RCS

Definition and Overview

RCS is a certification standard that verifies, through the supply chain, that raw materials derived from recycled sources are used in products. It applies to fabrics, yarn, apparel, and other items, and supports the credibility of claims regarding recycled materials through recordkeeping at each handoff of raw materials.

RCS is not a law or government regulation itself, but a voluntary certification that is obtained and operated on an optional basis. The certification is not limited to specific fibers; it applies to a wide range of materials and products containing recycled inputs, such as recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and recycled cotton.

Scope and Approach to the Standard

Under RCS, the origin of recycled materials and the management at each stage from raw material to yarn, fabric, and sewn products are verified. This approach of connecting and managing the history of distribution and processing is called chain of custody, or the chain of management.

Whether or not a product is certified does not guarantee physical properties such as the hand of the fabric, strength, or color fastness. Also, while the use of recycled materials itself is subject to verification, it is not necessarily a certification that comprehensively evaluates environmental impact during manufacturing, human rights or labor conditions, or chemical management.

• RCS primarily aims to verify the content and management of recycled materials.
• Material names and blend ratios are checked separately in accordance with care tag rules.
• The scope of certified processes and products is confirmed using the supplier’s certification documents.

Points to Confirm When Procuring Fabric and Making Products

When sourcing RCS fabric, confirm whether the supplier is included in a valid certification scope covering the applicable items, and whether the product number, color, lot, and blend ratio match the order details. Even if a fabric is claimed to be certified, not all colors, processing types, or stock lots necessarily share the same conditions.

To make a claim relating to RCS for a product, management and document transfer are required not only for the fabric, but also throughout the manufacturing route, including cutting, sewing, printing, and arranging accessories. At the start of planning, it is important to confirm whether the factory and accessory suppliers can comply.

• Before placing an order, confirm the validity period, certification scope, and issuing party of the certificate.
• Clearly state on the purchase order that the item is certified, along with the product number, quantity, color, and lot.
• At delivery, use transaction certificates or similar documents to match the ordered items with the received items.
• Organize and retain certification-related documents in preparation for product sales and audits.

Notes on Labeling and Certificates

Even if a fabric supplier has obtained RCS certification, that alone does not mean the brand or final product may freely display an RCS claim. To use certification labeling, marks, or claims about recycled content on a product, the rules of the certification scheme and confirmation of transaction certificates that extend through to the final product are required.

Both RCS and GRS are certifications related to recycled materials, but in general GRS includes social, environmental, and chemical requirements in addition to recycled content. RCS is the standard used when the focus is on verifying traceability of recycled materials, and the choice depends on the purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions