ISCC

ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a globally applicable sustainability certification system primarily used to verify the sustainability of biomass, bioenergy, circular economy materials, and their supply chains.

I. Core Objectives of ISCC

1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By quantifying and reducing carbon emissions in the supply chain.

2. Protect the Natural Environment: Ensure that the cultivation of biomass raw materials does not damage high carbon stock lands (such as forests, wetlands) and biodiversity.

3. Ensure Social Responsibility: Comply with laws and regulations regarding human rights, labor rights, and land use rights.

II. Applicable Fields of ISCC

ISCC certification covers the entire supply chain from farmland and factories to final products, mainly applicable to:

1. Bioenergy: Specifically applied to biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas.

2. Bio-based Products: Specifically applied to bio-based plastics, chemicals.

3. Circular Economy: Specifically applied to recycled materials (plastics, chemicals).

4. Food and Feed: Specifically applied to sustainable agriculture.

5. Aviation Fuel: Specifically applied to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

III. Types of ISCC Certification

Based on final market and regulatory requirements, ISCC offers three main schemes:

1. ISCC EU: Complies with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), used for biofuels and bioliquids entering the EU market.

2. ISCC PLUS: Applicable to non-EU markets and broader industries (e.g., food, chemicals, packaging), supporting voluntary sustainability claims by companies.

3. ISCC CORSIA: Certification for sustainable aviation fuel under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

IV. ISCC Certification Process

1. Application and Scope Definition:

• Determine the certification type (e.g., ISCC PLUS) and supply chain scope (cultivation, processing, trading, etc.).

2. Document Preparation:

• Establish sustainability management system documents.

• Prepare greenhouse gas calculation reports and traceability records.

3. On-site Audit:

Conducted by an ISCC-accredited body (e.g., SGS, TÜV, BV) to verify:

• Legality of raw material sources (e.g., no deforestation).

• Accuracy of carbon emission calculations.

• Compliance with social standards (e.g., labor rights).

4. Certification Decision:

• Upon passing the audit, a certificate is issued, valid for 1 year, requiring annual renewal audit.