Why companies are getting certified by the Global Recycling Standard
In today’s world, many companies and organizations want to show they are sustainable. This is great, but many don’t take the proper steps to ensure what they are doing is sustainable. Quite a few companies provide false claims and indirectly lie to their customers about their environmental efforts. A term I’m sure you’re familiar with is called greenwashing.
Many companies have applied for some or all of their products to be certified by the Global Recycling Standard to do good for the planet and appear utterly transparent to their customers.
The Global Recycling Standard (GRS) is an international, voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product. It was developed by Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the textile industry.
The Global Recycling Standard addresses the traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labelling across a product’s entire supply chain. It is used for companies and organizations who want to promote and communicate their commitment to sustainable products and recycled materials.
The Global Recycling Standard examines a product’s processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution. It ensures the products are made from at least 20% recycled material. The standard sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions.
The Global Recycling Standard covers a wide range of materials. It is not limited to textiles but can be applied to various industries, including fashion, apparel, home textiles, and more.
Some of the critical aspects of the Global Recycled Standard include:
- Material Traceability: The GRS requires the transparent tracking of the recycled content from the source of the recycled materials to the finished product.
- Content Verification: The GRS sets guidelines for verifying the percentage of recycled content in a product. This process ensures that the recycled materials meet specific standards and that the origins of these materials can be verified.
- Social and Environmental Criteria: The GRS emphasizes environmental and social responsibility. This can include the responsible use of chemicals and compliance with labour laws and safety standards.
- Chain of Custody: The GRS requires that companies establish and maintain a chain of custody for recycled materials. The companies must show that the materials have been responsibly sourced and processed.
- Labeling and Communication: Once the products meet the GRS requirements, they can use the GRS logo. This labelling helps consumers identify and support recycled products.
Steve Madden’s, the shoe and fashion accessories company, Europe division is Global Recycling Standard certified. Their products contain recycled material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain.
Canada Goose, a winter clothing manufacturer, uses recycled, organic, natural, biodegradable and plant-based fibres and materials. Over 50% of their products are made from Preferred Fibres and Materials and certified by the Global Recycling Standard.
Even TJX companies (including stores like Winners, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx) are members of the GRS. They are committed to using this certification in specific product categories and sourcing recycled or organic materials.
As we look for ways to reduce our impact on the planet, many look towards the companies and organizations doing the same. Being GRS is no easy feat, and companies working towards getting certified are putting in much thought and work to create products out of recycled materials. Becoming certified for all of some of their products is a good, real way to show their customers that they are trying to reduce their environmental impact.
The Global Recycling Standard has hundreds of members already, and we can’t wait to see how many more companies work towards including recycled materials in their products.
