What is ISCC?
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is an internationally recognized, multi-stakeholder organization that has developed several sustainability certifications programs. Their programs focus on sustainable feedstocks, including agricultural and forestry biomass, biogenic wastes, circular materials and renewables. ISSC offers three sustainability schemes aimed at different markets: ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA. Each scheme relies on similar structures and approaches to maintain integrity and environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practices.
What are some of the requirements of ISCC PLUS Certification?
ISCC PLUS certification addresses the following criteria: good agricultural practices to protect soil, water, and air; safe working conditions; compliance with human, labor, and land rights; good management practices; continuous improvement initiatives; and compliance with local and regional laws and international treaties. It maintains these requirements though the entire chain of custody from the producer of the raw material to the final brand owner.
What is the difference between ISCC PLUS and ISCC EU?
Per ISCC, ISCC EU is a certification system that demonstrates compliance with the legal sustainability requirements specified in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and Fuel Quality Directive (FQD). ISCC PLUS is a certification system for all markets and sectors not regulated by the RED or FQD, such as the food, feed, chemical and energy markets and for technical applications. Under ISCC PLUS, all types of agricultural and forestry raw materials, waste and residues, non-bio renewables and recycled carbon materials and fuels are covered.
Does ISCC PLUS certification guarantee traceability?
Yes, ISCC PLUS certification guarantees traceability of the raw materials audited as well as the whole supply chain in conformance with established ISCC standards. Certification to the ISCC PLUS standard proves the entire supply chain complies with legal requirements within the global economy.
IS ISCC PLUS certification compliant with the EU RED?
Unlike ISSC EU certification which is specifically geared towards meeting EU regulations pertaining to transportation fuels, ISCC PLUS is a certification for non-regulated markets that fall outside of the European Commission’s RED and FQD such as Japan and the United States and expands upon the ISCC EU certification by including raw materials not covered in the RED and FQD regulatory requirements. Included in the list of acceptable products are bioplastics and mixed plastic wastes, chemicals, and agricultural raw materials that are used in food and animal feed.