Recycled Content Claim (Recycled Content) Certification

A recycled-content declaration is the verification of how much of a product consists of recovered material. It is not a single scheme: it can be established through different frameworks such as GRS, RCS and ISO 14021. The reliability of the declaration depends on the verification method behind it and whether the chain is certified.

• Manufacturers subject to recycled-content targets in packaging legislation
• Brands making a recycled-content claim
• Suppliers encountering a recycled-content requirement in public procurement
• Firms applying for an environmental label

The declaration itself is voluntary; but if it is made, it must be accurate and verifiable. A recycling claim whose basis is not shown can be regarded as a misleading commercial practice. Packaging legislation also imposes minimum recycled-content targets for certain product groups.

• The method for calculating the claimed content ratio
• Showing pre-consumer and post-consumer material separately
• Verifying input documents and supplier declarations
• Chain-of-custody records and volume reconciliation
• Self-declaration (Type II) rules under ISO 14021
• Third-party verification options (GRS, RCS)
• Wording the claim so it is clear and not misleading

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• GOTSOrganic Textiles
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100Textile Product Safety
• GRSRecycled Content
• RCSRecycled Claim
• FSC CoCForest Products
• PEFC CoCForest Products
• Chain of Custody
• ISCC EUBiofuel