What is Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)?
The goal of the RCS is to increase the use of Recycled materials and uses the chain of custody requirements of the Content Claim Standard (CCS).
The objectives of the RCS are:
- Alignment of Recycled definitions across multiple applications
- Track and trace Recycled input materials
- Provide consumers (both brands and end consumers) with a tool to make informed decisions
- Provide assurance that materials are actually Recycled and in a final product
GCL International's accredited scope for RCS includes:
- Content of recycled fibres in textile products
- Content of recycled metal in metal products
- Content of recycled plastic in plastic products
- Content of recycled paper in paper products
The RCS certification process:
Application and contract
Preparation for the Initial RCS Certification Audit
- Briefing information about the RCS Standard;
- Standard and Implementation Manual;
- Document checklist;
- Inspection report which includes inspection checklists, list of suppliers and subcontractors.
Initial Certification Audit
- Opening meeting
- On-site Audit
- Preparation of Audit Report (including Findings)
- Closing meeting
Labelling Release
Transaction Certificate
- The certified client may request a Transaction Certificate by emailing us;
- Send a Transaction Certificate Request form and associated documents to us;
- If approved by us, the Transaction Certificate is issued to the client.
Re-assessment or Annual audit
- GCL International will communicate with the client to plan for the re-assessment and to determine if there has been any changes, such as: production units, subcontractors, recipes or new suppliers. An audit report must be completed by the client and returned to us;
- GCL International will conduct the re-assessment;
- Following the completion of the assessment, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a certificate with TE labelling is issued.
Companies in ginning, spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing and printing, and cut and sew are eligible for certification.
Certification Features
- Recycled Polymer Materials - Contains a minimum of 20% recycled content
- Ethical - Avoids questionable or unethical sources
- Labor Protections - Ensures that workers are treated fairly according to internationally recognized (ILO) labor standards
- Supply Chain Management - Introduces supply chain risk management tools to improve sourcing strategies and prevent destructive environmental practices
- Environmental Impact Assessment - examines the environmental impacts associated with product manufacturing
- Chain of Custody – Transaction certificates follow the material through the supply chain
Certification with GCL benefits you, your customers, and other stakeholders, by demonstrating:
- Alignment of definitions across multiple applications.
- Tracking and tracing Recycled input materials.
- Providing customers (both brands and consumers) with a tool to make informed decisions.
- Reducing harmful impact of production to people and the environment.
- Providing assurance that materials in the final product are actually Recycled and processed more sustainably.
- Driving innovation in addressing quality issues in the use of Recycled materials.
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