SCS Standards and Assurance Systems, part of Emeryville, California-based SCS Global Services, has launched the Certification Standard for Responsible Chemical Recycling (SCS-004), which it claims is the first independent certification standard of its kind for the sector.

Alongside the standard, SCS Global Services has opened a certification program that lets chemical recycling facilities processing hard-to-recycle plastics "transparently communicate their responsible practices" to the marketplace. The scheme applies globally to operators running pyrolysis, methanolysis, solvolysis, depolymerization, gasification and other chemical recycling technologies.

The launch addresses a verification gap that SCS Standards and Assurance Systems says has constrained the market: mechanical recycling alone cannot handle the volume, complexity or contamination levels of the world's plastic scrap, and most plastics still end up in landfills, incinerators or the environment. The organization argues chemical recycling is part of the solution, breaking hard-to-recycle plastics down into raw materials that re-enter supply chains. But without independent verification, brands selling products made from chemically recycled feedstock have had no way to confirm that their suppliers measure, monitor and report environmental and social impacts honestly and transparently.

"Brands are under real pressure to deliver on recycled content commitments, and chemical recycling is part of how that gets done," says Victoria Norman, executive director of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems. "But we need to have confidence that the recycling process is done in a responsible way. SCS-004 gives procurement and sustainability teams a rigorous, independently verified framework for knowing that the chemically recycled materials they source come from recycling operations that meet clear standards for environmental and social performance and operational transparency."

The certification uses a tiered structure across three levels. Core covers foundational requirements: management systems, operational permits, chain of custody transparency, and social and environmental reporting. Plus requires demonstrated continuous improvement in social and environmental performance against established baselines. Trailblazer offers category-specific recognition for best-in-class performance across risk assurance, transparency and disclosure, water stewardship, zero waste and social impact.

Certification requirements span chain of custody and mass balance accounting, feedstock sourcing, energy intensity and greenhouse gas calculations, atmospheric emissions reporting, waste and water management, life cycle assessment, human rights commitments and community engagement. The standard references and builds on internationally recognized frameworks including the GHG Protocol, ISO 14040/44/67, ISO 22095/-2 and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The standard originated with the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network — now known as CIRCLE — following the U.S. Plastics Pact's 2024 publication of "Responsible Production Guidelines for Advanced, Chemical and Molecular Recycling." SCS Standards and Assurance Systems developed SCS-004 through a multistakeholder process engaging chemical recyclers, supply chain partners, brands and civil society.

"Chemical recyclers have been asking for a credible way to demonstrate responsible practices," says John Parker, managing director of energy, biomaterials and circularity at SCS Global Services. "SCS' Responsible Chemical Recycling Certification provides a pathway to effectively communicate to the market and provide a vetted, transparent solution to address plastic waste. With decades of experience certifying recycling operations, biofuels and chemicals and responsible manufacturing, SCS Global Services is uniquely positioned to service this industry."

Chemical recyclers seeking certification can apply through the SCS Global Services website.

The next milestone to watch is uptake: which pyrolysis, gasification and depolymerization operators pursue Core certification first, and whether major brands with recycled content commitments begin requiring SCS-004 — or an equivalent — in their chemical recycling supply contracts.