Definition ∞ Recycled Content refers to the proportion of materials in a product that have been recovered or diverted from the waste stream and reprocessed into new materials. Using recycled content reduces the demand for virgin resources, conserves energy, and decreases landfill waste. This metric is a key indicator of a product’s environmental sustainability. It supports circular economy principles by keeping materials in use for longer durations.
Context ∞ The utilization of recycled content is a significant focus for industries striving for greater environmental responsibility. News reports frequently highlight companies increasing their use of recycled materials in manufacturing and product design. Discussions center on improving recycling infrastructure, overcoming technical challenges in reprocessing, and accurately verifying the origin and percentage of recycled materials in consumer goods.