Recycled Standard
Verification of recycled material content in global textile supply chains is managed through a comprehensive voluntary certification scheme. The requirements of grs v4.0 establish clear standards for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, and environmental practices. This version of the standard ensures that apparel brands can confidently label their products as recycled by tracking materials from the recycling facility to the final garment.
It is the leading international benchmark for recycled fiber traceability.
Chain Custody
The certification relies on a system of transaction certificates that trace the material through every processing stage, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment assembly. Each handler in the supply chain must possess a valid scope certificate to prove they are authorized to process recycled materials. This prevents the blending of uncertified virgin fibers with certified recycled fibers under the same product claim.
The documentation is audited annually by independent certification bodies.
Social Compliance
Beyond tracking materials, the standard incorporates strict social and environmental criteria that certified factories must meet during production. Processing mills must implement wastewater treatment systems that monitor chemical oxygen demand and eliminate hazardous chemicals from their wet processing lines. They must also guarantee fair working conditions, including safe working environments and the prohibition of forced labor.
This distinguishes the standard from simpler recycled-only tracking programs.
Material Boundary
The standard requires a minimum of twenty percent recycled material for a product to be eligible for certification. It does not apply to the chemical safety of the non-recycled components of the garment. The certification stops applying once the garment is sold to the final consumer.
