packaging, metals, and more
• Multilingual Support: Service available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi