In today’s textile industry, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s an expectation. GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification is becoming increasingly important for brands and manufacturers who want to show that they care about the environment and responsible production. This certification not only confirms the use of recycled materials, but also checks that companies follow good practices when it comes to the environment, workers’ rights, and safe chemicals. For textile suppliers, having GRS certification builds trust with customers and helps them meet international standards. This article breaks down what GRS is, how it works, and why it’s worth considering for your business.
What Is GRS Certification and Who Manages It?
When it comes to sustainability in textiles, GRS certification is one of the clearest ways to prove you’re doing things right. But what exactly does it cover—and who makes sure it’s legit?
What the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Covers
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a globally recognized certification that verifies a fabric truly contains recycled content—not just a marketing claim. But it goes way beyond that. GRS also looks at how your product is made: Are you using safe chemicals? Are workers treated fairly? Is your production process minimizing harm to the environment?
In short, GRS doesn’t just check what’s in your fabric—it checks how responsibly you made it.
Who Oversees the GRS?
GRS is managed by Textile Exchange, a respected non-profit that’s driving sustainability across the textile industry. They’re the ones who define the rules and approve third-party certifiers who go out and audit factories. So when a fabric is GRS-certified, it’s not just a self-declared label—it’s been checked and verified by trained professionals.
What GRS Certification Stands For
At its core, GRS certification is built on three big ideas:
- Traceability – You can follow the recycled material all the way through your supply chain, from raw fiber to finished product.
- Environmental Responsibility – Your manufacturing process meets strict standards for emissions, waste, and chemical use.
- Social Responsibility – Your workers are treated fairly and ethically, with safe conditions and legal protections.
If you’re trying to win over global buyers, meet ESG expectations, or just prove you walk the sustainability talk—GRS gives you the credibility to back it up.
Why GRS Matters in the Textile Supply Chain
In today’s market, being sustainable isn’t just a bonus—it’s expected. Whether you’re a fabric mill, manufacturer, or brand supplier, GRS certification can help you meet growing demands while building real trust with your buyers.
Sustainability Expectations Are Rising
More and more global brands—and their customers—are choosing to work only with partners who care about the planet. It’s not enough to just say you’re “eco-friendly” anymore. You need proof.
GRS-certified fabrics do exactly that. They show that you’re not just using recycled materials, but that you’re committed to producing them in a responsible, ethical, and traceable way.
It Helps You Meet Buyer Requirements—Faster
Large buyers—especially international fashion brands—are asking for proof that materials are recycled and made responsibly. GRS makes that proof easy to provide.
It Builds Trust Through Real Transparency
One of the biggest advantages of GRS? Full supply chain visibility. From raw recycled fiber to finished fabric roll, each step is tracked and documented.
This level of transparency not only sets you apart from competitors—it helps you build long-term relationships with buyers who want partners they can count on.
What Materials Can Be GRS Certified?
GRS certification isn’t limited to one type of textile—it covers a wide range of recycled materials used across fashion, sportswear, home textiles, and more. The key is traceability: no matter the source, the recycled content has to be proven, documented, and tracked all the way through production.
Common GRS-Certified Fabrics
Some of the most widely certified materials include:
- Recycled polyester (rPET) – often made from used plastic bottles
- Recycled nylon – from things like old fishing nets, carpets, or industrial waste
- Recycled cotton – from leftover fabric scraps or discarded garments
These fibers are popular because they combine sustainability with performance, making them ideal for activewear, denim, fashion, and even upholstery.
Pre-Consumer vs. Post-Consumer Waste
GRS accepts both types:
- Pre-consumer waste: scraps or leftover materials from factories
- Post-consumer waste: items that were already used by consumers (like PET bottles or old clothing)
As long as the origin of the recycled content is clearly documented, it can be certified. This flexibility makes GRS practical for a wide range of textile businesses looking to reduce waste and upcycle materials.
Tracking Materials from Start to Finish
GRS isn’t just about what’s in your fabric—it’s about being able to prove it. Every time recycled material changes hands during production, a document called a Transaction Certificate (TC) is issued.
These certificates create a transparent trail from raw material to final product—so buyers can trust what they’re getting, and brands can confidently communicate their sustainability story.
How Does GRS Certification Work?
Step 1: Collecting the Right Documents
You’ll need to show where your recycled materials come from and how your products are made.
Step 2: On-Site Inspection
A certified third-party organization will visit your factory to check that your processes meet GRS standards—including safety, environmental, and labor practices.
Step 3: Stay Certified
Once you’re certified, you’ll need to go through regular yearly checks to keep your certification active.
Why Work with a GRS-Certified Textile Supplier?
When you’re sourcing fabrics, you’re not just looking for the right texture or performance—you’re also looking for partners you can trust. Choosing a GRS-certified supplier makes the entire process smoother, more credible, and aligned with the growing global demand for sustainability.
Get Recognized by Global Brands
GRS is a globally respected certification. Working with a GRS-certified textile supplier instantly signals that your materials meet international standards—not just in recycled content, but also in ethical and environmental practices. For brands looking to expand across markets, that kind of recognition can make all the difference.
Make It Easier for Your Buyers to Say “Yes”
When your fabrics already come with GRS certification, it takes a major load off your buyer’s shoulders. They don’t have to dig for proof, verify sustainability claims, or double-check sourcing. Everything’s documented and ready to go—which means faster decisions, fewer headaches, and a better experience for everyone involved.
Walk the Talk on Sustainability
Brands today aren’t just judged by what they make—they’re judged by how they make it. Sourcing from GRS-certified suppliers makes it easier to meet your ESG goals, back up your marketing claims, and share a real sustainability story with your customers. And the best part? It’s not just good for your image—it’s good for the planet too.
How We Support GRS Standards
Sustainability isn’t something we add on—it’s part of how we work every day. As a GRS-certified textile manufacturer, we’re proud to offer reliable, high-quality fabrics that meet international sustainability standards and make life easier for our partners.
Our GRS-Certified Fabric Range
We provide a wide selection of GRS-certified fabrics, including:
- Soft, breathable recycled polyester for activewear and fashion
- Tough recycled nylon blends ideal for bags, jackets, and performance gear
- Custom fabric solutions for lifestyle, home, and industrial use
No matter the application, each material is certified, traceable, and designed with both function and sustainability in mind.
From Raw Fiber to Finished Fabric—All In-House
Every step of the process—from sourcing recycled raw materials to knitting, dyeing, and finishing—is handled in-house. This lets us maintain strict quality control and ensure complete traceability at every stage. Our transaction certificates follow each fabric roll from origin to delivery.
Going Beyond Certification
Being GRS-certified is just one part of our long-term commitment to responsible manufacturing. We’ve also invested in:
- Water-saving dyeing technology
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly chemical processes
- Transparent sourcing and fair labor practices
We believe sustainability works best when it’s built into the system—not just printed on a label.
How GRS Compares to Other Certifications
There are a lot of sustainability certifications out there, and it can be tricky to understand how they differ. Here’s a quick breakdown of how GRS stacks up against some of the most common ones—and when it makes sense to use them together.
GRS vs. RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)
RCS only confirms that a material is recycled. GRS goes further by also checking environmental and social impacts.
GRS vs. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is for organic fibers, while GRS is designed for recycled materials—especially synthetic ones.
GRS and OEKO-TEX Work Well Together
GRS checks for recycling and ethics. OEKO-TEX checks for chemical safety. Using both shows your fabric is safe and responsible.
Common Questions About GRS-Certified Fabrics
Can GRS-certified fabric be used in performance wear?
Absolutely. GRS-certified polyester and nylon are widely used in activewear, outdoor gear, and athleisure. They’re not just eco-friendly—they’re also durable, breathable, and perfect for technical applications. Many global sportswear brands already use them in everything from leggings to jackets.
How can I check if a supplier is really GRS certified?
A truly GRS-certified supplier should have two key documents ready to share:
- A valid scope certificate – this confirms the company is officially certified by an approved third-party body.
- Transaction certificates (TCs) – these trace specific shipments or batches of fabric through the supply chain.
If a supplier can’t provide both, it’s a red flag. It’s okay to ask questions—and if things still don’t check out, it’s smart to look elsewhere.
Is GRS required by law?
No, GRS isn’t mandatory by law—at least not yet. But many global brands and buyers now list it as a sourcing requirement, especially when sustainability or ESG goals are part of the project. Having GRS certification helps you stand out and speeds up approval from procurement teams.
GRS Conclusion
As sustainability becomes a key priority in the textile industry, GRS certification represents a clear commitment to responsible, traceable, and globally compliant manufacturing. Beyond recycled content, it verifies ethical production, environmental management, and supply chain transparency.
We are proud to share that SUN DREAM ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. has achieved Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0 certification, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable practices without compromising quality. We look forward to partnering with brands seeking reliable, eco-conscious fabric solutions to create long-term value within the circular economy.
Looking for a GRS-compliant partner? Let’s connect.
