We're aiming to reduce waste and contribute to a more circular fashion system through increasing our use of recycled and repurposed fibres. Read on to learn more about the recycled certifications we recognise.
Sourcing Recycled Materials is an important pathway to a more circular fashion system. By investing in Recycled Materials, both pre & post-consumer, we're hoping to help decrease the volume of virgin fibres being sourced - contibuting to lower carbon emissions, extending the lifecycle of existing resources and supporting industry innovation to develop new and exciting technologies.
As we focus on transitioning key synthetic materials to recycled sources of Polyester, Polyamide, Elastane & Acrylic - we also recognise the impact of giving a second life to natural fibres like Cotton, Linen, Hemp & Wool.
A key challenge for the fashion industry is that the technology and infrastructure for textile-to-textile recycling is currently very limited. Textile Exchange reports that pre- and post-consumer textiles accounted for less than 1% of the total global fibre market in 2022. Preventing textiles from going to landfill is an ongoing challenge and one that we are committed to actively collaborate on to transform the fashion ecosystem to a more circular model.
To give us assurance about Recycled Materials, we're able to rely on two key third-party certifications - GRS & RCS, although different, they both certify recycled materials at each stage of the supply chain, ensuring that the final product contains verified Recycled fibres.
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The Recycled Claim Standard's (RCS) main objective is to increase the use of recycled fibres within the industry, whilst focusing on aligning the definition of 'recycled', improving traceability in the supply chain and providing customers with a guide to make informed decisions.
RCS can be used for any product that contains at least 5% Recycled Material - with every stage of production requiring certification in order to hold the RCS mark.
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) upholds all the same objectives and requirements that RCS does however, the standard includes additional requirements that aim to reduce the harmful impact of production on people and the environment, relating to processing and chemical use. In addition to the social and environmental requirements, GRS also includes a higher minimum recycled content percentage of 50%
GRS & RCS are both standards owned by Textile Exchange - THE ICONIC, under our parent company Global Fashion Group (GFG) are proud members of Textile Exchange, a global non-profit driving beneficial impacts on climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry.
