ISCC PLUS Certification

We support the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy through our globally applicable ISCC PLUS certification system. Our approach actively involves a diverse range of stakeholders in decision-making processes, including policymakers, System Users, Certification Bodies, research institutes, and NGOs.

ISCC PLUS is a voluntary certification scheme designed to validate sustainability characteristics of alternative feedstocks. You can use an ISCC PLUS certification to credibly communicate to commercial and individual consumers, the public and governmental institutions that you comply with clearly defined sustainability standards.

Benefits of an ISCC PLUS Certification

Credibility

ISCC PLUS is the leading sustainability certification system for the circular economy and bioeconomy.

Agility and Adaptiveness

We continuously improve our certification system based on industry developments, multi-stakeholder feedback and ongoing research.

Verified Sustainability Claims

ISCC PLUS System Users can demonstrate their commitment to the circular economy and bioeconomy by using third-party verified sustainability claims. Certified finished goods for end consumers can bear the ISCC on-product logos.

Traceability of Alternative Feedstocks

We provide three chain-of-custody methods to help you track the flow of alternative feedstocks throughout the supply chain: mass balance, physical segregation and controlled blending.

Alternative Feedstocks

The basis of every ISCC PLUS certification is the use of alternative feedstocks. These can be waste and residues, renewable energy-derived feedstock, but also sustainably grown agricultural raw materials and forest biomass. Materials derived from alternative feedstocks can be classified into the four categories described below.

Circular Materials

We certify circular materials that are derived from the mechanical or chemical recycling of fossil-based waste and residues, e.g. mixed plastic waste, waste textiles or end-of-life tires.

According to the ISCC standard, waste and residues are defined as materials that have reached the end of its intended life cycle. Waste collectors must prove this with relevant documentation.

Bio-circular Materials

Bio-circular materials are derived from waste and residues of biological origin. Examples include used cooking oil, tall oil, food waste, and agricultural or forestry residues.

Bio materials

Sustainably grown agricultural feedstocks and sustainable forest biomass are the basis for ISCC PLUS certified bio materials.

The ISCC sustainability requirements for farms, plantations and forestry are laid down in the form of six principles covering environmental, social and economic sustainability aspects. First and foremost, deforestation and forest degradation after January 2008 is not allowed according to the ISCC PLUS standard.

Renewable-Energy-derived Materials

Materials that use renewable energy sources as an integral part of the reaction can become ISCC PLUS certified. An example is Power-to-X: the process of converting renewable electricity (Power), generated from wind, solar or water, into a variety of end products (X).

Recycling

We certify all kinds of waste and residues, including mechanically and chemically recycled materials.

Mechanical Recycling

Mechanical recycling is a resource efficient process that transforms waste plastics into new materials, helping to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. The process starts with the collection and sorting of plastic waste, which is then shredded into small pieces. After being washed, these pieces are melted and formed into new plastic pellets. These recycled pellets can be used to create a variety of new plastic products, such as bottles, textiles or packaging material.

Since it involves fewer chemical processes and lower energy use, mechanical recycling generally has a smaller environmental impact than chemical recycling, making it the preferred choice. However, this recycling option has its limitations; over time, the process degrades the quality of plastic, limiting the number of times it can be recycled. Additionally, it is not feasible to mechanically recycle heavily contaminated or multi-layer plastics (e.g. some food packaging or beverage cartons).

Chemical Recycling

Chemical recycling is an advanced process that breaks down waste plastics into their chemical building blocks through processes like pyrolysis, gasification or depolymerisation. Unlike mechanical recycling which melts and forms only clean single-material waste into plastic pellets, chemical recycling can be applied to a wider variety of plastics, including mixed and contaminated materials. Chemical recycling is used to complement mechanical recycling and has the potential to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

Materials Eligible for ISCC PLUS certification

All materials and products linked to alternative feedstocks* can become ISCC PLUS certified. Please find below some examples for your reference.

Plastics, Adhesives, Paint

All kinds of plastic products and composites linked to recycled or bio-based materials* can be ISCC PLUS certified, e.g. plastic toys, packaging films, medical equipment or office material.

Car Tires

Synthetic and sustainable natural rubber can obtain an ISCC PLUS certification. The rubber can be used for car tires, but also other products like gloves or footwear.

Biofuels and Bioliquids

Biofuels and bioliquids, as well as biogas and solid biomass intended for use outside the European Union can obtain an ISCC PLUS certification.

Textiles

Textiles linked to recycled materials or sustainably grown cotton, hemp or other natural fibers*, can become ISCC PLUS certified.

_{*ISCC PLUS certified alternative feedstocks can be handled as physically segregated, or can be mixed with conventional feedstocks via controlled blending or mass balance approach.}

Further Information

System Documents

Audit Procedures

Material lists

Start your ISCC PLUS journey today

Our certification process

References

Certification Examples

ISCC PLUS certified companies are leading the way in using renewable and recycled raw materials. All of them contribute in different ways, as waste collectors, processors, converters and brand owners.

ISCC certifies NUREL for mechanical recycling process and finished goods

NUREL, part of the SAMCA Group and an integrated producer of synthetic nylon fibres, technical polymers, and biopolymers, received ISCC certification for its mechanical recycling process and the manufacture of polyamides (PA) and a variety of polymer-based products.

Unzipping Polyester for a Cleaner Future

High-quality products with recycled material are especially important for the cosmetics industry, as this industry not only has an increased demand for plastic packaging, but also discerning and environmentally conscious buyers. Qualiform, one of the world’s top producers of luxury cosmetic packaging, has recognised the need for innovative solutions.

ISCC PLUS certified packaging for the products we love

ISCC PLUS certification for the complete supply chain is increasing, to provide reassurance about the sustainable content of the packaging. The industry is rising to the challenge with numerous facilities already or soon to be certified. Unilever, REN Clean Skincare, Aptar, Jindal Films, SABIC, Borealis, Neste and others have all publicised their involvement with ISCC.

Addressing the growing demand for certified food-grade recycled plastic packaging

With unstable oil prices and regulatory changes the demand for recycled plastic for food packaging is growing fast. The hurdles that companies face include integration of new technologies, better waste infrastructure and science based regulation. Nestle is one of the companies that shows us an example of a pathway to dealing with this challenges with the use of ISCC certified food-grade recycled HDPE.