Building Confidence in Recycled Content Claims

In my work with councils, I often hear that it can be difficult to determine whether recycled content claims made by suppliers are accurate and reliable. As a result, councils often need to rely on suppliers to confirm that recycled materials are genuinely being incorporated into products, without a consistent way to verify those claims.

I recently became aware of a new Recycled Content Verification (RCV) tool developed by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) and Rebuilt that aims to address this challenge by providing a more consistent approach to verifying recycled content claims.

The tool enables independent, third-party verification of recycled content data, aligned with ISO 14021 and Australia's National Traceability Framework. Suppliers submit supporting evidence through Rebuilt's platform, with GECA assessing and verifying the claims.

What this means for councils

The RCV tool provides councils with a more reliable basis for incorporating recycled content into procurement by enabling them to:

• Rely on independently verified claims, rather than self-declared information
• Support circular economy objectives through more consistent data
• Measure and report on recycled content in procurement activities
• Understand the origin of recycled materials, including whether content is locally sourced
• Request verified information as part of procurement and contract requirements

What this means for suppliers

For suppliers, the tool provides a way to formalise and substantiate recycled content claims by enabling them to:

• Verify recycled content through an independent process
• Provide supporting evidence to customers during tendering and contract delivery
• Respond to procurement requirements where verification is requested
• Access a structured verification pathway without relying solely on self-declaration

Special Offer for LGP Approved Contractors

LGP has partnered with GECA to provide all LGP Approved Contractors with a 10% discount on RCV verification.

Approved Contractors who commence the process before the end of this financial year will receive an increased discount of 20%.

Given the challenges councils face in implementing circular procurement, more reliable and consistent methods for verifying recycled content can support better-informed decision-making.

If you'd like to find out more about the RCV tool, please contact GECA at [email protected].

Written by Tania Lalor