Developing a Claims-based, Sustainable Products Framework for RS Group

Situation

RS Group is a global provider of product and service solutions for designers, builders and maintainers of industrial equipment and operations. The organisation required support with the second phase of work of its ‘Better World’ programme – a framework to highlight to customers products that are more sustainable. For this phase, RS Group wanted to extend the Better World programme by developing a robust evidence-based model for product claims aligned with the latest green claims guidance and emerging regulations.

The main aims of the project were to assist RS Group in defining the claims-based framework, evidence requirements and verification criteria, ensuring an appropriate governance process was in place, and lastly training RS Group’s teams on the framework and legislative requirements.

Solution

The project included:

• Claims type assessment: In the first stage, we reviewed each of the 15 claim types that RS Group wanted to make following Anthesis’ claims risk assessment methodology, assessing the characteristics, evidence and terminology associated with the claim across the product lifecycle.
• Thresholds: We then defined the minimum standards (i.e. thresholds) for a credible product claim for each claim type, such as a minimum amount of recycled material. This involved researching the industry standards and norms for each claim type to establish what a more sustainable product would have to meet.
• Evidence requirements: We defined the evidence requirements for each claim type, such as Life Cycle Assessments and third-party certifications, and outlined the minimum requirements that must be met to ensure that claims are backed by robust, credible evidence that stands up to scrutiny.
• Verification process: We created a decision tree framework to enable RS Group to confidently verify the product and determine its eligibility for a claim, based on factors such as characteristics and available evidence, and highlighting where there would be particular watch-outs or high-risk factors.
• Governance: We assisted RS Group in further developing its claims governance processes to ensure a consistent approach to ensuring the quality of the claims being made and managing risk.
• Training: With the framework defined and ready for launch, we ran a training session for internal teams on the claims framework and legislative requirements.

These results were delivered to RS through reports, face-to-face workshops, and training sessions.

Impact

RS Group successfully implemented the framework and launched the Better World claims-based framework in March 2024, beginning with EMEA and APAC and gradually being rolled out to the US.

Key project outputs included:

• Claims risk assessment: Risk assessment highlighting the level of risk based on the characteristic, terminology and substantiation, with recommended changes and implementation advice.
• Thresholds: Minimum thresholds that products must meet to qualify for each claim type, ensuring any claimed benefits go beyond what is already industry standard practice.
• Evidence requirements and verification process: Guidance report detailing the minimum evidence requirements to substantiate a claim and additional best practice requirements.
• Training content: Tailored training sessions on the claims-based model, green claims governance, and the associated risks and legislation.