RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is an international certification to build a universal standard for recycled textile products, with the aim of increasing the use of recycled materials, so that their production is in line with environmental conservation strategies. RCS is under the international non-profit organization Textile Exchange, an organization engaged in the field of environment and textile production.
RCS has several objectives that reflect the values it seeks to uphold. First, to align the definition of “recycling”. RCS uses the definition of recycling according to ISO 14021, regarding pre-production waste and post-production waste. Pre-production waste is waste from the remains of the production process that is then discarded by the producer, then used to be recycled into new products. Meanwhile, post-production waste is waste from products that have been used by consumers, then recycled into new products. Second, tracking the source of recycled materials. RCS aims primarily to raise awareness about recycling and its impact on the deteriorating environment. However, the source of the materials to be recycled must also be clear and safe. In addition, each step in the recycling and production process must also be closely monitored. Third, providing businesses and consumers with an informative tool to make informed purchasing decisions. For consumers or businesses looking to collaborate, it is important to know whether a brand’s claimed eco-friendly values are justified. RCS is a guarantee of this.
Since its presence in 2020, Pable has maintained consistency in doing our mission, which is to collectively recycle as many textile materials as possible, for the sake of the community, the environment, and life. In January 2025, one stepping stone was laid by Pable, by obtaining RCS100 certification, which means that Pable products are made from 100% recycled materials. Pable’s dynamics began with the certification registration in August 2024. The first step that Pable took was to complete the requirements in the form of files and documentation carried out in the period September-October 2024. Furthermore, to ensure that all Pable staff understand and carry out standard operating procedure that has been set RCS, Pable held internal training from 7-10 October 2024. This was done by all Pable staff from the office staff, production warehouse, to the weaving community. The next step is internal audit which was commanded by Pable himself, with the aim of ensuring that all individuals involved in the Pable production process understand the values it seeks to reflect. This involves many processes and audit points. Internal audit of the office requires checking legal and administrative documents, while in the warehouse it requires checking the archiving of materials, storage methods of RCS and non-RCS materials, etc. Lastly, internal audit in the weavers’ workshop requires inspection of the weaving machines, to ensure that when used, the machines are not contaminated with non-RCS materials, and storage of materials from sub-contract partners, PT. Panji Mas Textile (PMT) Gresik. These three Pable production centers are the pillars of the RCS certification process. The final step of this long process is inspection audit which was held on November 28-29, 2024.
Until finally the certificate was issued on January 10, 2025, there were quite a few challenges experienced by the Pable team. One of these challenges was related to undisciplined archiving. Pable warehouse received a delivery note for each material that came to the warehouse to then undergo the next production process, but the letter was never printed and archived. The solution that was then implemented was archiving discipline, by creating a form to record the circulation of incoming materials. The form contains detailed material information starting from the source of the material, quantity, weight, and date of receipt. This needs to be ensured to fulfill the Material Reclaim form from RCS, which reflects the RCS principle mentioned above, namely tracking the source of recycled materials.
Another challenge faced in the midst of the certification process is that Pable does not yet have the technology to detect the composition of fabric types in recycled materials. So far, waste that has been determined as of origin has been directly handed over to the subcontractor, namely PT. Panji Mas Textile (PMT) Gresik, which already has the technology to detect fabric composition. The next solution taken by Pable is to communicate with PT. Panji Mas Textile to request a list of waste composition from the PT. Panji Mas Textile laboratory. This is done so that Pable knows the details of the composition and fabric being processed, for example fabric A consists of 70% polyester and 30% cotton.
Then, after ensuring that Pable has the RCS100 certificate, what’s in store for Pable? This certification is a proof and a guarantee that the sustainability values that Pable claims can be accounted for. This certificate also influences public purchasing decisions, if the public is looking for products that are truly environmentally friendly. This increases Pable’s reliability in the eyes of partners and potential customers. In addition, RCS certification has an international scope, which means that Pable’s market is expanding. Pable hopes that the positive impact can spread not only in Indonesia, but also the world.
This achievement is dedicated to the individuals at Pable who helped make this happen, our partners, and our community of supporters. It is also a celebration of our progress in accompanying Indonesia towards a more sustainable textile industry. From Pable, for a better Indonesia.
