Overview
SCS Recycled Content Certification (RC Certification) is a third-party certification program for recycled content launched by the certification body SCS Global Services in 1989.
SCS Recycled Content Certification is one of the most widely applied and highly recognized recycled material certifications globally. Based on the ISO 14021 standard, it provides third-party verification of recycled content in products, including both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials. Obtaining the certification mark acts as a "Green Passport" for accessing high-end supply chains in Europe and North America.
What Products and Industries Are Eligible?
Threshold Requirement: Products are required to contain a minimum of 5% recycled content, which may include pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled materials.
Eligible Entities: Recycling enterprises, processors, manufacturers, traders, and distributors are all eligible to apply for RC Certification.
Applicable Industries: Products and raw materials across various industries are eligible for certification, including but not limited to plastics, textiles and fibers, wood and paper, metals, building materials and products, electrical and electronic equipment, household goods, jewelry, and more.
What Will Be Audited?
Management System Documentation Review: This entails the review of material flow records and the traceability system for recycled materials. Enterprises must provide a Bill of Materials (BOM), compliance declarations from upstream suppliers, and complete procurement and sales documents (e.g., invoices, bills of lading, delivery notes) to verify the authenticity and ensure the complete traceability of recycled material sources.
Chain of Custody Model Audit: Certified enterprises must establish a standard-compliant chain of custody model to quantify the recycled content of their products. The recycled content of certified products must meet the minimum threshold of 5%. The audit will be conducted based on one of the following models:
Physical Segregation Chain of Custody Model: This model audits whether the enterprise has established strict procedures to ensure complete physical segregation of recycled materials from virgin materials and compliant products from non-compliant products, to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. Inventory records are verified, and process loss is assessed to ensure input-output data is balanced.
Mass Balance Chain of Custody Model: This model audits whether the enterprise records all material inputs and outputs. Data for a specific period is calculated, and scientifically validated mass balance calculations are used to verify the accuracy and reliability of recycled content data allocated to final products.
Declarations and Labels: All public declarations and certification label usage must undergo review and approval by the certification body before release.
SCS Certification Process
Upon successful certification, enterprises are issued a certification certificate, certification mark, and assessment report. Certified products will be listed on the SCS Global Services website.
The certification remains valid for one year and is renewable through an annual surveillance audit.
Benefits of Certification
Global Recognition: RC Certification is an internationally recognized standard that assists enterprises in achieving greater market recognition and appealing to environmentally conscious stakeholders.
LEED Project Credit Points: For products in the building materials industry, RC Certification can demonstrate recycled content to meet the credit point requirements within the "Materials and Resources" category of LEED Certification, thereby contributing to LEED project scores.
Amazon Green Badge: For electrical and electronic equipment, obtaining RC Certification qualifies products for the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Badge, enhancing visibility on Amazon search result pages.
Enhanced Competitiveness: RC Certification has broad influence in international markets, assisting enterprises in entering sustainability-focused markets in Europe, North America, and beyond, thereby enhancing global competitiveness.
Promotion of Recycled Material Use: By using recycled materials, enterprises can reduce dependence on natural resources, lower production costs, and improve resource utilization efficiency.
Our Services
Comprehensive guidance for RC Certification
Factory audit assistance services of RC Certification
Assistance in communication with the certification body
Support for certification renewal applications
Knowledge training services under the recycled certification system
Tailored services to address specific client requirements
Our Advantages
Strong Technical Expertise: Our team comprises certification professionals with extensive industry expertise and access to a broad network of experts.
Rich Certification Experience: We have gained extensive experience in green sustainability certification for products.
Broad Industry Coverage: We currently provide certification services for products in industries such as textiles, plastic products manufacturing, packaging, and metals, among others.
International Service Standards: Our multilingual service personnel, proficient in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi, ensure efficient support for international clients worldwide.
For more information and inquiries, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
