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What is Certified Responsible Source™ - Textiles?
Certified Responsible Source™ is a certification for recyclers, processors and downstream manufactures who produce synthetic polymers and want to confirm that their synthetic fiber and resin have been produced in accordance with the fundamental benchmarks of environmental, social and ethical accountability. This certification which focuses on key features like ethical sourcing, labor protections, supply chain management and environmental impacts, reinforces your sustainability goals and objectives and those of your manufacturing and merchandising customers.
In addition, consumers of your finished products from apparel and footwear to upholstered furnishings, housewares and geotextiles can have confidence that these products align with their values and enhance a better planet for all.
Another benefit to Certified Responsible Source™ is that certified input materials satisfy many credits under the NSF/ANSI 336 standard and can help you qualify for Association for Contract Textiles Facts.
Why Choose SCS?
As a leading third-party certifier of environmental claims with over 40 years in the sustainability business, we have highly qualified and experienced auditors in the textile industry. Our auditors are regionally located and well suited to support clients around the world. Our technical experts and life cycle assessment teams can implement supply chain management tools and recommend other relevant certifications to help you gain recognition for your achievements. We pride ourselves on impeccable customer service, so we deliver timely, accurate and insightful responses making sure that your certification process is seamless and meets the rigorous standards.
- Program Details
- Process
- Benefits
- FAQs
- Program Documents
Eligibility
Recyclers, processors, and downstream manufacturers who produce synthetic polymers and fiber, such as polyester and nylon, are eligible for certification. Examples include: recycled polymer scrap, resin, pellets, and flake; undyed fiber and spun fiber; and fabrics made from these materials.
Certification Features
- Recycled Polymer Materials - Contains a minimum of 85% recycled content or is certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP)
- 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
Complementary Services
We provide a full spectrum of environmental and sustainability certification services. For example, natural fibers may be certified as sustainably grown. Packaging may be certified for its recycled content. And our life cycle assessment team can help you set up supply chain management tools.
Apply for Certification
Complete and submit an SCS Application Form. SCS will scope the project based on information provided in the application and will prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested timeline and quote. Once you approve the proposal, you will sign a Work Order and an account manager will be assigned to guide you through the certification process.
Data Collection
An SCS technical coordinator will help you assemble preliminary data which will be submitted to SCS. SCS will review the product data, corporate documentation, manufacturing process, product formulation, testing, etc, and assess your readiness for an audit. Once sufficient data is collected, an auditor is assigned.
Audit
SCS will conduct the certification audit, which will include an on-site inspection of your facility and an upstream supply chain assessment. The auditor will interact with your technical staff to clarify and obtain any additional information that might prove essential to reaching an accurate supportable evaluation.
Draft Assessment Report
The auditor will write a draft assessment report that details the findings of the audit, which will include data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement.
Internal peer review
Another qualified SCS auditor will review the report, making any necessary corrections or changes before the report is sent to the client.
Corrective Actions
You will need to respond to any non-conformities with a corrective action plan. You may also make comments and responses to the information contained in the report and the conclusions drawn by the auditor.
Make Certification Decision
SCS will conduct a final technical review of the assessment report and make the final certification decision.
Receive Certificate
If certification is granted, SCS will issue the certificate and final report to your facility or operation. Once certified, your company is listed in the Green Products Certificate Database and SCS website.
Certification Support
SCS provides ongoing program support, including on-going staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. You will receive information about the logo approval system and use of SCS trademarks for both on-product and off-product promotions.
Certification Maintenance and Renewal
SCS requires annual surveillance audits to maintain your certification.
Participation in the Certified Responsible Source program benefits you, your customers, and other stakeholders, by allowing you to:
- Showcase your active efforts to protect the environment
- Prove your commitment to protecting worker health and safety
- Support your customers' sustainable sourcing and manufacturing goals
- Take advantage of improved sourcing strategies based on supply chain risk management tools.
- What are the environmental requirements of the standard?
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To be certified, companies must first develop and implement an environmental plan, then monitor air emissions, energy use, water use and discharge, and waste generation and handling. Companies establish baseline performance levels and demonstrate significant improvement over time.
- What are the social requirements of the standard?
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Certified companies uphold international standards related to fair, progressive, and safe social business practices. Key areas addressed include involuntary labor, forced labor, child labor, discrimination, transparent terms of employment, grievances, fair compensation practices, reasonable working hours, and environmental health and safety.
- What are the supply chain management requirements of the standard?
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Ethical conduct extends beyond the doors of a company's manufacturing site. Certification ensures the integrity of a company's sourcing methods along the entire supply chain. Managing the source of materials helps prevent obtaining materials from deceptive or unethical suppliers.
- How was the standard developed?
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SCS is a neutral third-party certifier and standards developer, unaffiliated with any industry related businesses or trade associations. SCS consulted industry experts and referenced existing standards throughout the standards development and public comment process. We always welcome constructive feedback on our standards, and continuously update and improve them.
- Does SCS provide certification support?
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SCS provides ongoing program support, including on-going staff assistance, marketing and promotional support, and information about new or revised requirements. Certified clients will receive information about the logo approval system and use of SCS trademarks for both on-product and off-product promotions.
| File Name | Document |
|---|---|
| Responsible Source Standard | English |
