Recycled Content Verification

Suppliers, Manufacturers and Retailers are increasingly challenged to ensure that environmental and sustainable claims of their products are meeting consumer demand for transparency and authenticity.

Today’s consumer are knowledgeable and wary of misleading sustainability claims or “eco-claims” that are reported on products and packaging, sometimes referred to as greenwashing. Intertek’s Verified Recycled Content program supports suppliers and manufacturers validate and communicate the pre-consumer and/or post-consumer recycled content in their material, product or package in accordance with global labelling standards.

Certification
Intertek’s Verified Recycled Content program includes an evaluation report, certificate and the use of an Intertek Sustainability Certification mark that can be used on products and packaging and will help you to effectively market your recycled content claim to your customers. 

Benefits
There are several benefits to verifying your recycled content verification, such as:

• Demonstrating leadership in reducing reliance on virgin materials and resources,
• Satisfying procurement requirements and customer expectations for sustainable products,
• Meet global regulatory requirements for environmental labelling and “eco-claims”,
• Meet consumer demand for greater transparency,
• Contribute to LEED® points (or other building programs),
• Differentiate your product with certification from an independent third party. 
  
  

Process
The verification process involves several steps with the Intertek team:

1. Data Collections and Analysis: Intertek helps you assemble your data and documentation required for our review. This includes information about manufacturing, processes, and chain of custody procedures for materials to determine if conformance is achieved as well as the nature of your claim.
2. Evaluation: The Intertek evaluator writes a draft assessment report that details the findings of the review, including data analysis, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement. You are required to respond to any non-conformities with a root cause analysis and corrective action.
3. Onsite Inspection: The evaluator uses a risk-based approach to determine if an onsite inspection is required based on the data and documentation collected in step 1. If it is needed, the onsite inspection may be recommended prior to granting certification.
4. Technical Review: The Intertek Program Manager reviews the evaluation and report, which is then sent to you for review and comment, prior to certification.
5. Certification Decision: If the requirements of the verification are met, Intertek issues the final report, certificate(s), and certification mark. Once certified, your company and products are listed on the Intertek Sustainability Certification Directory. 
6. Certification Maintenance: Certification is valid for 3 years provided there are no changes to materials, suppliers, processes, etc. Intertek’s Certification Manager will send a brief survey each year to confirm that no changes have occurred.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions