The use of recycled materials is one of the most widespread environmental strategies employed by manufacturers. It is also a key factor considered in emerging sustainability standards. SCS provides independent certification of recycled content claims, documenting the accomplishments of manufacturers that are driving the development of viable markets for these materials. 

Key Definitions:

• Post-Consumer Material - Material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of a product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose.  This includes returns of materials from the distribution chain.

• Pre-Consumer Material - Material diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process.  Excluded is re-utilization of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.