We're very proud of the fact that our swim shorts are made from completely recycled fabric which carries the GRS certification. But what is GRS?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a certification that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. It is administered by the Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organisation that works to promote sustainable practices in the textile industry.
Key aspects of the GRS certification include:
Recycled Content: The GRS certification ensures that a product contains a specified minimum percentage of recycled content. This includes both pre-consumer (post-industrial) and post-consumer recycled materials. The goal is to promote the use of recycled materials in textile products, reducing the demand for virgin resources.
Chain of Custody: GRS certification requires a transparent and traceable supply chain. This involves tracking the flow of materials from the source through production to the final product. This helps guarantee the integrity of the recycled content claims and ensures that the entire supply chain adheres to responsible and sustainable practices.
Social and Environmental Practices: GRS includes criteria related to the social and environmental aspects of production. This may involve adherence to labour standards, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Additionally, it addresses environmental practices, encouraging resource efficiency, reduced water usage, and responsible chemical management.
Chemical Restrictions: The certification places restrictions on the use of certain chemicals. This ensures that the manufacturing processes associated with GRS-certified products comply with environmental and health standards, avoiding the use of harmful substances.
Consumer Confidence: Products carrying the GRS certification label provide consumers with a clear indicator that the item meets specific sustainability criteria. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices, supporting products and companies that align with their values related to environmental and social responsibility.
Applicability to Various Products: While GRS is often associated with textiles and apparel (in our case, swim shorts), the certification can be applied to a wide range of products, including home goods and accessories. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for promoting sustainability across various industries.
In summary, the Global Recycled Standard certification is a comprehensive and holistic standard that addresses multiple aspects of sustainability in the production of textiles and other products. By adhering to GRS criteria, companies demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices, from the use of recycled materials to ethical labour practices and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes.
