6 June 2025

On 5 June, we hosted our 17^th Regional Stakeholder Meeting – Latin America. Bringing together like-minded leaders, changemakers, and pioneers aiming to advance sustainability in the region, we were met with fascinating insights and compelling perspectives on their most current and pivotal efforts. The meeting began with a welcoming introduction by Alejandra Rueda, Co-Chair of the Committee.

ISCC Updates: Growth, EC Recognition & Regenerative Agriculture Rollout 

Next, Dr. Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director of ISCC, presented promising facts and figures, revealing that the total number of valid ISCC certificates – comprising ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA – has increased to 14.077, representing a 19% rise over the past year. In terms of Latin American feedstocks, Used Cooking Oil (UCO) and Sugar Cane were among the most certified. 

Additionally, ISCC looks forward to certifying Latin American ISCC EU System Users under the Renewable Energy Directive III, as we have recently been officially recognised by the European Commission (EC).

Furthermore, the ISCC Regenerative Agriculture add-on (ISCC RegAg) is scheduled to launch later this year, supporting regenerative farming practices that improve soil and water health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Multi-stakeholder pilot projects with Neste, Texas A&M University, and North Dakota State University will conduct field studies in the U.S., while Bunge’s trials will focus on farmers in Romania, Hungary, and Poland. 

A Journey Towards Compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

One agriculture-related add-on already in practice is the ISCC EUDR add-on. Pedro Ruano from the Colombia-based GREMCA/Daabon group, which produces sustainable, lower-carbon-emission palm oil, highlighted the company’s recent achievement in obtaining all ISCC certifications, including the ISCC EUDR add-on, following a final audit this month. 

Circular and Bio Economy Gain Ground With ISCC PLUS Certification

Mexico is shifting toward a circular and bio-based economy by redefining waste as a valuable resource. Rogelio Jimenez from the Ministry of Environment highlighted efforts to reduce reliance on natural resources and to promote renewable energy and biodegradable alternatives. Central to this transition is the General Law of Circular Economy (LGEC), which lays the groundwork for a more sustainable national economy. 

Dr. Jan Henke, Director of ISCC, emphasised the functionality of ISCC PLUS in creating an efficient working model for circular and bio economies. Certifying advanced and mechanical recycling routes via ISCC PLUS enables businesses to document and verify the use of circular materials, aligning with growing regulations across Latin America aimed at reducing single-use plastics.

Plastic regulations in Latin America are evolving quickly, challenging the food and beverage sector to adapt towards sustainability. ALAIAB, the region’s leading industry group, is involved as an observer in the UN’s global treaty to end plastic pollution by 2024. The treaty focuses on regulating plastic production, promoting circular design, and improving waste management. Its gradual rollout will align with local laws and require collaboration across sectors.

Scaling SAF and Hydrogen: Regional Momentum Grows

According to Diego Martinez del Rio, Corporate Sustainability Manager of Chilenean LATAM Airlines, Latin America faces significant policy challenges with regard to the implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Major obstacles include high SAF costs, a lack of standardised sustainability criteria approved by ICAO, and fragmented public policies across countries. Carbon pricing mechanisms currently cover 24% of emissions but are projected to reach 60% by 2030, driving the adoption of new technologies, SAF, operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets.

Pedro Henrique, Vice President of New Business and Digital at Acelen Renewables, presented the company’s bold vision to scale its pioneering Macauba-to-SAF platform. With one unit already in operation, Acelen plans to build four more, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 826 million tons, while also focusing on restoring degraded land in Brazil.

Israel Hurtado, President & CEO of the Mexican Hydrogen Association, emphasised that Mexico has the potential to become a leading producer of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and essential hydrogen equipment, including electric turbines, electrolysers, storage tanks, compressors, and piping. With transport times to Japan ranging from 13 to 16 days from major ports, Mexico is well-positioned as a future hydrogen supplier, dependent on enhancements in pipelines, ports, and liquefaction infrastructure.

Exchanges and Regional Outlook

Towards the end of the stakeholder meeting, an engaging panel discussion on “advancing certification in the mid-supply chain for driving market success” was held featuring insights from representatives from Alpek, Styropek, and Lyondell Bassell. This was followed by a joint FAQ session, providing an opportunity for participants to ask questions and clarify key points.

The Latin American region is a diverse, dynamic and rapidly changing sector, and we witnessed it firsthand yesterday. The numerous contributions from the stakeholders underline their efforts in achieving credible and trustworthy sustainability certification across various branches.

Have a look yourself and read all presentations – including extensive takeaways, inputs and perspectives!