If you could choose
only one certification —
choose GRS.
A calm, honest roadmap for the founder building a sustainable brand — without panic, complexity, or €10,000 bills. One product. One supplier. One clear process.
You've been told GRS is complicated and expensive. It isn't.
Most of what founders believe about GRS certification is wrong. Here's what the industry says — and what's actually true.
42 pages. Real examples. Plain language. No complexity.
Built for founders who want clarity, not a compliance manual.
- 01Why GRS — and why it's the right first certification"Recycled" is the most understood sustainability claim by consumers. GRS is the most solid, recognised proof. This section explains why it's the smartest starting point.
- 02What you actually need when you outsource productionThe exact documents and steps required for a small brand that buys GRS-certified fabric and sells under its own label. No more, no less.
- 03Simple 6-step GRS roadmapChoose product → choose certified material → choose supplier path → prepare documents → apply for Trader certification → start selling. The whole process on one calm page.
- 04How to read a Scope Certificate and Transaction CertificateAnnotated real examples showing exactly what each field means, what to check, and what a gap looks like — so you're never confused by supplier documents.
- 05Chain of custody flow diagramsTwo real examples — a simple Trader flow and a production flow with subcontractors — so you understand where you sit in the chain.
- 06Real GRS cost breakdown for small brandsExact figures based on ICEA's official tariff. Year 1: €1,500–€1,800. Annual renewal: €1,350–€1,650. No surprises.
You don't need every fabric certified. You don't need every supplier certified. You don't need a sustainability department or a complex traceability system.
You need one product made with GRS-certified material and a Trader certification for your brand. That's all.
GRS Trader certification for a solo founder with a home office costs around €1,500–€1,800 in year one. The audit is often remote. The documentation is light. Google Drive is enough to manage your records.
This guide is for you if you want clarity, not complexity
- You're building a small fashion or apparel brand
- You outsource production and sell under your own label
- You want to make a verified sustainability claim — honestly
- You're confused by certifications and want plain language
- You want to start with one certified product, not your whole collection
- You've been told GRS is too expensive or complex — and you're not sure that's true
- You want someone to certify your brand for you
- You're looking for sustainability branding or storytelling support
- You're a supplier or manufacturer, not a brand
- You expect certification guarantees or legal advice
The whole GRS process — on one calm page
The guide. Your pace.
All tiers include the complete guide. Higher tiers add Rita's time — for founders who want a second pair of eyes on their specific situation.
- Complete 42-page GRS guide (PDF)
- 6-step GRS roadmap for small brands
- Annotated Scope Certificate examples
- Annotated Transaction Certificate examples
- Chain of custody flow diagrams
- GRS management manual template
- Real cost breakdown — year 1 and renewal
- List of authorised certifiers with guidance
- Everything in The Guide
- 1-hour video call with Rita Jurkute
- Review of your specific brand situation
- Supplier path recommendation for your setup
- Your questions answered live
- Session recording included
- Everything in Guided
- Pre-call review of your SC and TC by Rita
- Written gap summary delivered before the call
- 1-hour call to go through findings together
- Confirmation your documents are in order
- Priority scheduling within 5 business days
Written by someone who has actually done this
- 20+ years in global textile supply chains
- Implemented GRS in 10 textile companies — all passed first audit
- Deep expertise in GRS, GOTS, RCS, OCS, OEKO-TEX certification systems
- Experience across recycled wool, cashmere, and polyester supply chains in Europe
- Founder of Green Label Talks, Zürich — sustainability claim verification
- Apparel Engineer, Kaunas University of Technology
Questions
You don't need perfection to get started. You need clarity.
One product. One certified supplier. One honest certification. That's a credible starting point — and it's more achievable than anyone has told you.
