Verhees Textiles takes steps towards sustainability with GRS

At Verhees Textiles, we value sustainability and we think everyone can do their bit. For example, we have an ever-increasing range of GOTS certified cotton, an internationally recognised quality mark that guarantees an environmentally as well as socially responsible product in addition to organic cotton. Verhees Textiles believes in this positive and sustainable development and has therefore taken new steps in the green direction by offering items with the GRS certificate from now on.

 

Besides this highest possible certification for recycled raw materials, this standard also covers environmental processing standards, including stringent requirements for wastewater treatment and chemicals. Equally important, as with GOTS certification, are the many socially responsible requirements included in the GRS to protect workers' health and safety. A sustainable choice in every respect, without compromising on quality!

What is GRS recycled textiles?

GRS stands for Global Recycled Standard and falls under Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organisation with the goal of achieving a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fibre and raw material production by 2030 . One way is by increasing the use of recycled materials. Certification is a way of verifying and thus guaranteeing the social and environmental performance of a product. In addition, certification provides brand protection, security of purchase and greater credibility of claims made. Above all, certification ensures that environmental and social improvements lead to real and meaningful change.

How are recycled textiles made?

The Global Recycled Standard fabrics Verhees Textiles has in its range all consist of at least 62% recycled cotton. To ensure consistent quality, Verhees Textiles uses production residues when processing our recycled fabrics. This includes leftover cotton from spinning yarn but can also be scraps from knitting, weaving or cutting the fabrics. To ensure good quality and strength of the fabric, new fibres are added of, for example, cotton, elastane or polyester after which the fibres are combed even further and spun into new yarn. This creates a new, even stronger product of high quality.

Why choose GRS?

Fortunately, the demand for sustainable fabrics is increasing. Consumers are more and more aware that we need to be more economical with our earth and its resources. All steps in the right direction are therefore of great importance, surely you will help too? By investing in this certificate, you contribute to the following points in sustainability, among others:

 

  •  Lower energy consumption which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions
  •  Fewer natural raw materials needed which means less water
  •  Reduction of residual waste
  •  Quality is at least as good as regular fabrics
  •  Expansion in the chain to more recycled materials
  •  Strict requirements for wastewater treatment and use of chemicals
  •  Protects the health and safety of production workers

Also promoting with GRS?

Of course you will want to promote these products in your company. For this, you have the following options:

Each stage of production is required to be certified, starting at the recycler stage and ending with the last seller in the final business-to-business transaction.Naturally, you will want to promote these products in your business. For this, you have the following options:

Business-to-Consumer

As a retailer, you do not need to apply for your own certificate provided you do not (re)label GRS products. If you sell directly to consumers, you may use visual material for your commercial purposes. This makes consumers much more aware of recycled materials and helps make everyone aware of these good actions to improve the world. Of course, it is always possible to request your own certificate.

Business-to-Business

As a wholesaler with a GRS turnover of less than €5000 per year, you do not need to have your own certificate provided you do not (re)label any GRS products. If the GRS turnover exceeds €5000 per year, you should apply for your own certificate as soon as possible.

As a ready-to-wear retailer, you may only promote or speak of "certified" GRS products if you actually have a personal certification number. This is because it must be displayed on the product at all times. The logo alone is not sufficient. Without your own certificate, however, you may always use the term " made from recycled material" in sales.For more information, please refer to the website of Textile exchange and the certification company Control Union.

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