Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)

The RCS is used as a chain of custody standard to track recycled raw materials through the supply chain. As per label grade RCS offers two logo varieties: RCS 100 (minimum 95% recycled material content) or RCS blended (minimum 5% recycled material content).  The standard was developed through work done by the Materials Traceability Working Group, part of OIA’s Sustainability Working Group. The RCS uses the chain of custody requirements of the Content Claim Standard. The RCS uses the ISO 14021 definition of recycled content, with interpretations based on the US Federal Trade Commission Green Guides; the intention of which is to comply with the most widely recognized and stringent definitions. Sellers of RCS products are advised to reference the allowed recycled content claims in the countries of sale, to ensure that they are meeting all legal product claim requirements.

 

Focusing of RCS

The Recycled Claim Standard verifies the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product. This happens through input and chain-of-custody verification from a third party. It allows for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of recycled material content claims on products.

 

The RCS does not address other inputs, environmental aspects of processing (such as energy, water or chemical use), any quality or social issues, or legal compliance. Intended users of the RCS are recyclers, manufacturers, brands and retailers, certification bodies, and organisations supporting recycled material initiatives.

 

RCS can be used as a business-to-business tool to give companies the means to ensure that they are selling quality products and getting what they pay for. It is also used as a way to ensure accurate and honest communication with consumers.

 

Control Union is the leading certification body, which has certified the majority of all certified facilities. This includes companies in ginning, spinning, weaving/knitting, dyeing & printing and stitching in more than 50 countries to OCS and GRS at the moment