The ISCC PLUS certification system covers all sustainable raw materials, including biomass from agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture, biogenic waste and residues, non-biological renewable materials, and carbon-based recycled materials and products derived from them. In general, it covers all market activities and sectors not bound by the European Union’s RED II directive.
The ISCC organization is a multi-stakeholder, independent entity with over 250 members worldwide. Its primary activity is the development, improvement, and oversight of internationally recognized certification systems for sustainable production and raw material management (Ethical and Sustainability Schemes). The ISCC PLUS standard is specifically designed to cover a wide range of applications, from agriculture and the food industry to the circular economy, the energy sector, packaging, and industries dealing with waste and recycling.
Certification under the ISCC PLUS system, one of the leading standards for sustainable raw material management, offers a range of benefits for industry and environmental sustainability. ISCC PLUS specializes in areas such as recycling and sustainable raw material management, providing traceability and certification capabilities across various industrial sectors.
Q-CERT, a 100% Greek certification body with international presence in Europe, Asia, and Africa, is recognized by the German organization ISCC System GmbH for conducting audits internationally based on the ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS voluntary schemes with recognition code GR228.
What is the ISCC PLUS Certification System?
ISCC PLUS is a voluntary standard that offers traceability throughout the supply chain, providing certification capabilities for raw material management based on the mass balance approach. This standard recognizes the need for a balance between the use of recycled or sustainable materials and greenhouse gas emissions, providing the necessary tools for sustainability certification.
The application of mass balance is central to the ISCC PLUS standard, ensuring that the amount of sustainable or recycled raw materials can be identified at every stage of production and management. Additionally, ISCC PLUS allows companies to voluntarily apply additional criteria, such as 205-01 for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enabling organizations to make specific sustainability commitments.
Why You Need ISCC Plus Certification:
Some of the key challenges facing industry today, such as biodiversity protection, deforestation prevention, carbon emissions reduction, and waste management, can be effectively addressed using the ISCC PLUS standard. ISCC PLUS certification offers multiple benefits for businesses involved in raw material management and production industries.
Finite resources and climate issues have made the transition from a “make-consume-dispose” society to a climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable, and fully circular economy, free of toxic pollutants, by 2050 essential. The current crisis highlighted weaknesses in supply and value chains, affecting small and medium-sized enterprises and industries. Transitioning to a circular economy will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, boost economic growth, and create new jobs.
In March 2020, the European Commission proposed an action plan for the circular economy aligned with the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050, as part of the Green Deal. The new action plan focuses on waste prevention and management, aiming to enhance the EU’s global leadership, growth, and competitiveness.
On February 9, 2021, the European Parliament called for stricter recycling rules and legally binding targets on material use and consumption.
Benefits of ISCC PLUS Certification:
Through the application of the ISCC PLUS standard, businesses can ensure full traceability of their raw materials, allowing transparency in the supply chain and better resource management. The ability to use sustainable raw materials, such as animal fats and recycled plastics, gives businesses the opportunity to meet the needs of the modern market and enhance their competitiveness.
The implementation of ISCC PLUS certification helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the additional certification add-on 205-01 “GHG Emissions.” This specific add-on enables the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions based on the product life cycle. Additionally, companies that implement the ISCC PLUS standard can use the claims system to demonstrate their environmental commitments, enhancing consumer and partner trust.
ISCC PLUS certification is particularly useful for businesses operating internationally, as it offers compliance with global standards and regulations for sustainability and raw material management. This is especially important for companies seeking to expand their operations and access international markets.
ISCC PLUS supports the circular economy, offering opportunities to use sustainable raw materials in critical sectors such as packaging, textiles, plastics, and biofuels. Through the certification process, businesses can demonstrate compliance with the principles of the circular economy, contributing to waste reduction and promoting sustainable production processes.
ISCC Plus Certification Process
The certification process follows the management systems rules and includes the following steps:
For more detailed information about the certification process, please refer to Q-CERT’s certification regulation (F-2129).
Who Should Obtain ISCC PLUS Certification?
ISCC PLUS certification offers significant advantages for companies seeking to incorporate sustainability into their operations. Some of the primary needs addressed by the standard include carbon emissions reduction, sustainable raw material management, deforestation prevention, and compliance with the strictest environmental management standards.
The principles of the circular economy and sustainability must be applied at all stages of a supply chain to achieve a fully circular economy, from design and production to the consumer. Critical sectors for achieving a circular economy include:
This certification can be a powerful tool for increasing competitiveness, improving environmental performance, and achieving partnerships with leading global organizations and businesses.
Target Audience:
Critical sectors for achieving a circular economy include: plastics, textiles, packaging.
Industry-Specific Needs:
ISCC PLUS certification is crucial for companies involved in raw material management and product manufacturing based on sustainability and the circular economy. The certification ensures that every stage of the production process—from sourcing raw materials, such as animal fats or recycled materials, to final distribution—complies with strict sustainability standards. It is particularly beneficial for industries aiming to document compliance with circular economy requirements and promote responsible solutions in managing recyclable materials.
Certified products may contain a percentage of ISCC PLUS-certified raw materials, such as:
Additional Information:
ISCC PLUS certification is essential for companies seeking to enter markets with high sustainability demands, such as large retail chains and international production companies. By complying with international sustainability and traceability standards, ISCC PLUS-certified businesses ensure access to markets that require transparent and responsible raw material and product management.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISCC PLUS Certification:
Can a small company be certified according to the standard’s requirements?
Yes, ISCC PLUS certification is not exclusively for large multinational companies. It is equally important for smaller businesses that want to integrate sustainable practices into their production process or enter new, demanding markets that emphasize sustainability and emissions management.
How will ISCC PLUS certification benefit me?
For more information about certification or frequently asked questions, you can contact our certification body. Additionally, companies can visit the official ISCC website, where they will find detailed guidance and support.
| Audit Information & Expectations | Application Form |
|---|---|
| F-2129 | F-2503, Annex I Submit the application form to: info@qmscert.com |