What Is GRS Certification and How Does It Support Sustainable Label Sourcing?

What Is GRS Certification and Why Do Sustainable Brands Choose Qinghan?

Qinghan’s GRS 4.0 certification ensures our functional accessories and paper-based packaging meet strict global recycling, environmental, and social-compliance standards. For brands seeking recycled, traceable, and eco-friendly label solutions, Qinghan provides verified supply-chain transparency and certified recycled content.

Quick Summary

Qinghan is GRS 4.0 certified (Scope Certificate ITS-TE-00298690-GRS-03026100), covering functional accessories and paper products. Our recycled textile labels, molded parts, woven items, and packaging follow strict environmental, social, and chemical requirements—ideal for brands pursuing sustainable and fully traceable production.

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) verifies recycled materials, environmental practices, responsible chemical use, and ethical labor conditions across the supply chain. Qinghan’s GRS 4.0 certification ensures that all certified accessories contain genuine, traceable recycled content and comply with sustainability standards required by global brands.

What Is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) 4.0?

The Global Recycled Standard 4.0 is an internationally recognized certification designed to verify recycled materials within products while ensuring responsible production processes.

GRS focuses on four core areas:

1. Recycled Material Verification – Ensures the authenticity and percentage of recycled content.
2. Environmental Management – Controls wastewater, emissions, and waste handling.
3. Chemical Restrictions – Bans hazardous substances, supporting safer production.
4. Social & Ethical Compliance – Requires fair labor, safety protections, and responsible working conditions.

For B2B buyers, GRS certification offers credible proof that products meet sustainability and traceability requirements demanded by international retailers and eco-conscious consumers.

What Does Qinghan’s GRS Certification Cover?

Qinghan’s certification is issued by Intertek, one of the most trusted global testing and auditing bodies.

Certification Information:

• Scope Certificate Number: ITS-TE-00298690-GRS-03026100
• Scope Certificate Version: ITS-TE-00298690-GRS-03026101
• Standard: GRS 4.0
• TE-ID: TE-00298690
• License Number: TE-00298690
• Location: Qinghan factory, Huizhou, Guangdong, China

Certified Product Categories:

• Functional Accessories (PC0017)
  • Recycled woven label components
  • Recycled molded patches
  • Recycled trims and garment accessories
• Paper Products (PC0021)
  • Hangtags
  • Packaging
  • Paper label components

Certified Process Categories:

Qinghan is certified for the following production processes:

Processes marked with * can be completed by approved subcontractors under Qinghan’s responsibility.

Why Do Brands Require GRS-Certified Labels and Accessories?

Short Answer:
Global fashion brands use GRS certification to ensure recycled materials are authentic, traceable, and produced responsibly. It is now a standard requirement in sustainability programs and supplier onboarding.

Key Benefits for Brands:

• Traceable recycled content verified by an independent auditor
• Reduced environmental impact through controlled processes
• Compliance with major retailers’ sustainability criteria
• Better alignment with ESG and circular-economy goals
• Stronger consumer confidence with credible certification logos

For garment factories, accessory buyers, and sourcing teams, choosing GRS-certified suppliers simplifies audits and ensures consistent compliance.

How Qinghan Supports Sustainable & Circular Production

Qinghan integrates GRS requirements into every stage of production to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

Our sustainability practices include:

• Using verified recycled raw materials in woven, molded, and printed accessories
• Maintaining strict separation between certified and non-certified materials
• Full traceability from raw material to final packaging
• Waste-reduction and responsible recycling processes
• Safe and compliant chemical management
• Regular internal and Intertek external audits

This ensures every GRS-certified order meets the required recycled content percentage and passes supply-chain verification.

What Types of GRS-Compliant Products Does Qinghan Offer?

Qinghan provides a wide range of certified recycled accessories for garment and textile brands.

Common GRS-certified products include:

• Recycled woven labels
• Recycled polyester garment accessories
• Recycled molded silicone/TPU patches
• Recycled-content hangtags and packaging
• Printed recycled tapes or trims
• Sustainable garment branding components

These solutions help brands meet sustainability commitments across multiple product categories.

Can Qinghan Customize GRS-Certified Products for Different Brands?

Short Answer:
Yes—customized design, weaving, molding, and printing can all be performed within the GRS-certified process scope.

Customization Options Include:

• Size, color, and shape adjustments
• Custom recycled yarns, recycled TPU, or paper stocks
• Eco-friendly printing inks
• Sustainable packaging design
• Fully traceable batch identification
• Support for brand sustainability documentation

Whether a brand needs small-batch samples or large-scale mass production, Qinghan maintains full GRS compliance.

FAQ Section

1. Can Qinghan provide GRS transaction certificates (TCs)?

Yes. For every order using GRS-certified materials, Qinghan can issue a Transaction Certificate through the Textile Exchange system.

2. Are all Qinghan products GRS-certified?

Not all, but specific product lines under PC0017 and PC0021 can be produced fully within GRS 4.0 scope.

3. Does GRS certification cover subcontracted processes?

Yes. Some marked processes can be conducted by approved subcontractors audited under Qinghan’s responsibility.

4. What percentage of recycled content does GRS require?

Minimum 20% recycled content is required, but many Qinghan products exceed this depending on customer needs.

5. Can GRS-certified labels help brands reduce audit risks?

Yes. GRS provides clear documentation for sustainability, traceability, and chemical compliance—reducing risk in brand audits.

About Author

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Apollo

Senior E-commerce Manager

Apollo is an experienced e-commerce manager specializing in patches, apparel accessories, and digital marketing, helping global textile brands grow with proven online strategies.

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