Are you looking for eco-friendly bags with certified recycled materials? However, simply claiming a product is “made from recycled materials” is no longer enough, certification is key.
There are two widely recognized standards in this area: the Recycling Claims Standard (RCS) and the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
Both certifications help verify the recycled content in products, but they have key differences in terms of scope and requirements. This article will provide a detailed comparison of RCS vs. GRS, helping businesses choose the right certification for their needs.
What is RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)?
The RCS (Recycled Claims Standard) is a voluntary international standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in products.
The RCS certification applies to any product containing recycled materials, and its goal is to implement a chain-of-custody system that ensures credibility and transparency in the use of recycled materials through third-party verification.
- Textiles (recycled cotton, RPET fiber, etc.)
- Reusable bags and accessories
- Paper products (recycled paper bags, recycled boxes)
- Plastic products (recycled PET bottles, containers, and packaging)
- Consumer goods with recycled content
RCS-certified products must contain at least 5% recycled content. The certification applies to individual materials rather than entire products, meaning it verifies the recycled component rather than the sustainability of the full product lifecycle.
The certification follows the chain of custody principle, meaning each stage of production, from raw material sourcing to final product manufacturing, must be audited and certified to maintain the integrity of the recycled content.
How to get an RCS Certificate?
RCS-certified products carry the RCS logo, indicating the percentage of certified recycled content. So, how to get RCS certification?
- Certification application: Enterprises submit an application to the authorized agency and provide related materials to prove it.
- Supply chain audit: The certification authority checks the recycled material usage in the supply chain.
- Material traceability: Confirmation that the percentage of recycled materials in the product meets RCS standards.
- Issue of certificate: Enterprises can obtain RCS certification after passing the audit and can use the RCS logo on their products.
What is GRS (Global Recycled Standard)?
GRS (Global Recycling Standard) was also established by Textile Exchange, but it is more stringent and comprehensive than the RCS certification. It verifies not only the recycled material’s composition but also includes environmental and social responsibility requirements.
The GRS standard applies to the entire supply chain and covers traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical composition, and labeling. GRS certification is widely used by companies that want to go beyond material verification and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Textile and fashion (recycled polyester, cotton, nylon)
- Paper products ( eco-friendly packaging, recycled paper bags)
- Packaging (recycled plastic bags, cardboard)
- Home Furnishings
- Automotive components
GRS-certified products must contain at least 20% recycled material. However, for a product to carry the GRS label, it must have at least 50% recycled content. Unlike RCS, GRS focuses on the material itself and ensures that the manufacturing process follows ethical and sustainable practices.
Additional Environmental & Social Requirements
One of the key advantages of GRS over RCS is its broader sustainability scope. GRS certification requires:
- Chemical Restrictions – Prohibits hazardous chemicals, ensuring safe material handling.
- Environmental Responsibility – Requires companies to track water and energy consumption, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact.
- Social Responsibility – Enforces fair labor practices, prohibiting child labor, and forced labor, and ensuring worker safety.
How to Get GRS?
- Material Verification – Raw materials must be certified as recycled.
- Supply Chain Compliance – Factories and suppliers must follow GRS environmental and social guidelines.
- Third-party Audit & Certification – The supply chain is verified for compliance.
- Final Product Approval – If the product meets GRS criteria, it can display the GRS logo.
What are the Key Differences Between RCS vs. GRS?
Both standards rely on the foundation of the Content Claims Standard (CCS), the chain of custody for all textile exchange standards, which ensures the identity of claimed materials from the raw material to the maintenance of its final product. While both RCS and GRS help verify recycled content, they cater to different levels of sustainability commitment.
Three Main Objectives of RCS & GRS
- Ensure transparency in the use of recycled materials.
- Support sustainable production practices.
- Provide consumer confidence in environmentally responsible products.
The Key Differences Between RCS and GRS
RCS-certified products must contain a minimum of 5% recycled content. GRS-certified products must contain a minimum of 20% recycled content. Even GRS-labeled products must contain at least 50% recycled content. In addition, GRS includes additional sustainability and ethical manufacturing requirements compared to RCS.
- Minimum Recycled Content: RCS requires only 5%, whereas GRS requires at least 20%.
- Environmental Impact Considerations: GRS includes requirements for chemical management, energy use, and waste reduction, which RCS does not cover.
- Social Responsibility: GRS ensures fair labor practices, while RCS focuses only on recycled content verification.
Table Comparison of RCS and GRS
| Criteria | RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) | GRS (Global Recycled Standard) |
| Minimum Recycled Content | 5% | 20% (50% for labeling) |
| Material Verification | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental Requirements | No | Yes |
| Chemical Restrictions | No | Yes |
| Social Responsibility Requirements | No | Yes |
| Supply Chain Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Labeling Rules | Can be labeled with 5% recycled content | Must have 50% recycled content for labeling |
Application of RCS/GRS in the Eco-Friendly Bag Industry
Eco-friendly bags from recycled materials have become a popular choice for brands, retailers, and businesses. But simply claiming that a bag is “made from recycled materials” isn’t enough, buyers are increasingly looking for certified sustainable products. This is where RCS and GRS certifications add value.
RCS-Certified Recycled Bags are best for brands that want affordable, verifiable recycled content without additional sustainability compliance requirements. Common materials include:
- RCS-certified rPET Bags (Recycled Polyester Bags) – From recycled plastic bottles, an ideal alternative to traditional plastic bags.
- RCS-certified recycled cotton bags – A great option for brands wanting an eco-friendly alternative to virgin cotton bags.
GRS ensures a more sustainable and ethical production process, making them ideal for brands that prioritize high environmental standards. GRS-certified recycled bags are the preferred choice for brands that require high sustainability standards. These bags need to be secured:
- Verified high recycled content (50% or more)
- Ethical production (fair wages, safe working conditions)
- No harmful chemicals used in dyeing and finishing
- Lower carbon footprint compared to conventional bags
Many companies choose GRS-certified bags to meet the strict environmental and social standards required by international markets, particularly in Europe and North America.
How to Choose the Right Certification?
Choosing between RCS and GRS depends on your business goals, market requirements, and commitment to sustainability. When deciding between RCS and GRS, consider the following factors:
- If you only need to verify the use of recycled materials → RCS is sufficient
- If you want to ensure ethical and environmentally responsible production → Choose GRS
- If targeting premium markets with strict sustainability policies → GRS is more widely accepted
- If looking for a cost-effective certification with minimal compliance requirements → RCS is more affordable
Conclusion
Both RCS and GRS play an essential role in verifying recycled content, but they cater to different business needs. RCS is a straightforward certification focused on material verification. GRS is a more comprehensive standard that includes environmental and social responsibility criteria.
If you’re looking for RCS or GRS-certified reusable bags, check out Gentle Packing. Selecting the right certification can enhance brand credibility and meet sustainability goals.