What does 'pre-consumer recycled content' include?

Pre-consumer recycled content refers specifically to materials that are diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. This means that before these materials reach the end consumer, they are recycled and repurposed, contributing to sustainability efforts by reducing the amount of waste produced in manufacturing. For example, scraps or byproducts created during the creation of a product that are not sent to landfills can be recycled and used to create new products, thus conserving resources and reducing overall environmental impact.

Understanding this definition is crucial for LEED certification, as it highlights the importance of recycling and resource conservation within the production cycle, promoting a circular economy.

In contrast, other options refer to different concepts. Materials that have been recycled after consumer use fall into the category of post-consumer recycled content, which is not the focus of the question. Similarly, materials obtained directly from reclaimed resources are not classified as pre-consumer recycled content; they refer to a different recycling process altogether. Lastly, compostable materials pertain to biodegradability rather than recycling, which distinguishes them from the context of pre-consumer recycled content.