Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) certification ensures that products are made with recycled materials and meet specific environmental and social criteria.

Overall Score:

Good

Green Hive is not affiliated with any certification organizations and scores are determined through independent analysis.

Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)

About

Difficulty:

Easy

Credibility:

High

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a business-to-business certification designed to validate the recycled content in products. It is particularly useful for companies looking to substantiate the quality and value of their products containing recycled material. The standard requires that each stage of production, from recycling to the final business-to-business transaction, be certified.

Key Features

  • Applicable to products with a minimum of 5% recycled material.
  • Each production stage must be certified, ensuring traceability and integrity of the recycled content.

Trustworthiness

Companies undergo a process that includes self-declaration, document collection, and on-site visits at Material Collection and Material Concentration sites. A professional third-party body audits each stage of the supply chain, ensuring a transparent and robust process.

Duration and Renewal

The certification does not specify a validity period, but the standards are reviewed at least every five years to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Impact and Significance

The RCS certification allows businesses to credibly claim the recycled content in their products, providing a competitive edge and fostering consumer trust. However, it's worth noting that the certification is applicable for products with as little as 5% recycled material, which may not meet the expectations of those looking for products with higher recycled content.