The RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is used as a chain of custody standard to track recycled raw materials through the supply chain. The standard was developed through work done by the Materials Traceability Working Group, part of OIA's Sustainability Working Group. The RCS uses the chain of custody requirements of the Content Claim Standard.
The RCS verifies the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product. This happens through input and chain-of-custody verification from a third party. It allows for the transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of recycled material content claims on products. RCS can be used as a business-to-business tool to give companies the means to ensure that they are selling quality products and getting what they pay for. It is also used as a way to ensure accurate and honest communication with consumers. This includes companies in ginning, spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing and printing and stitching.