Control Union – RCS 100

RCS 100 – Recycled Claim Standard

The Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) is a global standard providing credible assurance for products made with recycled materials. It enables organisations to transparently communicate their commitment to recycling. The standard is for any company in the supply chain that wishes to substantiate its product claims. Control Union Certifications offers independent, third-party audits against the RCS to confirm compliance and build trust with customers and consumers.

Control Union – RCS 100

    What is RCS?

    The RCS is a chain of custody standard that tracks recycled raw materials through the supply chain. It functions as a business-to-business tool, providing companies with the means to ensure they are selling and buying products with recycled content. By implementing this leading recycling standard, organisations can meet customer requirements for transparency and provide credible, third-party confirmed claims about a product’s composition. This substantiates marketing claims and builds confidence in the final product.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner

    Partner to brands that care

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Benefits of being RCS 100 certified

    Control Union – RCS 100
    1.

    Recycled material confirmation

    Confirms that both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials meet the official ISO definition of “recycled”.

    2.

    Unbroken chain of custody certification

    Tracks recycled content from the input stage to the final product, ensuring material identity is maintained throughout.

    3.

    Independent third-party audits

    Every stage of the supply chain is audited by an independent certification body to ensure integrity and compliance.

    4.

    Trustworthy on-product labelling

    Enables the use of the RCS logo on products, providing a clear and credible marketing tool for consumers.

    5.

    Global standardisation

    Aligns the definition of recycled content globally, facilitating transparent communication in international markets.

    The Future of Textiles is Circular

    Essential information for every professional in the textile chain. Read all about the new regulations, targets, and market opportunities for 2025-2030.

    Download the ‘Policy Programme for circular textile 2025-2030′
    Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard
    Control Union – Sustainable materials
    With our strong Dutch team and a global network, we help brands & retail to move effectively and with impact in the sustainability of textiles — independent, expert, and ready for tomorrow’s EU regulations.
    Lonneke de Kort – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Tourism & hospitality

    Request certification or discuss without obligation?

    We are here to assist anytime! You can apply for this certification directly using the application form below. For any other questions or if you want to freely discuss, contact us at +31 (0)38 42 60 103 or textilenl@controlunion.com.

    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Read more about our customised solutions
    Control Union - supply chain