May 18, 2025 -Hangzhou Gema Suitcases & Bags Co., Ltd., the iconic luggage brand VERAGE with a storied 60-year legacy, has recently achieved a significant milestone by securing the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0 certification. This accomplishment also meets the stringent requirements of the Content Claim Standard (CCS) V3.1 and the Textile Exchange’s Standard Disclosure Policy V1.3, underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The GRS, established by the Textile Exchange, is a globally recognized certification framework that imposes rigorous criteria on the recycled content of products and the environmental management of supply chains. VERAGE’s latest certification encompasses multiple product lines that extensively incorporate post-consumer recycled materials such as R-PET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). From sourcing raw materials responsibly to executing meticulous production processes and adopting eco-friendly warehousing and logistics practices, VERAGE adheres strictly to GRS standards at every stage, ensuring each product meets the highest environmental benchmarks.
Notably, the Greenwich luggage series, masterfully designed by VERAGE’s creative lead, James Ji, has clinched the prestigious 2025 Red Dot Design Award for its innovative design and sustainable ethos. Crafted with R-PET for both its shell and lining, this luggage is derived from recycled PET beverage bottles through a complex process of shredding, cleaning, and melting, effectively reducing reliance on virgin plastics and championing a circular economy model of waste-to-resource conversion. Compared to conventional plastics, R-PET offers substantial carbon emission reductions, aligning with legislative efforts in regions like the EU to promote its use in packaging and advance carbon reduction goals.
For VERAGE, this GRS certification is not merely a validation of past environmental initiatives but a launchpad for future growth. It significantly bolsters the brand’s competitive edge in cross-border e-commerce and international OEM collaborations, offering a distinct differentiation advantage. Leveraging this certification, VERAGE is poised to deepen its commitment to green production and supply chain management, steering the luggage industry toward a more sustainable future.