What is GRS and TC?

  The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary, and comprehensive product certification standard. Its primary objective is to verify and track the recycled content within a product while ensuring that its production adheres to strict environmental and social criteria. Managed by Textile Exchange, the GRS provides a robust chain of custody system that traces recycled materials from their source through the entire supply chain.

A Transaction Certificate (TC) is a critical document in this ecosystem. It is issued by an independent certification body to provide proof that a specific shipment or batch of goods has been manufactured in compliance with the GRS requirements. Each TC serves as a verifiable link, confirming that the product's journey from raw recycled material to the final item has been monitored and validated.

  The core purpose of GRS certification is to accelerate the adoption of recycled materials, thereby reducing resource consumption and waste. It offers companies a transparent and credible way to communicate their sustainability achievements to consumers. The standard encompasses key areas including recycled content verification, stringent environmental principles, social responsibility for workers, and strict chemical restrictions. The application process involves first obtaining a facility-level GRS certification through an audit. Subsequently, for every qualifying order, the company must apply for a TC by submitting supporting documents like invoices and shipping details to the certifying body, which then issues the transaction certificate.