As demand for recycled materials grows, GRS certification has become an important standard in the rPET industry. However, not all certificates in the market are valid or properly traceable.
Understanding how to verify a GRS certificate is essential for safe sourcing.
What to check in a GRS certificate
A valid GRS certificate should clearly include:
- Certification body (SGS, Intertek, etc.)
- Certificate number
- Company name
- Scope of certification
- Validity period
Missing or unclear information may indicate risk.
How to verify
Buyers should: - Check the Textile Exchange database for validity
- Confirm company name matches supplier documents
- Ensure certification scope matches actual activity
- Request Transaction Certificates (TCs) for shipments
Common risks
Typical issues include: - Unverifiable certificates
- Missing TC documents
- Mismatch between supplier and certificate holder
- Incorrect certification scope
Why it matters
GRS is widely used in rPET, fiber, and packaging industries to ensure traceability and compliance.
Proper verification helps buyers reduce supply chain risk and ensure material credibility.
Conclusion
A GRS certificate is only meaningful when it is verifiable and traceable. Reliable suppliers should always provide full documentation, including certificates and transaction records.
