What Buyers Should Check in a GRS Recycled Poly Bag Order

An order involving GRS-related recycled-content requirements needs separate review of the supplier scope, product construction, content target, artwork and transaction evidence. A certificate at organization level is not proof that every future bag or shipment qualifies for the same claim.

1. Verify the GRS Certificate

Treat the scope certificate as controlled evidence and verify:

• Ask for the applicable Scope Certificate (SC) and check its status
• Check the certificate number and verify it on the certification body's website
• Confirm your supplier's facility is listed on the Site Appendix
• Check the displayed validity period rather than assuming a standard duration
• Check that the product category (e.g., Packaging – PC0023) matches what you are buying

For an OnPacking inquiry, review the live status panel on the Quality & Compliance page before relying on certification wording. The website automatically withholds current-status wording and the certificate preview after the stored validity period ends.

2. Specify the Recycled Content Ratio

GRS allows different recycled content percentages. Be explicit about:

• The percentage of recycled content you need (30%, 50%, 70%, 100%)
• Whether you need post-consumer (PCR) or pre-consumer (PIR) recycled content
• Whether the ratio applies to the entire bag or specific layers

Recycled-content source and percentage can affect color, clarity, gels, sealing and mechanical behavior. Review a production-representative sample instead of assuming a fixed appearance or thickness adjustment.

3. Confirm the Applicable Transaction Evidence

A scope certificate identifies the certified organization and listed scope; it does not prove specific delivered goods. Before approval:

• Ask which transaction or traceability document applies to the proposed order
• Confirm whether a Transaction Certificate is required and available for that transaction
• Check that the product description, material category and content details match the approved order
• Retain the applicable controlled documents for your own review process

4. Check Material Quality

Recycled poly bags can look and feel different from virgin-material bags:

• Clarity: Higher PCR content typically means lower clarity and a slightly grey or yellow tint
• Surface: Small gel particles or specks may be visible; this is normal for recycled material
• Performance: Do not assume equivalence from thickness alone; test the approved recycled-content structure against the required use

Request pre-production samples and test them with your actual products and packaging process before placing a full order.

5. Confirm Labeling and Documentation

If you plan to use the GRS logo or make recycled-content claims on your packaging:

• Confirm the proposed product and organization are eligible for the intended claim
• Submit the exact artwork and wording for the required approval before production
• Keep the approved claim, content target and supporting order documents aligned

6. Confirm Order Feasibility

Material availability, document requirements, sample approval, printing and production planning vary by order. Confirm these items during quotation rather than assuming a standard quantity or schedule from the sustainability claim alone.

Summary Checklist

Before placing your order, confirm:

• [ ] Applicable GRS Scope Certificate status and scope reviewed
• [ ] Recycled content ratio specified
• [ ] Post-consumer vs pre-consumer content agreed
• [ ] Applicable transaction and traceability documents confirmed
• [ ] Pre-production sample approved
• [ ] Labeling requirements confirmed
• [ ] Quantity, sample, artwork and production feasibility confirmed

Send the intended application, recycled-content target, PCR or PIR requirement, artwork, quantity and document expectations with the RFQ. The controlled document set and closest workable construction can then be reviewed for that order.