If your business is aiming to build a responsible, future-proof supply chain, the journey often begins with the right materials—and the right information. For a quick primer on why recycled 3D printing filaments are so crucial in today’s marketplace, check out this helpful resource on why business needs recycled 3D filaments. Now, as procurement leaders and conscious buyers are increasingly required to demonstrate sustainability, the role of internationally recognized certifications has never been more vital. Among the most significant of these are GRS and RCS, but what exactly do they mean, and how can they transform your procurement process in 2025?
Understanding GRS and RCS Certifications
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) are both voluntary, globally recognized certifications designed to verify the recycled content of products and provide clear, transparent criteria for sustainability claims. GRS goes a step further by including stringent requirements around environmental practices, social responsibility, and chemical use. In contrast, RCS is more focused, verifying the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product.
Both certifications are managed by Textile Exchange, a respected nonprofit driving industry transformation. Their influence has rapidly expanded beyond textiles and apparel into adjacent industries—3D printing included—where companies are seeking credibility in the recycled materials space.
Why Certifications Matter in Modern Procurement
Today’s procurement teams operate in a climate of intense scrutiny from regulators, customers, and investors. Buyers are expected not just to secure the best prices but to ensure materials meet ethical and environmental standards. Certifications like GRS and RCS offer vital assurance for procurement professionals. They create traceability, reduce greenwashing risks, and make supplier vetting far more efficient.
For businesses, displaying these certification marks on their products signals to customers that sustainability claims are more than just marketing—they’re validated by credible third parties.
Deep Dive: GRS Certification and Its Broad Scope
The Global Recycled Standard is the gold standard for organizations looking to demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to sustainability. GRS certification verifies not only the recycled content but also mandates strict environmental management practices throughout production. This includes wastewater treatment, air emissions controls, and safe chemical management. Social requirements are also woven into the GRS framework, ensuring fair labor practices and worker health and safety.
From a procurement perspective, GRS-certified suppliers are a clear win—they’ve already passed rigorous, independent audits. This means less guesswork and less risk for your supply chain.
Spotlight: RCS Certification and Targeted Value
The Recycled Claim Standard is slightly less extensive in scope but highly valuable for verifying claims about recycled content. RCS ensures that products contain a specific amount of recycled material, tracing the material’s journey from source to finished item. While it doesn’t include the broader environmental or social criteria of GRS, it provides clear documentation and accountability for recycled content—a must-have for brands and buyers who want transparency.
In practice, procurement professionals may lean on RCS when their main concern is verifying recycled input, or as a first step toward broader compliance with GRS or other sustainability frameworks.
GRS vs. RCS: Making the Right Choice for Your Procurement Strategy
Both certifications hold weight, but they serve slightly different procurement needs. GRS is ideal for companies that want an all-encompassing sustainability approach—recycled content, ethical labor, and strict environmental stewardship. RCS is best when you want straightforward, independently verified documentation of recycled content.
Choosing between GRS and RCS often comes down to your end customer, product claims, and industry regulations. In some sectors, like 3D printing or specialty plastics, RCS can be a fast track to credible recycled claims. In others—especially where end-to-end sustainability is a market differentiator—GRS is the gold standard.
Practical Steps for Procurement Teams
Integrating these certifications into your procurement process doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by asking suppliers for certification documentation and, where possible, prioritize those who hold GRS or RCS credentials. Incorporate certification requirements into your supplier onboarding, audits, and RFQs (Requests for Quotation). Be transparent about your commitment—customers increasingly value brands that prove their green claims.
Consider training your procurement team on reading and validating certification documents, and leverage technology to maintain digital records. Many procurement software platforms now offer features for tracking and verifying certifications, making compliance even smoother.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Procurement
As we move deeper into 2025, expect to see even more emphasis on sustainable sourcing. Certifications like GRS and RCS will only become more valuable as governments and consumers demand greater transparency. We’re already seeing digital solutions and blockchain technology being integrated with these certification systems, further enhancing traceability and trust.
For procurement professionals, this means that prioritizing certified materials isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a strategic advantage. It builds brand value, mitigates risk, and opens doors to new markets where compliance is a must.
Conclusion: Certification as a Smart Investment
In summary, GRS and RCS certifications are key tools for any procurement team looking to future-proof their supply chain. They offer the transparency, credibility, and traceability that modern markets require. As you plan your sourcing for the coming years, consider making certified recycled materials a non-negotiable standard. Your business, your customers, and the planet will thank you for it.