GreenBlue Announces SCS Global Services as First Accredited Certification Body for the Recycled Material Standard (RMS)

Following the official launch of the Recycled Material Standard (RMS) last month, we are proud to announce SCS Global Services (SCS) as the first certification body (CB) accredited to conduct assessments that lead to RMS certification. The establishment of SCS as the first CB means companies in the plastics supply chain can realize the benefits of RMS certification and advance the use of recycled materials. SCS and their team of auditors have extensive experience with sustainability standards including chain-of-custody standards, recycled materials, and carbon offset verification.

“We are thrilled that SCS Global Services has pursued accreditation to the RMS and is our first recognized certification body,” says Laura Thompson, Director of the RMS. “SCS meets all of the criteria set forth in the RMS Requirements for Certification Bodies and we are confident that they will bring the credibility and quality assurance we are looking for as the standard is applied in the marketplace.”

The RMS allows certified participants to track recycled materials through the manufacturing process, tracing either physical content or applying mass balance allocation to claims of recycled materials. The RMS also allows certified recyclers to generate Attributes of Recycled Content (ARCs) which are traded similarly to renewable energy credits. ARCs allow for direct investment in the recycling system where it’s needed most – in expanding recycling capacity and capability. SCS has the direct auditing experience to ensure certified companies are applying the RMS correctly and that the integrity of claims can be maintained through the many stages of manufacturing.

“The RMS adds a new dimension to the recycled content standards we’ve been auditing to over the last 15 years,” said Nicole Munoz, SCS Vice President of Environmental Certification Services. “While similar in intent to other standards, the RMS is adding an additional layer of transparency to the certified company’s claims by enabling stakeholders to register their certified and qualified projects to ensure accurate tracking and visibility in the global marketplace.”

SCS Global Services already has a number of clients under contract for RMS auditing. The announcement of the first group of certified companies will be released soon. A copy of the standard, along with the plastics module can be downloaded here.

About the Recycled Material Standard

The Recycled Material Standard (RMS) is a project of GreenBlue an environmental nonprofit dedicated to the sustainable use of materials in society. The standard establishes requirements necessary to assure the accuracy and transparency of claims with the support of a robust third-party certification system. The RMS serves as a voluntary, market-based tool to address the challenges that brands, their suppliers and the recycling industry face in trying to incorporate higher amounts of recycled content into packaging or finished products. In addition to average content claims, the RMS defines rules for mass balance accounting and also introduces a new environmental commodity, the Attributes of Recycled Content (ARCs). The RMS also supports a labeling system, enabling participating brands and suppliers to convey their collective efforts to advance the use of recycled materials.

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Flynn
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