GRS recycled content — deep dive
Global Recycled Standard for recycled fibres — 20%/50% thresholds, chain-of-custody, recycled-content claim verification, social + environmental criteria.
What GRS actually certifies
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is the leading standard for recycled-content textiles. Two tiers: GRS Recycled label (≥50% recycled content) and GRS Recycled Blended label (20-49% recycled content). Covers chain-of-custody from recycling plant to final product, environmental criteria (banned-chemistry list aligned with GOTS), and social criteria (no forced labour, child labour, fair pay).
Material focus
Most common: recycled polyester (rPET) from post-consumer PET bottles, recycled cotton from pre-consumer waste, recycled nylon (ECONYL etc.) from fishing nets and carpets. Mass balance allowed in some material categories — verify per-product on Transaction Certificate. Important: recycled-content % refers to total fibre mass; trims, labels, packaging not counted unless separately certified.
Pricing — Italy
EUR pricing excluding VAT. Standard lead 5-8 working days, rush production +35% delivers in 3-5 days. Production hub serves the whole country. IVA 22%, e-invoices via SdI (Sistema di Interscambio). Milano hub.
FAQ
Mass balance allowed?
Yes — GRS allows mass balance for some material categories (chemical recycling of PET). Mechanical recycling typically segregated.
Recycled vs upcycled?
GRS covers downcycled and re-fibred materials. Upcycling (intact fabric repurposed) is a different category — see Made in Green / UPMADE schemes.
Cost?
License 200-800 EUR + audit 1500-3500 EUR / facility / year. TC per shipment 30-80 EUR.
Claims wording?
GRS Recycled (≥50%): can say 'made from recycled material'. GRS Recycled Blended (20-49%): must state the exact %, e.g. 'made with 35% recycled polyester (GRS)'.
rPET safety?
FDA / EFSA approved for textile use. For food-contact (bottles, drinkware) use separate certification chain (e.g. FDA letter for rPET food-contact resin).