Sustainability has become a core requirement for brands across the apparel, sportswear, and promotional products industries. But with so many claims about eco-friendly materials circulating in the market, buyers need a way to verify what they’re actually getting. That’s where sourcing GRS certified fabric comes in. If you source recycled fabrics or work with suppliers who claim to offer sustainable materials, understanding what GRS means and what it actually certifies is essential for making informed sourcing decisions and backing up your own sustainability claims with documentation. This guide explains what GRS certification is, how it works, why it matters for your business, and what to look for when sourcing GRS-certified fabrics.

What Is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)?

The Global Recycled Standard, commonly known as GRS, is an international voluntary standard that verifies the recycled content of a product and traces it through the entire supply chain. It is administered by Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit organization focused on responsible fiber and materials sourcing. GRS certification applies to any product that contains at least 20% recycled material. It covers all stages of production, from raw material processing through to the finished product, and includes requirements for social and environmental practices as well as chemical restrictions.

For textile brands and fabric buyers, GRS is the most widely recognized and trusted framework for verifying recycled content claims.

What Does GRS Actually Certify?

GRS certification confirms three things:

1. Recycled content is verified. The percentage of recycled material in a product is documented and verified at every stage of the supply chain. This means you can trace a GRS-certified fabric back to its source material, whether that’s post-consumer plastic bottles, pre-consumer fiber waste, or other recycled inputs.

2. Chain of custody is tracked. Every company that handles the material, from fiber producer to yarn spinner to fabric mill to finished goods manufacturer, must be GRS certified. This eliminates the risk of greenwashing through uncertified intermediaries.

3. Social and environmental criteria are met. GRS includes requirements related to responsible business practices, including restrictions on hazardous chemicals and basic social compliance standards at each stage of production.

Why Brands Require GRS Certification

GRS has become a baseline requirement for many retailers, brands, and distributors that sell into sustainability-conscious markets, particularly in North America and Europe.

It protects against greenwashing claims. Simply saying a fabric is made from recycled polyester is not enough. Without third-party certification, there is no way to verify the claim. GRS provides independent verification that the recycled content is real and traceable.

It supports product marketing and labeling. Brands that source GRS-certified fabrics can use certified recycled content claims in their product descriptions, hang tags, and marketing materials. This is increasingly important for retail buyers and end consumers who look for proof before purchasing.

It satisfies retailer and buyer requirements. Many large retailers and sporting goods brands now include GRS or equivalent certification in their supplier qualification criteria. Having GRS-certified materials in your supply chain can open doors that would otherwise require lengthy audits and documentation processes.

It builds long-term credibility. As regulatory requirements around environmental claims tighten in key markets, brands that have already built certified sustainable supply chains will be better positioned than those scrambling to comply after the fact.

GRS vs. Other Sustainability Certifications

GRS is specifically focused on recycled content and chain of custody. It is often used alongside other certifications that address different aspects of sustainability:

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that a fabric has been tested and found free of harmful substances at every stage of production. It does not verify recycled content but focuses on chemical safety for the end user.

BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) applies specifically to conventional cotton and focuses on improving farming practices. It does not apply to recycled or synthetic materials.

For brands sourcing recycled polyester for performance apparel, blanks, or promotional products, GRS is the most directly relevant certification. It is not uncommon for a single fabric to carry multiple certifications, for example GRS plus OEKO-TEX, which together cover both recycled content and chemical safety.

Greentex GRS-Certified Recycled Fabrics

At Greentex, a significant part of our fabric line is made from GRS-certified recycled polyester, sourced to meet the traceability and content requirements that brands and buyers need for their sustainability programs.

All of our Eco-line fabrics carry GRS certification. This includes a wide range of constructions and applications, so regardless of the product category you are developing, there is likely a certified option that fits:

• AeroWick Eco – Interlock, performance and sun protection apparel
• Apricot Eco – Heavy Double Brush, lifestyle and fashion
• Asahi Eco – Shiny Satin, fashion and eveningwear
• Basic Plus Eco – Heavy Cotton Feel Jersey, casual apparel
• Batti Eco – Dull Satin, fashion and home textiles
• Canoa Active Eco – Stretch Poly, activewear and swimwear
• Costa 150 Eco – Linen Look, fashion and home
• Flex Eco – Stretch Poly, activewear
• Hakune Eco – Twill Satin, fashion
• Holly Eco – 100% Recycled Polyester, versatile apparel
• Miami Eco – Recycled Polyester with Spandex, active and swimwear
• New York Eco – Terry Fleece, casualwear and loungewear
• Nutibara Eco – Ripstop, outerwear and technical apparel
• Omega Eco – Pique, polo shirts and sportswear
• Opera Eco – Chiffon, fashion and eveningwear
• Peach Eco – Double Brush, lifestyle and casualwear
• Soft Shell Eco – 100% Recycled Polyester, outerwear
• Tomine Eco – Jersey Mesh, sports jerseys and uniforms
• Tota Eco – Marathon, running and endurance apparel
• Travel Mare Eco – Sand Repellant Microfiber, beachwear and outdoor
• Universal Eco – Microfiber, multipurpose sublimation

All of these fabrics are compatible with dye sublimation printing and available with full GRS documentation. Whether you are building a sustainable sportswear line, sourcing blanks for eco-friendly branded merchandise, or looking to document recycled content for a retail account, we can supply GRS certified fabric with the paperwork to back it up.