Recycled Content Standard

This standard (SCS-103) is applicable to products and materials containing physical or attributed mechanically and/or chemically recycled content for which recyclers, processors, manufacturers, traders, distributors, and private label owners wish to make verified recycled content claims. It certifies that products physically contain or are attributed the specific percentages of recycled content from post-consumer and pre-consumer sources claimed by manufacturers. By providing assurance of recycled content claims, SCS-103 certification supports supply chain transparency, encourages the use of recovered materials, and reduces reliance on virgin resources. Entities may quantify the recycled content of their products and/or materials using either a physical segregation chain of custody model or a mass balance chain of custody model; however, the model used must be specified in all recycled content claims, including on-product logos.  

For complete information about all standard criteria, download "SCS-103 Recycled Content Standard V8.1" (see Documents section, to right).

Assurance System:

Conformance with SCS-103 requirements is assessed through annual audits conducted by SCS Global Services, a qualified and independent third party. Audits are conducted according to scheme-specific and relevant international standards. For full details about the SCS-103 assurance system, download “SCS-103 Certification Body Requirements” (see Documents section, to right).

Empowering Consumers: 

For information about how SCS-001 and other SCS Standards meet the EU Empowering Consumers Directive, see “SCS Standards and the EU Empowering Consumers Directive.”

SCS Standards Operations: 

For information about SCS Standards policies and procedures, see our Resources.