What is GRS Certification?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary, full product standard designed to verify and track the accuracy of recycled content in products. It also incorporates requirements for social responsibility, environmental practices, chemical management, and supply chain traceability.
The certification not only focuses on the final product but also requires that the entire supply chain — from recycling and material processing to manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and transactions — complies with the standard.
The purpose of GRS is to:
- Verify that the percentage of recycled content in products is genuine, not just a marketing claim.
- Strengthen consumer and brand trust in sustainable products.
- Drive industry improvements in chemical use, wastewater treatment, social responsibility, and environmental impact.
- Promote a circular economy and reduce resource consumption and pollution through standardized and traceable processes.
A key quantitative requirement is that products must contain at least 20% recycled content to apply for GRS certification. If a product wishes to claim a specific percentage on the label, it usually must contain 50% or more recycled content.
GRS in Vietnam: Current Situation
Vietnam has made progress in adopting GRS, but the overall penetration is still limited, and the industry remains in an accelerated adoption stage. This reflects both Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains and the uneven pace of sustainable development among local companies.
Several certification bodies already operate in Vietnam:
- GCL International has a local branch handling GRS certification.
- Control Union promotes certification programs in Vietnam.
- Local providers such as KNA Cert also offer services.
- Bureau Veritas provides multiple sustainability-related certifications, including GRS, RCS, and OCS.
However, implementation faces challenges. Certification requires extensive audits, documentation, corrective actions, and internal control, which can be overwhelming for small and medium-sized factories. Vietnam’s supply chains are fragmented, with outsourced processes and diverse raw material sources, making compliance difficult. Knowledge and capacity gaps also exist, as some factories lack familiarity with GRS requirements and adequate internal management systems.
With growing applications, third-party auditing resources may become strained, creating scheduling delays. Market demand also plays a role. International brands increasingly require sustainability certifications, but domestic demand is still low, so many factories lack incentive to invest. Adding to the uncertainty, GRS is expected to transition gradually into the Materials Matter Standard, meaning certified companies will face new requirements in the future.
Which Factories in Vietnam Have GRS Certification?
| Factory / Company Name | Description / Evidence |
|---|---|
| SPARK Foamtech Vietnam | Specializes in the development and mass production of supercritical foaming materials. Its Vietnam factory has obtained GRS certification, applied in footwear and sporting goods. |
| OrthoLite Vietnam Factory | OrthoLite states that its Vietnam factory has obtained GRS certification, used for its insole products. |
| Thygesen Textile Vietnam | The official website indicates that the company has obtained GRS certification as part of its sustainability practices. |
| W.ELL Fabric (Vietnam) | The company’s website mentions that its processes and products in Vietnam hold multiple green certifications, including GRS. |
| LT P Garment (Vietnam Factory) | A LinkedIn post states: “Our Vietnam Garment Factory is now GRS certified as of November 2024.” |
| Delta Galil Vietnam Co., Ltd. | Listed on Organic Basics’ “Factories in Vietnam” page as holding GRS certification. |
What Does a GRS Do? What is the Purpose of GRS?
In practice, GRS serves multiple functions:
- Tracking and verifying recycled content: Through tools such as the Transaction Certificate (TC) and Scope Certificate (SC), GRS ensures that every stage from raw material recycling to the final product is traceable, compliant, and genuine.
- Driving supply chain improvements: Companies applying for certification must evaluate their practices in chemical management, wastewater treatment, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. This creates an improvement mechanism across the supply chain.
- Building trust in sustainability claims: Certified brands and factories can confidently communicate recycled content and sustainability practices to consumers and partners, reducing doubts about “green labels.”
- Encouraging recycled material usage: The standard aims to increase the proportion of recycled materials in products, reducing reliance on virgin resources and lowering environmental impact.
GRS is a comprehensive framework that covers the entire supply chain. Its purpose is to make recycled content claims more credible, promote sustainability and social responsibility, and expand the use of recycled materials in commercial production.
How to Get Recycled Material Foam Products in Vietnam
- Raw Material Sourcing: Use GRS-certified recycled material suppliers and obtain Transaction Certificates (TC).
- Foaming Process: Adjust recycled content ratio (minimum 20%, usually 50% or more for labeled claims) to ensure stable foam quality.
- Factory Management: Implement systems for chemical control, wastewater treatment, energy tracking, and worker safety to meet GRS requirements.
- Audit and Certification: Pass on-site audits by authorized certification bodies to obtain a Scope Certificate (SC).
- Compliant Shipping: Apply for Transaction Certificates (TC) for each product batch to maintain supply chain transparency.
- Annual Renewal: GRS certificates are valid for one year and require surveillance audits and renewal.
If you are looking for a partner who can truly deliver on sustainability, SPARK Foamtech is here to help you develop and mass-produce recycled foam products in Vietnam. Our factory is GRS-certified and equipped with end-to-end capabilities, from sourcing recycled materials and adjusting formulations to process control and international audits.
Get in touch with SPARK today to bring your products into the sustainable market faster.
How to Apply for a GRS Certificate
The process may vary depending on the certifier, industry, or country. The application process typically includes:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Preliminary Assessment and Preparation | The factory or brand must first conduct an internal review and gap analysis of its existing raw materials, processes, supplier systems, documentation, and environmental and social responsibility management systems. At this stage, it is also necessary to confirm whether upstream suppliers (recycling, material suppliers) can comply with or already hold GRS certification. |
| 2. Selecting a Certification Body and Quotation | Contact an authorized certification body (such as Control Union, TÜV SÜD, Bureau Veritas, ICEA, IDFL, etc.) to submit an application. The certifier will provide a quotation and audit plan based on the factory’s scale, process complexity, and geographical location (including potential travel and accommodation costs). |
| 3. Contract Signing and Initial Preparation | After signing the contract, the factory must submit initial documentation (such as organizational charts, process flow diagrams, material lists, supplier lists, and environmental/social management documents). The certification body will then prepare the audit plan and schedule. |
| 4. On-Site Audit | The certification body dispatches auditors to the factory to examine records, evaluate process implementation, collect samples for testing, conduct employee interviews, and verify controls over chemicals, emissions, wastewater treatment, workplace safety, and supply chain traceability systems. |
| 5. Corrective Actions for Non-Conformances (if any) | If the audit identifies non-conformances, the factory must submit a corrective action plan and evidence within a set timeframe. Only after approval by the certification body can the process move forward. |
| 6. Issuance of Scope Certificate | Once all requirements are met, the certification body issues a Scope Certificate, confirming that the factory or brand complies with GRS standards within the defined processes and product scope. |
| 7. Transaction Certificates (TC) | For every qualifying product transaction (such as material purchases, semi-finished product transfers, or final product shipments), the factory or brand must apply for a Transaction Certificate to prove compliance of that batch under GRS standards. This ensures transparency from upstream to downstream. |
| 8. Annual Surveillance Audit and Renewal | A GRS certificate is usually valid for one year. Before expiration, the company must undergo re-audits, reviews, corrective actions, and renewal of certification. If there are operational changes (such as new production lines or altered processes), additional audits may be required. |
What Are the Benefits of GRS Certification?
- Strengthened market competitiveness and brand image.
- Improved consumer trust and product differentiation.
- Access to international markets.
- Better internal management and risk control.
- Measurable and traceable use of recycled materials.
- Energy saving, emission reduction, and improved resource efficiency.
- More customer and partnership opportunities.
- Support for corporate transformation and innovation.
At a time when global supply chains are placing increasing emphasis on sustainability, GRS certification is no longer just a “nice-to-have” but has become an essential threshold for brands and manufacturers to gain market recognition. It transforms recycled content, supply chain transparency, and environmental and social responsibility into measurable and verifiable standards. While Vietnam is still in the stage of promotion and adaptation, the presence of both international and local certification bodies indicates that wider adoption is on the horizon.
For companies, the challenge lies in balancing costs and management requirements. However, once this hurdle is overcome, it not only enhances brand competitiveness but also builds trust with international buyers. With new standards such as the Materials Matter Standard on the way, businesses need to prepare early to avoid being caught off guard.
In simple terms, GRS certification is not just about “proving you used recycled materials.” It is a mechanism that compels companies to review and improve their overall practices. At the same time, it serves as a passport to the global marketplace—those who adapt faster will hold the advantage in the next wave of sustainable supply chain competition.