The name RCS is often mentioned, but what exactly does it mean? It’s not that complicated, yet it’s also not as simple as just putting on an “eco-friendly” label and calling it done. RCS stands for Recycled Claim Standard, developed by Textile Exchange. Its core idea can be summarized in one sentence: to prove that your product truly contains recycled materials and that those materials can be traced.
What is RCS? Solving the “Say One Thing, Do Another” Problem
In the wave of sustainability, many brands claim they use recycled materials. But no one really knows where those materials come from, how much is used, or whether it’s true at all. RCS was created to ensure these claims can be verified with evidence.
It requires brands not only to “claim” recycled content but to provide documents, transaction certificates (TCs), and supply-chain traceability records so that every stage—from recycled raw materials to the finished product—can be traced.
And this isn’t just talk. Every supply-chain node (such as a yarn mill, molding factory, or product manufacturer) must pass audits for the “recycled” story to hold up.
The Core of Certification: Only Three Things
- Contains recycled material: The product must include at least 5% recycled content (according to ISO definitions, including both post-consumer and pre-consumer sources).
- Traceable: Every step from recycling → processing → manufacturing → shipping must have documentation that can be traced.
- Third-party verification: You can’t just declare yourself sustainable; an independent organization must verify it.
Once these three requirements are met, you can obtain an RCS certificate. If the recycled material content exceeds 95%, it can be labeled “RCS 100.” If it’s between 5% and 95%, it’s labeled “RCS Blended.”
What RCS Does Not Cover
RCS does not check whether your factory is energy-efficient, whether wastewater is treated properly, or whether worker welfare meets standards. This often surprises people at first. The focus of RCS is the authenticity of recycled content, not the overall responsibility system of production.
If you want your brand to appear both “eco-friendly and responsible,” you’ll need the more advanced GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, which also requires compliance in chemicals, environmental management, and social responsibility.
The Certification Process: Simple in Theory, Complex in Practice
Obtaining RCS certification involves a full process:
- Find a qualified third-party organization (such as SGS, Intertek, or Control Union).
- Prepare documentation on material sources and transaction records.
- Auditors review supply-chain documents and may conduct on-site inspections.
- Once approved, you receive the certificate. If materials or factories change later, you must update it.
The most challenging part isn’t the inspection itself but supply-chain coordination. If even one upstream factory fails the audit, the entire chain cannot be certified. That’s why many brands start by certifying a few key product lines rather than doing everything at once.
Its Value and Limitations
The value of RCS lies in verifiability and quantifiability. It allows brands to confidently say, “This garment contains 20% recycled polyester, and here’s the certificate.” For B2B buyers, that builds trust.
However, from a broader sustainability perspective, RCS is only an entry ticket. It proves you used recycled material but doesn’t guarantee how you used it. For example, your manufacturing might still consume excessive energy, lack chemical control, or have poor labor conditions, none of which RCS addresses. In short, RCS is an “honesty label,” not a “comprehensive responsibility label.”
RCS vs GRS: What’s the Difference?
RCS and GRS are often discussed together, but while both are established by Textile Exchange, their philosophies differ. RCS is about “proving you actually used recycled materials,” while GRS is about “proving you produced responsibly from start to finish.”
GRS: The Advanced Responsible Manufacturing System
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) builds upon RCS but adds broader requirements. Beyond the recycled material percentage, it includes environmental management, chemical restrictions (banning harmful substances), and social responsibility (covering labor safety, working hours, and wages). To earn the GRS label, a product typically must contain at least 50% recycled materials, and every link in the supply chain must be certified.
This means higher auditing costs and longer preparation times, but it also brings greater brand credibility and global recognition. For companies emphasizing ESG performance or targeting Western markets, GRS has become an essential “premium certification.”
| Item | RCS | GRS |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focuses only on verifying the “recycled material content” attribute. | Covers not only “recycled material content” but also social, environmental, and chemical requirements during manufacturing. |
| Minimum recycled content | Around 5% (depending on conditions) is eligible for certification. | The label claim usually requires at least 50% recycled content, though from 20% it can already be used internally within the supply chain. |
| Manufacturing/process requirements | Few or no strict requirements regarding social responsibility or chemical management during manufacturing. | Includes stricter requirements for processing, chemical management, social responsibility, and safety. |
| Labeling/claim use | Serves as an easier entry standard, suitable for early-stage or lower-content recycled products. | Enhances brand credibility and is a better choice for products emphasizing high recycled content and responsible manufacturing. |
| Cost/threshold | Relatively low threshold and higher feasibility. | Higher threshold with stricter auditing, which may lead to higher costs. |
| Supply chain transparency | Requires “traceability,” but mainly focuses on the material itself. | Requires traceability not only of the material but across the entire supply chain (from recycling, processing, trading to manufacturing). |
Vietnam’s RCS-Certified Factories
In Vietnam, it’s not easy to find publicly listed RCS-certified factories. Most companies, even those certified, do not disclose details; some only have specific product lines certified. Overall, information is fragmented, unlike ISO or bluesign, which maintain open databases.
However, some verified RCS-certified factories in Vietnam include:
| Factory Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Spark Foamtech Vietnam | A factory specializing in supercritical foam technology, certified under RCS for the production of recycled foams and composite midsoles. It primarily supplies international footwear brands and sports equipment clients. |
| OrthoLite Vietnam (OVN) | An insole manufacturer officially confirmed to have obtained both RCS and GRS certifications at its Vietnam facility, covering its full range of insole products. |
| Kiara Garments Vietnam | A garment factory under Capital World Group that operates in compliance with RCS/GRS requirements, ensuring traceability of recycled material inputs. |