What industries is GRS certification applicable to? Explanation of weight terms when applying for TC

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard aimed at ensuring the content of recycled materials in products, promoting reduced environmental impact, and responsible use of resources. GRS certification covers the entire supply chain from raw material input to production, and finally to the final product.

Scope of application of GRS

Products containing more than 20% recycled materials can apply for GRS certification, and finished products containing 50% recycled materials can use GRS labels. Common GRS certified products include fabrics, yarns, accessories, clothing, leather, shoe materials,toys, plastic products, metal products, packaging, etc.

How to check the authenticity of GRS certificate

After the certification body issues the GRS certificate to the factory, the corresponding information will be uploaded to the Textile Exchange official website, where the company's certification information can be queried.

Search URL: https://textileexchange.org/find-certified-company/

Validity period of GRS certificate

The validity period of GRS certificate is 12 months, starting from the date of obtaining the certificate. Generally, preparations for renewal begin 2-3 months before the certificate expires.

Note: The validity period of the GRS renewal certificate will continue until the previous year. For example, if the certificate expires on November 15, 2024 and is renewed later than December, the certificate will still be valid until November 15 of the following year and will not be calculated according to the new certificate issuance time. Therefore, renewal should be done in a timely manner.

Terminology related to weight description when applying for TC

Gross Shipping Weight

Gross weight refers to the total weight of a product, including packaging, non certified materials, and certified materials. This weight includes all the parts involved in the transportation process, ensuring accurate recording of transportation and logistics.

Net Shipping Weight

Net weight refers to the weight of a product after removing packaging, but should include the weight of accessories and non certified materials. It reflects the actual weight of the product itself, minus the impact of packaging.

Certified Weight

Certified weight only refers to the weight of certified materials. It excludes parts of unverified materials, ensuring the purity and compliance of certified products.

Supplementary weight/trims

Product accessories and accessories refer to non recycled scraps that are not included in the material composition. These accessories may include accessories, manuals, or other related items.

For example, buttons on a sweater are considered accessories. The weight of the accessory is the weight of the button.

Note: Trims cannot exceed 10% of the overall net weight.

Excess parts can only be counted as part of the overall composition. This will affect the proportion of ingredients.

The packaging weight refers to the weight of packaging such as tape, bags, cardboard boxes, etc.

Packaging weight=Gross weight - Net weight during transportation

Net transportation weight=Product net weight+Trims weight

The definition used in GRS is for calculating the net weight of the product, not the net weight of transportation. (Note the difference between product net weight and transportation net weight)

Why do we need to do GRS certification?

1. Opportunity to be included in the procurement directory of international buyers and world-renowned enterprises.

2. Enhance the market competitiveness of enterprises in terms of "green" and "environmental protection".

3. Satisfy customer requirements and have the opportunity to receive more orders.

4. Promoting the use of recycled materials and reducing environmental impact demonstrates the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.