Recycled Content Certification

For Products and Recycling Programs

What is Recycled Content Certification?

SCS Recycled Content Certification independently verifies the percentage of a product that was made from recycled content or recycled materials. This certification is for product manufacturers that use post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled content and want to make a verified claim. Material that has been reprocessed from recovered material can also get certified. Recycled content certification can be achieved for product feedstocks and products in many industries including: building materials, packaging, plastic goods, textiles, jewelry, metal, electronics, home goods, wood, paper and more.

Recycled Content Certification demonstrates commitment to making environmentally conscious products and conserving natural resources. Using recycled content helps minimize environmental impacts by reducing extraction of new raw materials and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Reusing materials supports a circular economy and reduces the overall environmental footprint of a product. This certification also helps organizations meet retailer requirements, stand out in their markets, qualify for  inclusion in environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) programs and contribute to green building schemes like LEED.

To achieve certification, SCS conducts an independent third-party audit of the organization and the product(s) with recycled content. The audit checks for manufacturing data, processes, chain of custody procedures, material quantification and mass-balance calculations to determine conformance to the SCS Recycled Content Standard.

SCS is now an Endorsed Certifier for The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).
Read the press release about a rise in certification of plastic postconsumer resin. Ask us about certifying your PCR.

Why Choose SCS?

SCS Global Services is the certifier of choice for recycled content claims around the world, and for companies seeking certification of their in-house recycling programs. We are recognized for the rigor of our standards and the professionalism of our staff.

Additionally, SCS is an Endorsed Certifier for The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). Ask us about certifying plastic postconsumer resin (PCR).

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  • Service Offerings
  • Process
  • Benefits
  • Additional Services
  • Program Documents

SCS Global Services provides two types of certification to recognize your achievements:

  • Recycled Content Certification - The SCS Recycled Content Certification evaluates products made from pre-consumer or post-consumer material diverted from the waste stream. Certification measures the percentage of recycled content for the purpose of making an accurate claim in the marketplace.
  • Recycling Program Certification - The SCS Recycling Program Certification helps recyclers and reclamation facilities make credible claims about their diversion strategies and recycling rates.
  1. Data Collection and Analysis

    Your auditor helps you assemble your data and documentation. Your auditor reviews your manufacturing data, processes, and chain of custody procedures to determine if conformance is achieved as well as the nature of your claim.

  2. Report Draft Assessment Report

    Your auditor writes a draft assessment report that details the findings of the audit, including data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement. You are required to respond to any non-conformities with a root cause analysis and corrective action.

    Onsite Audit: Your auditor uses a risk-based approach to determine if an onsite audit is needed. If it is needed, the onsite audit may be recommended prior to granting certification or within one year of certification.

  3. Review Internal Peer Review and Client Review

    A qualified SCS lead auditor reviews the report, making any necessary corrections or changes. The report is then sent to you for review, and you may comment on the information contained in the report and the conclusions drawn by the auditor.

  4. Decision Certification Decision

    If certification is achieved, SCS issues the certificate(s), logos, and final report to you. Your auditor works with you to determine how to list your products on the certificate(s). For Recycling Program, your auditor works closely with you to determine what the specific claims are that you would like to make. Once certified, your company and products are listed on the SCS Certified Green Products Guide. SCS can also provide limited marketing support.

  5. Maintain Certification Maintenance and Renewal

    Certification is valid for one year. SCS requires annual audits to maintain your certification and support continual improvement.

Certification of the recycled content in your product may help you:

  • Demonstrate leadership in reducing reliance on natural resources
  • Satisfy purchase requirements and customer specifications
  • Meet regulatory requirements
  • Meet consumer demand
  • Differentiate your product in a crowded field
File Name Document
FTC Green Guides Visit Site
LEED v4 Eligibility Visit Site
Recycled Content Brochure English   |   Spanish   |   Portuguese
Recycled Content Standard English
Recycling Program Standard English

Apply Now

Ready to start the process? Complete an Application.

Timothy Whatley