As sustainability becomes a priority in the fashion industry, recycled material certification has emerged as a key indicator of environmental responsibility. But what exactly does this certification mean, and why should consumers and brands care? Here’s an expert breakdown to help you understand the standards behind recycled content claims, their benefits, and how they foster a circular economy.

What is Recycled Material Certification?

Recycled Material Certification is a third-party verification process ensuring that products contain a verified percentage of recycled materials. This certification confirms that the manufacturer’s claims about the recycled content are accurate and traceable through the supply chain.

Key Standards and Certifying Bodies

• SCS Global Services
  Initiated in 1989, SCS leads in recycled content certification, applying strict audits on recycling processes, material tracing, and accounting to certify claims.
• Recycled Material Standard (RMS) by GreenBlue
  A certification system supporting brands through standards and labeling that promote transparency and accuracy in recycled content claims.
• SGS Recycled Content Certification
  Based on ISO 14021, SGS offers comprehensive audits to confirm recycled content, widely recognized by sustainability rating systems like LEED and BREEAM.

Why Does Recycled Content Certification Matter?

Environmental and Economic Impact

• Reduces pressure on natural resources by diverting waste from landfills and incineration.
• Minimizes ecological footprint through responsible sourcing and manufacturing.
• Promotes circularity by encouraging reuse of materials, which fuels sustainable industry practices and innovation.

Benefits to Brands and Consumers

• Trust and Transparency: Independent audits validate recycled content claims, building consumer confidence.
• Compliance and Recognition: Certification helps meet legal and voluntary environmental standards and can open doors to green procurement programs.
• Competitive Advantage: Showcasing recycled material use enhances brand reputation and appeals to conscientious buyers.

How Does the Certification Process Work?

1. Supply Chain Documentation: Collect evidence from suppliers verifying recycled material sources (post-consumer or post-industrial).
2. Material Quantification: Calculate recycled content accurately using industry-recognized methods like mass balance or average content tracking.
3. Third-Party Audit: Certification bodies review documentation, audit manufacturing processes, and verify calculations to ensure claims are truthful.
4. Certification Awarded: Upon successful validation, companies receive certification and, in some cases, labeling rights to display on products.

Eco Fact:
Mass balance systems are especially useful for complex recycling methods such as chemical recycling, allowing accurate allocation of recycled inputs to products even when materials are processed together.

What to Know About Different Types of Claims and Labels

• Average Content Claims: Percentage-based claims calculated from actual recycled material used in production batches.
• Mass Balance Claims: Allocation of recycled materials at a facility level, enabling flexible material use without double counting.
• Environmental Benefit Claims (ARCs): Certificates representing environmental attributes of recycled plastic, supporting investments in recycling technology.

How to Check:
Consumers can verify labels and certificates by referencing the certification ID in official databases like the RMS Registry or SCS Certification listings for full transparency.

Takeaway: Making Informed and Ethical Choices

Choosing products with certified recycled content is more than just a green label—it's a commitment to sustainability backed by rigorous standards and verification. Whether you’re a consumer seeking responsible fashion or a brand aiming for genuine environmental impact, understanding recycled material certification empowers informed decisions that support the circular economy and protect our planet.

Empower yourself: Look for trusted recycled material certifications such as those by SCS Global Services, GreenBlue’s RMS, or SGS when shopping or sourcing products. Transparency and accountability in recycled content claims are essential steps toward a sustainable future in fashion and beyond.

At Design Delight Studio, we believe clothing should be as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Our apparel is certified by leading global standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and PETA-Approved Vegan — designed with transparency, comfort, and sustainability in every stitch.