A voluntary program, ISCC PLUS certification applies to food, feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles, and renewable feedstock that is produced through the use of renewable energy sources in the bio-economy and circular economy. The requirements for ISCC PLUS certification are the same as those for ISCC EU, but they can be tailored to fit the requirements of certain markets or uses. Under ISCC PLUS, certification is available for all forms of biomass, waste, and residues, non-biological renewables, and recovered carbon sources.

Through optional add-ons, ISCC offers the flexibility to customize ISCC PLUS certificates to meet particular market demands in addition to the basic standards. They can be implemented voluntarily for the entire supply chain and for the agricultural production area, depending on the specific add-on. The modular approach guarantees ongoing improvement and adherence to various market needs.

In this article, we outline the steps you can take to start your journey toward being a sustainable business and discuss the significance of ISCC PLUS certification. To provide you with some shrewd guidance on becoming certified, we have outlined the steps and benefits of an ISCC certificate.

What is ISCC PLUS certification?

For all markets and industries not governed as transportation fuels under the European Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED) or Fuel Quality Directive (FQD), which are covered under the ISCC EU certification scheme, ISCC PLUS is a sustainability certification program for bio-based and circular (recycled) raw materials.

Broad applications of the ISCC PLUS standard include bio-based and circular materials like plastics, food ingredients, animal feed, chemicals, and bioenergy; it also covers other technical substances and other areas where biomass is practically used. The standard focuses on the traceability of raw materials within the supply chain.

The sustainability and traceability requirements of all kinds of agricultural and forestry raw materials, such as crops and wood used to produce biofuel, are included in the ISCC PLUS certification program. In order to recover trash and residues that serve as feedstocks for circular plastics, chemical intermediates, and a range of consumer-facing items like toys, housewares, and packaging, the ISCC PLUS certification is quickly becoming the industry standard.

How does ISCC work?

An internationally renowned, multi-stakeholder organization called ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) has created a number of sustainability certification schemes. Their initiatives center on sustainable feedstocks, such as biomass from forestry and agriculture, biogenic wastes, circular materials, and renewable energy sources. ISSC provides three sustainability schemes, ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA, that are targeted at various markets. Every scheme depends on comparable frameworks and methods to uphold integrity and best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.

Which qualifications are needed to obtain ISCC PLUS certification?

The following requirements are addressed by the ISCC PLUS certification

• Safe working conditions,
• adherence to human, labor, and land rights,
• good management practices,
• continuous improvement initiatives,
• compliance with local, state, federal, and international treaties.

It upholds these standards along the whole chain of custody, from the raw material producer to the ultimate proprietor of the brand.

What distinguishes ISCC EU from ISCC PLUS?

As defined by ISCC, ISCC EU is a certification system that certifies adherence to the legal sustainability standards included in the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) and Renewable Energy Directive (RED). For all markets and industries not covered by the RED or FQD, including the food, feed, chemical, and energy markets as well as technical applications, there is a certification system called ISCC PLUS. All forms of raw materials from forestry and agriculture, trash and residues, non-bio renewable energy sources, and recovered carbon materials and fuels are covered under ISCC PLUS.

Does certification with ISCC PLUS ensure traceability?

Yes, ISCC PLUS certification ensures that the entire supply chain complies with established ISCC criteria and that the traceability of the raw materials inspected is guaranteed. The global economy’s legal criteria are met by the whole supply chain, as demonstrated by its certification to the ISCC PLUS standard.

Process of getting ISCC PLUS certified

Make a certification application

Complete the English, Spanish, or Chinese application form to provide information about your website and business. The proposal will be submitted with a suggested scope of work, timetable, and quote for your review and approval. Send back a completed work order and signed proposal to start the certification process.

Pre-evaluation (optional)

Before starting a comprehensive audit, compare your current procedures and systems to the ISCC Standard’s standards to find any areas that might require further attention.

Register directly with ISCC

You can register as a user directly with the ISCC registration form.

Plan an audit

An auditor is assigned and proposed audit dates are made. An audit plan is supplied to make sure your team is ready once an audit date is confirmed.

Obtain a certificate

A final audit report and certificate are given to individuals who successfully complete certification. The ISCC receives a copy of the report automatically.

Important guidelines for ISCC PLUS certification

The six core principles of ISCC PLUS certification pertain to ecological, social, economic, and regulatory aspects. For example, protecting workers’ rights or paying fair wages are important for passing the audit, in addition to protecting the environment.

• Preservation of natural areas with high conservation values (HCVs), or those that have a high biodiversity and/or large carbon storage capacity.
• Application of “good” agricultural techniques, such as minimizing the use of pesticides and maintaining soil fertility or water quality.
• Safe working conditions are upheld, for instance, by offering sufficient safety gear and educating employees.
• Observance of labor regulations and human rights, as well as provision of healthy working environments.
• Adherence to the relevant laws and rules.
• Respect for appropriate management procedures.

Maintaining your ISCC+ certification

The ISCC PLUS certification procedure is ongoing. Maintaining your certification requires you to keep track of and evaluate your sustainable activities on a regular basis. This guarantees that your procedures satisfy the requirements of the certification scheme and that your certification is maintained.

The bottom line

In conclusion, companies must obtain certifications in order to guarantee the veracity of their statements on sustainability. The complexity of a company’s operations and processes, as well as the time and resources available to it, all influence the certification and preparation process. Although the requirements are well-defined, organizations ought not to hesitate to get in touch with their Certification Body for assistance, clarification of any doubts, and to find out when the next audit dates are.

Another way to expedite the process is to make sure that effective procedures have been established and that team members have been sent for training as soon as possible. By following the steps we have mentioned and the key points we have outlined, you can make the process of becoming ISCC PLUS certified easier and grow your company sustainably.