16 August 2024
On 13 August, we held our 16th Regional Stakeholder Meeting – Latin America with more than 100 participants joining us online from around the world. We thank you all for being part of our growing community in Latin America! The online meeting was kickstarted by Alejandra Rueda, Chair of the Committee – as always: A big thank you to her efforts in moderating the meeting.
The first block of the presentations focused on the latest developments in the regulatory market and EU regulations. Dr Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director of ISCC, gave us an overview of where ISCC currently stands: “Operating on three certification systems, ISCC has reached a 27% growth over the last year”, he said, shedding the spotlight on the current development and achievements.
“Operating on three certification systems, ISCC has reached a 27% growth over the last year”
Kristina Nenov (ISCC Senior System Manager) concluded and guided us through various ISCC tools such as the ISCC HUB and TYC Connect, a transaction database in line with the requirements of the European Commission’s Union Database. Peter Hawighorst, the Associate Director of Meo Carbon Solutions, explained the Low ILUC-Risk Certification for Biofuels. He highlighted that certified feedstock production avoids using unmanaged land for biomass by improving agricultural practices and cultivating crops on previously unused land. This process follows the sustainability criteria for biofuels outlined in Article 29 of the Renewable Energy Directive II (2018/2001 Article 2(37)). Additionally, Claudia Romeiro from FS (Fuel Sustainability, Brazil) showcased the practical implementation of the Low LUC Certification in Brazil and discussed the potential challenges and lessons learned. To conclude the first block with further real-world application, Beatriz Nobre da Fonseca (Project Manager, Meo Carbon Solutions) presented the Life Cycle Analysis project completed in 2022, which aimed to establish the foundation for sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel production in Columbia.
The second block was concentrated on the developments of ISCC PLUS. Dr Jan Henke (Director of ISCC and Meo Carbon Solutions) provided a detailed explanation of the ISCC PLUS scheme, its application for circular economy and bioeconomy, and its suitability for all types of final markets. The PLUS scheme experienced significant growth, nearly doubled over the last two years, and has gained more relevance in the Latin American market.
“Solid urban waste represents a huge challenge in Latin America, with over 12.5 million tonnes produced annually,” said Natalia Jimenez Guzmán, the New Business Manager at Esenttia Colombia. She highlighted the opportunity this volume of material presents for transforming into a sustainable cycle and pointed out that without certification, we cannot achieve traceability and assurance through the value chain.
“Solid urban waste represents a huge challenge in Latin America, with over 12.5 million tonnes produced annually”
Following Natalia’s presentation, Alonso Martínez (Sustainability & ESG Manager at Styropek) discussed the ISCC PLUS challenges in the circular portfolio of expandable polystyrene. “Latin America is suffering from the highest rate of biodiversity loss globally”, stated Slendy Díaz, Circular Economy Lead of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia. During her presentation, she provided valuable insights on the importance of the regulatory framework for the circular economy and explained how the implementation of public policies will contribute to sustainable growth.
“Latin America is suffering from the highest rate of biodiversity loss globally”
In the third block, the meeting was focused on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence. Elba Estrada, Senior Project Manager at Meo Carbon Solutions, provided an overview of due diligence requirements, including the timeline of EU due diligence regulations and how companies must implement due diligence to ensure compliance. Dr Rafaël Schneider (Deputy Head of Policy and External Relations at Welthungerhilfe) made it clear that human rights due diligence can only be achieved by creating an enabling environment, rather than isolated actions. He also introduced us to the Food Security Standard (FSS), managed by Welthungerhilfe and Meo Carbon Solutions, and explained its role in addressing human rights and environmental risks.
Elwuin Fiallos, System Manager at ISCC, stressed that climate change is significantly impacting food production, increasing the vulnerability in various areas, Consequently, finding more resilient methods of agriculture has become essential. ISCC’s Regenerative Agriculture Initiative promotes sustainable agriculture practices supporting both climate action and food security he said. Wrapping up the third block, Klemen Gamboa, Vice Minister of Food Security and Nutrition Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Guatemala, provided valuable government insights on the adaption of agricultural food systems and their role in enhancing biodiversity and climate change resilience.
One of the main highlights was the election of Alonso Martínez Avalos as a Co-Chair, congratulations to him! With more than 25 years of business experience and a PhD in sustainability, we are sure that he will be a valuable addition to the committee. The meeting was then concluded by Dr Norbert Schmitz proposing the next Regional Stakeholder Meeting – Latin America will be held in Mexico. We can’t wait to welcome you there!
All presentations are available on our website. A huge thank you to everyone who attended our event!