Who We Are

To put our commitment to the UN Global Compact into practice and constantly improve our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we support businesses to act more responsibly by setting sustainability standards for farms and plantations and by facilitating the use of wastes and residues. Through the utilisation of recycled materials or materials derived from biological waste, companies can accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

ISCC was Developed Through an Open Multi-Stakeholder Process

ISCC is an independent multi-stakeholder organisation responsible for the development, surveillance, revision and continuous improvement of the ISCC certification system. The ISCC certification system covers all sustainable feedstocks, including biomass from agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, biogenic waste and residues, non-biological renewable materials and recycled carbon-based materials and products derived therefrom. With currently over 12,000 valid certificates in more than 130 countries, ISCC is among the world’s largest certification systems. As a no-deforestation standard with a strong commitment to protect forests, high-carbon stock lands and biodiversity, ISCC strives for a world where biomass and other raw materials are produced in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner.

The ISCC Principles

The ISCC sustainability requirements for farms and plantations specifically are laid down in the form of six principles. The compliance of system users with said principles contributes to our vision of a world without deforestation and sustainable agriculture which increases biodiversity and creates healthy ecosystems.

Principle 1

Protection of land with high biodiversity value or high carbon Stock

Principle 2

Environmentally responsible production to protect soil, water and air

Principle 3

Safe working conditions

Principle 4

Compliance with human and labour rights and responsible community relations

Principle 5

Compliance with land rights, laws and international treaties

Principle 6

Good management practices and continuous improvement

ISCC Certification Systems

ISCC offers several chain-of-custody certification systems to address different market requirements. Chain-of-custody certification means that every operational entity in the supply chain is ISCC certified to ensure traceability and feedstock identity.

ISCC EU

is recognised by the European Commission to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids set out in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and by the United Kingdom under the renewable fuel obligation

ISCC PLUS

is a voluntary sustainability certification for plastics and chemicals, food and feed markets, as well as biofuels outside the European Union and the UK.

ISCC Licensing Scheme

ISCC operates the ISCC licensing program which includes the licensing of the ISCC logos. The ISCC licensing scheme can be applied by brand owners that receive ISCC PLUS certified final products and want to use an ISCC logo or an ISCC claim.