RCS |

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is an internationally recognized certification developed by Textile Exchange. It provides a robust framework for tracking recycled raw materials through the supply chain to verify and communicate the accurate use of recycled content in products.

RCS focuses on providing chain-of-custody verification for raw materials, ensuring that products labeled as containing recycled materials truly contain the claimed amount. It applies to all sectors of the textile and consumer goods industries, including fashion, home textiles, accessories, and packaging.

Main Objectives of RCS

• Verify the presence and percentage of recycled materials in a finished product.
• Provide third-party assurance of recycled content claims.
• Support the use of recycled materials and reduce dependence on virgin resources.
• Promote transparency and integrity in material sourcing.

Key Components of RCS Certification

1. Recycled Material Definition

• Recycled content must be sourced from pre-consumer or post-consumer waste, as defined by ISO 14021.
• Both types are eligible, but the source must be clearly documented.

1. Chain of Custody (CoC)

• Follows the Content Claim Standard (CCS) chain of custody model.
• Each stage in the supply chain—from collection and processing to manufacturing—must be certified to ensure integrity.
• Requires documented traceability of materials at every stage.

1. Minimum Recycled Content Requirements

• Products must contain at least 5% recycled content to be eligible for RCS certification and labeling.

1. Third-Party Verification

• Independent certification bodies conduct audits and verify compliance.
• Facilities are inspected for proper documentation, material separation, and labeling.

1. Labeling and Claims

• Certified products can carry the RCS label, indicating the verified percentage of recycled content.
• Ensures that marketing claims related to recycled content are credible and consistent.

Benefits of RCS Certification

• Market Transparency: Increases consumer and stakeholder confidence in recycled product claims.
• Environmental Impact: Encourages the use of recycled materials, reducing waste and lowering environmental footprint.
• Supply Chain Integrity: Enables brands and manufacturers to track recycled inputs from source to finished product.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations meet government regulations and sustainability standards.
• Competitive Advantage: Meets growing consumer and business demand for verifiably sustainable products.

Who Should Use RCS?

RCS is suitable for:

• Manufacturers and suppliers using or processing recycled materials
• Brands and retailers making recycled content claims
• Packaging companies, accessory makers, and home goods producers
• Any business seeking a simple and credible certification for recycled content without the full social and environmental scope of broader standards like GRS (Global Recycled Standard)