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, like the market here in North America. This allows companies to voluntarily demonstrate the sustainable origin of bio-based feedstock in all production and supply chains in the food, packaging, feed and chemical industries.

Certified sustainability in the supply and production chain

Improved competitive opportunities

Globally recognized standard

Increased transparency

Beschreibung Standard/Regelwerk
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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, it enabled the feed and food industry to have the opportunity to become certified for the sustainability of their supply and production processes.

ISCC and its more than 80 members develop and optimize the existing regulations for their standards. With ISCC PLUS, a set of rules was introduced that makes the aspect of sustainability transparent in the production and trade of food, feed chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles, and renewable feedstock. 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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Zielgruppe
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Is the ISCC PLUS certification important for my company?

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 and circular raw materials such as waste and recycled material. 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.

The ISCC PLUS certificate is suitable for all companies that want to market and sell their products as sustainable in the US and Canada. 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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Welche Arten
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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, the protection of nature, the protection of workers' rights, and the payment of fair wages are relevant for passing the audit.

  1. Preservation of natural areas that are characterized by their high biodiversity or that can store a lot of carbon (High Conservation Value = HCV).
  2. Application of "good" agricultural and forestry practices, such as maintaining soil fertility, preserving water quality, and reducing the use of pesticides.
  3. Providing safe working conditions through ongoing employee training and empowerment as well as providing adequate protective clothing.
  4. Compliance with human rights and labor laws and ensuring responsible working conditions that promote health.
  5. Compliance with land rights and applicable laws, regulations, and treaties.
  6. Implementing good management practices and continuous improvement.

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

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Anforderungen
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ISCC PLUS use cases

The list of possible applications is long and varied but it can include items such as corn-based sweeteners, bio-plastics, certified cotton, and milk cartons. 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.(Source)
  • 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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How the ISCC Plus certification process works

In the first step, we request information about your company, your management system and field of activity.  Since the duration of the audit depends on the size and complexity of your company, we need information, such as the number of employees and processes in order to determine the required audit duration. Next, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent quote, tailored to your individual needs.  

Before the audit, you will complete the ISCC registration form and receive your ISCC registration number.

As soon as your company is ready, an audit date will be set with you and a competent auditor with experience and expertise in your industry. During the certification audit, our auditors assess whether your management system meets the requirements of the standard and identify potential areas of improvement. In a final discussion, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results from your auditor and if necessary, corrective action plans are agreed upon.

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

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How much does ISSC PLUS certification cost?

The cost of ISSC PLUS certification depends on the size of your company and the complexity of your processes. We are happy to provide you with a customized quote for your company with no obligation.

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Why should companies choose DQS Inc. for the ISCC PLUS certification?

  • All certification and audits for sustainability and quality management from one source.
  • Extensive industry knowledge and many years of auditor experience.
  • Responsive and competent support before and after audits.
  • Available at over 80 locations worldwide.
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Request for quote

Your local contact

We will be happy to provide you with an individual offer for ISCC PLUS certification.