ISCC PLUS Certification

Voluntary certification system for sustainable biomass

ISCC PLUS certification is an extension of the established ISCC standard . In contrast to ISCC EU and ISCC DE, which cover the legally regulated area of bio-fuels, ISCC PLUS targets biomass that is not affected by RED. This allows companies to demonstrate the sustainable origin of bio-based feedstock in all production and supply chains in the food, packaging, feed and chemical industries on a voluntary basis.

Certified sustainability in the supply and production chain

Improved competitive opportunities

Globally recognized standard

Increased transparency

Sustainable production and supply chains with ISCC PLUS

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard was established back in 2006. With the introduction of the ISCC PLUS standard a few years later, not only companies from biomass production and processing, but also the feed and food industry now have the opportunity to become certified for the sustainability of their supply and production processes.

ISCC with its more than 80 members develops and optimizes the existing regulations for their standards. With the ISCC PLUS, a set of rules was introduced that makes the aspect of sustainability in the production and trade of food, feed and biomass transparent. ISCC PLUS certification takes into account not only ecological but also social and economic factors.In total, more than 11,000 companies in over 100 countries worldwide are certified according to ISCC and ISCC PLUS.

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For which companies is ISCC Plus certification important?

ISCC PLUS is aimed at all companies that want to prove that their raw materials come from sustainable sources. This includes mainly bio-based raw materials such as agricultural and forest products, but also circular raw materials such as waste and recyclates. Thus, the ISCC PLUS certification extends the possibilities for companies to have the sustainability of their processes and production as well as of their supply chains certified by an independent certification body.

Basically, the ISCC PLUS certificate is suitable for all companies that want to market and sell their products as sustainable. This can be agricultural businesses, production facilities for food, food chemistry or a feed manufacturer.With ISCC PLUS, producing companies ensure that the sustainability of their raw materials can be fully and transparently traced, from the field to the store.

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Six key principles of ISCC PLUS certification

Every ISCC PLUS certification is based on six fundamental principles, which refer to ecological, social, economic and regulatory requirements. For example, in addition to the protection of nature, the protection of workers' rights or the payment of fair wages are relevant for passing the audit.

Preservation of natural areas that are characterized by their high biodiversity or that can store a lot of carbon (High Conservation Value = HCV).
Application of "good" agricultural practices, e.g. to maintain soil fertility or preserve water quality, and to reduce the use of pesticides.
Safe working conditions are maintained, for example through employee training and the provision of adequate protective clothing.
Compliance with human rights and labor laws, and ensuring responsible working conditions that promote health.
Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Adherence to good management practices.

For ISCC PLUS certification, so-called "Major Musts" and "Minor Musts" from these six criteria must be fulfilled.

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ISCC PLUS usage cases

Corn-based sweeteners, bio-plastics, certified cotton, milk cartons: the list of possible applications is long and varied. To give you an idea of the possibilities, here are some examples of ISCC PLUS certifications:

Food: At the request of one of the world's leading soft drink brands, Hungrana AG has applied for ISCC PLUS certification for its corn-based sweeteners. The corn, which is grown according to the six ISCC PLUS principles, is used in a variety of products for the food and feed industries.(Source)
Packaging: Norwegian cartonboard manufacturer Elopak has achieved certification of its renewable, bio-based polyethylene. The raw materials are derived from by-products and waste, reducing the product's carbon footprint.
Chemical: SABIC, a Saudi company operating in the chemical industry, has obtained ISCC PLUS certification for circular polymers. Plastic waste, rather than an agricultural product, is used as the feedstock. The waste is converted into a liquid and then mixed with traditional raw materials. This gives plastic waste an economic value, preventing it from entering our oceans.(Source)

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Here is how the ISCC Plus certification process works

In the first step, we exchange information about your company, your management system and field of activity in a personal meeting or by mail. Since the duration of the audit depends on the size and complexity of your company, we need some information from you, such as the number of employees. On this basis you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent quote, tailored to your individual needs.

As soon as your company is ready, an audit date will be set together with you and approved auditors with the required competence and experience in your industry will be selected. During the certification audit, our auditors assess, among other things, whether your management system meets the requirements of the standard and identify potential for improvement. In a final discussion, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results from your auditor, including a description of the potential for improvement for your company. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon. Corrective actions have to be implemented within 40 days.

If you have met all the requirements in the audit, you will receive your ISCC PLUS certificate with a validity period of one year.

How much does ISSC PLUS certification cost?

The cost of ISSC PLUS certification depends, among other things, on the size of your company and the complexity of your processes. We will be happy to provide you with an individual quote for your company without obligation.