Elma Christian 0:00 – 0:20
Hello and welcome to Intertek Sustainability Awareness series where we explore the latest sustainable practices, certifications and their impact on the world of business and beyond.
I'm your host, Elma Christian, and today I'm joined by David Muil, our VP of Sustainability Services.
Welcome, David.
David Muil 0:22 – 0:24
Thanks, Elma! Glad to be here.
Elma Christian 0:26 – 0:34
So, today we're driving into a topic that's crucial for sustainable development, ISCC certification. So, David, what exactly is ISCC?
David Muil 0:35 – 1:00
Sure, ISCC stands for the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification.
It's a globally recognized certification system that sets the standard for sustainability and traceability across supply chains.
But it really is much more than just a certification - it represents a very strong commitment to making our world a more sustainable place.
Elma Christian 1:01 – 1:16
Interesting, thank you, David. I'm curious about the origins and the purpose of ISCC.
So, the ISCC certification was established in 2010, but its origins go back even further. Can you talk a bit about that?
David Muil 1:17 – 1:52
Yeah, absolutely. ISCC was developed in response to the increasing demand for sustainable agriculture and bioenergy products.
With growing concern about climate change, deforestation and unethical labor practices, there was a clear need for a system to verify the sustainability of products from their origin to their final destination.
So, ISCC sets rigorous criteria to ensure that products are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Elma Christian 1:53 – 2:03
Ok, makes sense and thank you for that background, David.
What about the sustainability criteria for ISCC certification? So, what's involved?
David Muil 2:04 – 2:58
Of course, first let's look the three main components:
The first component, there's the Environmental Protection. ISCC insures that the production of certified products does not harm high biodiversity areas or regions with high carbon stock.
This means no deforestation or destruction of critical ecosystems.
Next, is the Social Responsibility side. ISCC certified operations must adhere to fair labor practices, ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages for all workers involved in the supply chain.
And lastly, Economic Viability, ISCC encourages sustainable economic practices that support long term growth without depleting natural resources.
Elma Christian 3:00 – 3:16
Interesting, so it has a really deep and wide breath and certainly these criteria makes ICC certification robust, but also globally trusted.
Now, David, how does the ISCC ensure that these standards are actually met?
David Muil 3:17 – 4:02
Yeah, they're the real key, Elma, in the strategy of ISCC is traceability one.
It's really one of the core features of ISCC certification as it focuses on traceability from the moment raw materials are sourced through the production process to the final product on the shelf.
ISCC requires a clear and transparent record of absolutely every step.
This traceability ensures that consumers and businesses can actually trust that the products they are using are genuinely sustainable.
It also helps companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to regulators and consumers, of course.
Elma Christian 4:03 – 4:29
Makes perfect sense, David.
Now we know that traceability not only ensures standards are met, but also provides a transparent supply chain that consumers can trust, as you said. Now, with this becoming increasingly important as consumers are more conscious of the impact of their purchases. So, ISCC isn't just confined to 1 industry or region, is that correct, David?
David Muil 4:31 – 5:30
Yes, that's correct, Elma, and it's a good point for discussion.
ISCC is a global certification that spans across various sectors, including agriculture, bioenergy, food, feed and chemicals, for example. It's versatility makes it a valuable tool for promoting sustainability on a large scale.
Companies across the globe, from Europe to Asia, North America to Africa, are adopting ISCC certification to align with global sustainability goals and to access markets demanding certified products.
Beyond that, the ISCC certification can enhance a company's brand reputation and open new markets and provide opportunities as well as helping to meet regulatory requirements.
And this is really a significance and importance in in places like the European Union, where the sustainability standards continue to be very stringent.
Elma Christian 5:31 – 5:38
Absolutely! Now, I have to ask David, what do you think the future hold for ISCC and sustainable practices in general?
David Muil 5:39 – 6:18
Yeah, it's a great question.
As the world continues to address and struggle, but internalizing climate change and resource scarcity, certifications such as ISCC will become even more significant.
We are seeing an increased demand for proof of sustainability from both companies and consumers and ISCC is well positioned to lead in this area driving the global transition to a more sustainable economy.
Looking ahead, it's clear the ISCC will likely expand its reach and continue to set high standards for sustainable and ethical production.
Elma Christian 6:29 – 6:34
Thank you for that, David. And I understand there are different standards available under ISCC. Could you give us an overview of, you know, these programs that that we support here at Intertek?
David Muil 6:35 – 8:10
Yeah, certainly. There's three core programs currently under the ISCC scope.
First, there's the ISCC EU certification. It covers agriculture and forest, raw materials, waste and residues and biogas and algae.
It's recognized by the European Commission to demonstrate compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive or, as people know it, RED and the Fuel Quality Directive for EU biofuels and bioliquids.
Next program we have is called ISCC Plus certification. This includes all raw materials in the EU certification plus non biological renewable raw materials.
It's mainly used in circular and biobased product markets, renewable energy, food, feed and biofuels outside of the EU.
So in particular, for example in North America and the US, this is the one that we typically see our clients looking for.
And finally, there's the ISCC CORSIA or CORSIA plus, as it's known certification.
This standard applies to all agricultural and forest raw materials, as well as waste materials, residues and byproducts specifically in the field of sustainable aviation fuels recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Elma Christian Intertek 8:09
Wonderful, thank you for that inside, David, and certainly, thank you for your time.
So, everyone, this concludes our podcast today. Thank you very much for listening, and please watch out for further episodes to help you with your ISCC journey.
For those of you interested in learning more or connecting with us directly, please feel free to reach out to me via email at elma.isakovic@intertek.com.
Thank you, and until next time, stay sustainable.
