01 / THE PROGRAMME
What does GRS cover?
Global Recycled Standard
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS), owned by Textile Exchange, provides third-party verification of recycled content and chain of custody. It also includes social, environmental and chemical requirements for processing. Certification concerns a defined scope of materials, products, sites and activities. It is more than a supplier declaration or a general claim that a business is sustainable.
02 / THE FIT
Is it relevant to your business?
Who it may suit
- Recyclers, processors and manufacturers working with recycled inputs.
- Textile businesses asked by buyers to provide certified material traceability.
- Supply-chain businesses whose activities fall within the applicable certification scope.
Potential value
- May help substantiate recycled-content claims for the certified scope.
- Can improve the organisation of supplier, production and transaction records.
- May support buyer requirements where the specified certification is accepted.
03 / THE SCOPE
Know the scope before you start.
Recycled content
evidence supporting the claimed material inputs.
Chain of custody
traceability through the relevant supply-chain stages.
Processing requirements
applicable social, environmental and chemical controls.
Claims and labelling
communication must follow the current applicable rules.
04 / THE JOURNEY
From first review to follow-through.
- 01
Define the scope
Identify materials, products, sites and processing activities with a certification body approved for GRS.
- 02
Prepare the evidence
Review supplier information, traceability records and operating practices; address gaps before assessment.
- 03
Complete independent assessment
The certification body reviews documents and conducts the required audit. Resolve any nonconformities it identifies.
- 04
Maintain the system
Keep records current, manage applicable transaction documentation and follow ongoing assessment and claims requirements.
05 / YOUR STARTING POINT
Bring the right information.
Use this as a starting checklist. The final document list depends on your scope and the current programme requirements.
- Business details and a list of sites and activities.
- Product specifications and recycled-material composition details.
- Supplier certificates and relevant purchase evidence.
- Stock, production, sales and traceability records.
- Applicable social, environmental and chemical-management records.
- Existing audit findings and actions taken to address them.
06 / A PRACTICAL PARTNER
How Aegis can help.
- Clarify the intended scope and organise a readiness review.
- Help structure traceability documents and improvement actions.
- Coordinate preparation and follow-up with the selected certification body.
Consulting and preparation support. Official assessments, certification and assistance decisions stay with the responsible bodies.
07 / COMMON QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Does buying certified input automatically certify my finished product?
No. Your activities, supply-chain records and intended claims must meet the applicable requirements. Discuss the full processing chain and certification scope with an approved certification body.
Are a scope certificate and a transaction certificate the same?
No. A scope certificate identifies certified activities and products within its scope. Transaction certificates relate to specific certified product movements, where required. Keep the relevant documents together.
How should we handle changes to the standard?
Follow current Textile Exchange publications and the certification body’s guidance on applicable versions and transitions. Confirm the requirements for your next assessment rather than relying on an older certificate or checklist.
08 / GO TO THE SOURCE
Official programme references.
- Textile Exchange — GRS overview
- Textile Exchange — certification process
- Textile Exchange — chain of custody
Reviewed 24 October 2026. Confirm current scope, eligibility and application requirements with the programme authority or assessment body before applying.