RCS
Nature — What Is RCS?
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is a certification that verifies the presence and percentage of recycled material in a product.
It focuses on chain-of-custody tracking of recycled inputs but does not include environmental or social processing criteria.
Certification Structure (Explained Clearly)
RCS applies to products containing at least 5% recycled content and requires third-party verification of material flow from recycling source to final product.
Core Certification Requirements
- Minimum 5% recycled content
- Third-party chain-of-custody verification
- Documented material traceability
- Annual certification audits
Quality & Verification Impact
- Verified recycled material percentage
- Transparent recycled content claims
- Independent certification credibility
- Supply chain accountability
Scope — What RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) Covers
1. Content Verification
Confirms declared recycled percentage.
2. Traceability
Tracks recycled material through production stages.
3. Claim Support
Allows brands to make verified recycled claims.
4. Audit Oversight
Requires independent third-party review.
Reality — What Brands & Customers Should Know
Advantages
- Clear recycled content validation
- Globally recognized framework
- Supports sustainability positioning
- Flexible minimum threshold
Limitations
- Does not assess chemical management
- Does not include labor standards
- Lower sustainability scope than GRS
- Content-focused only
Buying tip: RCS verifies recycled percentage, but choose GRS for broader environmental and social criteria.
FAQ — RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)
Is RCS the same as GRS?
No, GRS includes environmental and social requirements.
What is the minimum recycled content?
Products must contain at least 5% recycled material.
Does RCS verify environmental practices?
No, it focuses on recycled content tracking.
Is RCS internationally accepted?
Yes, it is widely used across global supply chains.