GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) certification

        GRS Global Recycling Standard and RCS Recycling Declaration Standard are both developed by textile trade organizations and focus on recycling certification.

        GRS Certification

        GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is an international, voluntary, and comprehensive product standard that establishes third-party certification requirements for recycled content, production and sales supervision chain, social responsibility guidelines and environmental guidelines practices, and chemical restrictions. GRS certification covers the entire supply chain from raw material collection to final product manufacturing, including textiles and clothing, chemical plastics, household goods and other industries.

        The goal of GRS is to increase the use of recycled materials in products while reducing or eliminating the hazards caused by their production process. GRS certification applies to any product containing 20% or more recycled content. Only 50% or more recycled content can be attached to the GRS label on the product.

        RCS Certification

         RCS (Recycled Claimed Standard) is an environmental certification standard that ensures the traceability and transparency of recycled products and materials. The standard was developed by the Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRS) to promote the circular economy and encourage companies to adopt sustainable production methods to reduce waste and pollution. Through RCS certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment and efforts in environmental protection and sustainability of their products, thereby winning the trust of consumers and market recognition.

        RCS certification focuses on the content and regulation of recycled materials. It applies to any product that contains 5% or more recycled content.

        Similarities between GRS and RCS certification

        Both GRS and RCS certifications are developed by textile trade organizations, and both focus on recycling certification. Both certifications are usually valid for one year, during which the certification body will conduct irregular surveillance audits to ensure that the company continues to meet the certification requirements.

        GRS and RCS both use the ISO 14021 definition of recycled content and interpret it based on the US Federal Trade Commission's Green Guide; the purpose is to comply with the most widely recognized and strictest definition.

        Differences between GRS and RCS certification

         GRS can be said to be a high-end version of RCS:

        ◆RCS products can use GRS certified raw materials, but GRS products cannot use RCS raw materials.

        ◆GRS applies to products containing 20% or more recycled content, and RCS applies to any product containing 5% or more recycled content.

        ◆GRS requires consideration of corporate environmental (such as energy and water use, waste management, etc.) and social responsibilities, but RCS does not require it.

        ◆GRS certification has some provisions for the use of chemicals in the process, but RCS does not require it.

        ◆Both have different certification labels.