What is Global Recycle Standard (GRS)?
The goal of the GRS is to increase use of recycled materials in products and reduce/eliminate the harm caused by its production.
GCL International's accredited scope for GRS includes:
- Content of recycled fibres in textile products
- Content of recycled metal in metal products
- Content of recycled plastic in plastic products
- Content of recycled paper in paper products
The objectives of GRS:
- Alignment of definitions across multiple applications;
- Track and trace recycled input materials;
- Provide customers (brands and consumers) with a tool to make informed decisions;
- Reduce harmful impact of production to people and the environment;
- Provide assurance that materials in the final product are actually recycled and sustainably processed;
- Drive innovation in addressing quality issues in the use of recycled materials.
The GRS certification process:
Application and contract
Preparation for the Initial GRS Certification Audit
- Briefing information about the GRS Standard;
- Standard and Implementation Manual;
- Document checklist;
- Inspection report which includes inspection checklists, list of suppliers and subcontractors.
Initial Certification Audit
- Opening meeting
- On-site Audit
- Preparation of Audit Report (including Findings)
- Closing meeting
Labelling Release
Transaction Certificate
- The certified client may request a Transaction Certificate by emailing us;
- Send a Transaction Certificate Request form and associated documents to us;
- If approved by us, the Transaction Certificate is issued to the client.
Re-assessment or Annual Audit
- GCL International will communicate with the client to plan for the re-assessment and to determine if there has been any changes, such as: production units, subcontractors, recipes or new suppliers. An audit report must be completed by the client and returned to us;
- GCL International will conduct the re-assessment;
- Following the completion of the assessment, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a certificate with TE labelling is issued
Companies in ginning, spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing and printing, and cut and sew are eligible for certification.
Certification Features
- Recycled Polymer Materials - Contains a minimum of 20% recycled content
- Ethical - Avoids questionable or unethical sources
- Labor Protections - Ensures that workers are treated fairly according to internationally recognized (ILO) labor standards
- Supply Chain Management - Introduces supply chain risk management tools to improve sourcing strategies and prevent destructive environmental practices
- Environmental Impact Assessment - examines the environmental impacts associated with product manufacturing
- Chain of Custody – Transaction certificates follow the material through the supply chain
Certification with GCL benefits you, your customers, and other stakeholders, by demonstrating:
- Alignment of definitions across multiple applications.
- Tracking and tracing Recycled input materials.
- Providing customers (both brands and consumers) with a tool to make informed decisions.
- Reducing harmful impact of production to people and the environment.
- Providing assurance that materials in the final product are actually Recycled and processed more sustainably.
- Driving innovation in addressing quality issues in the use of Recycled materials.
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