ISCC – International Sustainability and Carbon Certification

Background

Overview

The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is an independent, multi-stakeholder initiative established to promote sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free, and climate-friendly supply chains. Founded in 2009, ISCC has become one of the world's leading certification systems, covering a wide range of feedstocks, including agricultural and forestry biomass, biogenic wastes and residues, non-biological renewable materials, and recycled carbon-based materials.

Mission and Vision

ISCC's mission is to facilitate the transition to a circular economy and sustainable bioeconomy by supporting companies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing transparency and traceability along supply chains. The vision is to achieve a carbon-neutral world and a true circular economy, where waste is minimized, and natural resources are regenerated.

Industry Significance

With over 13,000 valid certificates in more than 140 countries, ISCC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that biomass and other raw materials are produced in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable manner.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Sustainability Promotion: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices across various industries.

Traceability Enhancement: Ensuring full traceability of materials throughout the supply chain.

Deforestation Prevention: Protecting forests and high-carbon stock lands from deforestation.

Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with supply chains.

Areas of Specialization

Agricultural Biomass: Sustainable production and processing.

Biogenic Wastes and Residues: Utilization in various applications.

Non-Biological Renewable Materials: Incorporation into sustainable products.

Recycled Carbon-Based Materials: Integration into the circular economy.

Key Technologies Utilized

Mass Balance Approach: Tracking sustainable characteristics of materials through complex value chains.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluating environmental impacts from production to end-of-life.

Primary Markets Targeted

Bioenergy: Including biofuels and bioliquids.

Food and Feed: Ensuring sustainable sourcing.

Chemicals and Plastics: Promoting sustainable materials.

Renewable Energy: Supporting the transition to renewable sources.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a non-profit organization, ISCC's funding primarily comes from membership fees, certification services, and training programs. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

ISCC operates as a non-profit entity and does not have traditional investors. Its financial support is derived from its member organizations, certification services, and training programs.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to develop and maintain certification standards, conduct audits, offer training programs, and support the organization's mission to promote sustainable supply chains globally.

Pipeline Development

Key Certification Schemes

ISCC EU: Recognized by the European Commission, this certification demonstrates compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and is applicable for biofuels and bioliquids in the EU market.

ISCC PLUS: A voluntary certification for non-regulated markets, covering food, feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles, and renewable feedstocks derived from renewable energy sources.

ISCC CORSIA: Officially recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this certification is for sustainable aviation fuels eligible under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Anticipated Milestones

Expansion of Certification Coverage: ISCC continues to develop and expand its certification schemes to include new feedstock categories and applications, such as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and recycled carbon fuels (RCFs).

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Mass Balance System: Ensures traceability and sustainability of materials throughout the supply chain.

Significant Scientific Methods

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluates the environmental impact of products from cradle to grave.

Carbon Footprint Certification: Verifies greenhouse gas emissions associated with products, supporting companies in demonstrating their commitment to climate action.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Dr. Jan Henke: Director of ISCC System, responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations.

Karin Kreider: Executive Director of ISEAL Alliance, which collaborates with ISCC to improve certification systems.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The sustainability certification market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. ISCC faces competition from other certification bodies such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB).

Competitor Analysis

Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB): Focuses on sustainable biomaterials and biofuels, offering certifications recognized by various international bodies.

Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB): Concentrates on sustainable beef production, providing certification standards for the beef industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ISCC collaborates with various organizations to enhance its certification systems, including the ISEAL Alliance, which supports the continuous improvement of sustainability standards.

Operational Insights

ISCC differentiates itself through its comprehensive certification schemes covering a wide range of feedstocks and applications, its commitment to transparency, and its multi-stakeholder governance model.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ISCC aims to expand its certification coverage to include emerging feedstock categories and applications, enhance its technological platforms, and strengthen its global presence to support the transition to a sustainable and circular economy.