On 3 November 2025, over 200 participants joined us in Shanghai for the ISCC PLUS and SAF Conference – Sustainability Certification in China. The day was packed with insights on RED III implementation, ISCC PLUS developments and sustainability certification for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). A big thank you to all our sponsors, including premium sponsors, Control Union and SCS Global Services, and core sponsor, SGS, for their valuable contribution to this event!

The conference, moderated by Yu Xue (Senior System Manager at ISCC), opened with a warm welcome from Dr Norbert Schmitz (Managing Director at ISCC), and Dr Jan Henke (Director at ISCC and Meo Carbon Solutions). They highlighted the strategic importance of China within ISCC’s global framework and announced the establishment of the Regional Stakeholder Committee – China, which will launch in 2026.

RED III Implementation, Integrity and Collaboration in Global Certification Systems

Dr Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director at ISCC, shared an overview on RED III implementation and ISCC EU certification. While all EU member states must transpose RED III into national law by May 2025, several have yet to complete this process, with full implementation expected by January 2026. Dr Schmitz emphasised ISCC’s global integrity programme, which ensures that all System Users adhere to the same standards and fulfil ISCC requirements.

From Control Union Japan, Managing Director Jiro Omura shared the example of Saga City, which achieved certification for CO₂ capture from waste incineration. Furthermore, Dr Tong Li, Technical Manager at SCS Global Services, reminded us that integrity is the foundation of sustainable business and collaboration is key to lasting trust. In this regard, high-quality audits reduce risks for companies.

Expanding the Reach of ISCC PLUS Across Industries and Regions

Dr Jan Henke, Director at ISCC and Meo Carbon Solutions, reported that ISCC PLUS continues to grow rapidly, now exceeding 6,000 valid certificates worldwide, including nearly 1,000 in China. He explained that ISCC PLUS follows legislative developments such as the EU Single Use Plastic Directive and China’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System. Additionally, Dr Henke stressed the importance of clear and credible communication about certified products, as improper claims can lead to legal and reputational risks.

Covestro’s IMS Lead Auditor APAC Xiaoying Jin shared their sustainability vision, including the company’s goal for climate neutrality across scopes 1–3 by 2050. Covestro’s circularity strategy involves renewable energy, alternative raw materials, innovative recycling, and cross-industry collaboration. By applying the ISCC mass balance approach, Covestro supports de-fossilisation and ensures transparency in sourcing.

Jason Guan, TfS Chair for China at BASF, introduced Together for Sustainability (TfS), a global initiative for assessing and auditing sustainability in chemical supply chains. BASF sources ISCC PLUS-certified recycled and bio-based materials on a mass balance basis to reduce fossil feedstock dependence and promote circularity. Several industries already benefit from the alternative sourcing, e.g. automotive industry or electronics.

Surendra Nukala, Director of Technology at Goodyear Asia Pacific, shared Goodyear’s sustainability roadmap: by 2030, Goodyear wants to introduce a tire made from 100% sustainable materials, and by 2050, achieve net-zero value chain emissions. The Goodyear ElectricDrive Sustainable-Material (EDS) tire is linked to over 70% alternative materials, among which, 48% is ISCC-certified.

Dr Jie Zhu, General Manager at Shanghai ShenJi Energy & Environment Technology, described the company’s production of ISCC EU and PLUS-certified bio-based methanol on a mass balance basis. The production supports Shanghai’s local green fuel development.

The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in China and Beyond

China emerges as a global SAF hub, as Dr Dario Formenti, Technical Lead for Aviation and Maritime at ISCC, explained. SAF has become a strategic priority under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for Green Civil Aviation and the 2022 Civil Aviation Green Development Policy & Action Plan. Currently, over 27% of ISCC CORSIA certificates are issued in China for CORSIA Eligible Fuels, showcasing the importance of the Chinese market. He additionally noted that ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA all provide viable certification pathways for SAF, depending on the final market compliance and claim. In the ISCC CORSIA framework, ISCC has developed a Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) certification approach and is currently seeking recognition under ICAO.

Adam Kirby, Team Lead for Aviation and Maritime at ISCC, presented the ISCC Proof of Compliance (PoC) framework, designed to address gaps in document traceability at downstream level within EU regulations. ISCC is also working to enable ISCC EU / ISCC CORSIA dual conformance for SAF, providing flexibility to SAF supply chains while maintaining regulatory compliance. Additionally, Mr. Kirby presented ISCC’s work in the SAF Book & Claim area, and shared insights into the growing market adoption of the ISCC Credit Transfer System.

We also heard from Samuel Wong, Manager for Sustainability Technology & Insights at Cathay Pacific Airways, who emphasised SAF’s vital role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in the aviation industry. However, despite progress, global SAF volumes remain low: 6,880 tonnes in 2024, only 0.15% of total jet fuel. Cathay Pacific sources ISCC-certified SAF and benefits from ISCC’s support through knowledge sharing, certification standards, the SAF registry, and its PoS and PoC frameworks.

Li Xu, Managing Director Asia Pacific at LanzaTech, explained how the company recycles waste carbon into ethanol, which can be converted into fuels and materials. LanzaTech currently operates six plants (some of them certified under the ISCC CORSIA and ISCC PLUS schemes), and its subsidiary LanzaJet has developed its own alcohol-to-jet technology to produce SAF, with the first commercial facility expected to begin operations soon.

Dannis Poon, Executive Vice President for Operations at EcoCeres, explained while other pathways remain less viable, eSAF is expected to become a major driver post-2030 under the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation mandate. He also highlighted current constraints and challenges, including limited feedstock supply and long plant construction times, which can extend up to five years depending on the location.

We were excited to welcome our newly elected Co-chairs for the Regional Stakeholder Committee – China: Haiquan Wang, Director Business Development at Ecoceres and Jie Zhu, General Manager at Shanghai Shenji Energy & Environment Technology. Thank you for your commitment – we look forward to your contributions!

The conference wrapped up with a lively networking reception and plenty of fresh ideas for the future of sustainability certification in China! A big thank you to all participants and speakers for their valuable discussions and active participation. We are excited to see you at our next meeting.