Traceability, sustainability and transparency have become unavoidable requirements for manufacturers due to changing regulations and consumer pressure. In this respect, ISCC Plus certification represents a key benchmark for industry professionals committed to adding value to biobased or recycled raw materials.
In this article we'd like to share essential information on the specifics of the ISCC Plus standard and the process involved in obtaining it. We will also explore its technical challenges, such as mass balance, and the fundamental role of scientific studies carried out by industrial product analysis laboratories in securing compliance.
Understanding the ISCC PLUS certification framework
The numerous sustainability and traceability requirements make ISCC Plus certification essential for industry professionals. It provides a dedicated framework for bio-based supply chains, while ensuring regulatory and environmental compliance.
Definition and scope of ISCC Plus certification
The ISCC Plus certification or International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, is a voluntary certification system designed to validate the sustainability characteristics of alternative raw materials. The system defined by ISCC Plus is designed for non-energy markets, including the food industry, biosourced packaging , recycled plastics and green chemistry.
Unlike ISCC EU certification, which targets biofuels under the European RED II directive, the ISCC Plus system meets the need for traceability and certification of biobased sustainability in sectors not covered by energy regulations.
ISCC Plus defines strict principles:
- Complete traceability of biobased raw materials
- Application of social and environmental criteria (human rights, preservation of soil and biodiversity)
- Verification of compliance via an annual ISCC Plus certification audit.
Its scope of application covers both bio-sourced products and recycled materials, with a view to the circular economy.
This certification is compatible with other systems, such as ISO 14001, and provides international recognition of manufacturers' environmental commitments.
Why has ISCC PLUS certification become strategic for manufacturers?
Growing consumer and regulator demand for sustainable, traceable, greenwashing-free products is forcing manufacturers to prove the biobased authenticity of their ingredients and packaging. ISCC Plus offers a rigorous, recognized reference framework for structuring this demonstration.
On the other hand, biobased traceability is supported by tools such as carbon-14 analysis (in accordance with ASTM D6866 or EN 16640 standards) and is essential to avoid penalties linked to potential non-compliance with ISCC Plus.
Analytical laboratories such as CIRAM are able to comply with the system described by ISCC Plus, and play a decisive role in providing scientific proof, notably through stable isotope analysis, authenticity testing of natural ingredients, or implementing biobased agri-food quality control.
To this end, certification gives manufacturers a sustainable competitive advantage, especially SMEs wishing to access international markets while securing their compliance.
Obtain and maintain ISCC PLUS certification
ISCC Plus compliance cannot be improvised: it requires structured preparation, rigorous document management and an integrated traceability strategy at every link in the production chain.
The certification process: stages, costs, deadlines
The process for obtaining ISCC Plus certification follows a standardized methodology, applicable to all companies wishing to add value to their biobased or recycled flows. It begins with a preliminary internal audit, often carried out in conjunction with ISCC Plus certification support, to identify gaps and update internal procedures. Industry-specialized analysis laboratories such as CIRAM play a key role in initiating this process, thanks to their dual expertise in biobased product analysis and compliance consulting.
The documentary resources to be prepared cover the origin of bio-based raw materials, production data, supplier contracts, mass balance system management, quality control plans and non-conformity management procedures.
The ISCC Plus certification audit is then carried out by an approved body. In particular, it assesses :
- Verifiability of material flows (upstream/downstream traceability)
- Compliance with environmental and social criteria (known as Major Musts)
- Compliance with technical standards (e.g. EN 16640)
In the event of discrepancies, a period of 40 days is allowed to correct any non-conformities observed. The cost depends on the size of the company, the complexity of the supply chain, and the scope of the audit. On average, the budget is between €4,000 and €10,000 for initial certification. Annual renewal requires an annual ISCC Plus audit.
Critical points: mass balance, traceability, food requirements
What is "mass balance ISCC Plus"? It's a material accounting system used to certify the biobased component of a final product, even if it's not physically separable. Mass balance imposes a strict logic of balance between inputs and outputs, verified at each audit.
It is important to note that additional requirements apply to the agri-food sector, notably for natural ingredients, flavors, bio-based food additives or essential oils. Specific analyses must therefore be carried out to demonstrate ISCC Plus regulatory compliance, via carbon-14 analysis, stable isotope analysis or agri-food biosourced authenticity tests.
Specialized laboratories, such as CIRAM, play an essential role in validating the technical conformity of products before and after audits (particularly for renewals or in the event of deviations), and help to ensure smooth certification management over the long term.
The role of laboratories and prospects for manufacturers
In a context of growing standardization, manufacturers need to rely on reliable technical partners to secure their compliance and anticipate regulatory changes linked to ISCC Plus certification.
Support from specialized laboratories: a lever for compliance
Biobased traceability requirements call for tangible, verifiable proof at every stage of the chain. This is where the involvement of an analytical laboratory such as CIRAM, familiar with ISCC Plus requirements, becomes strategic.
CIRAM performs standardized analyses such as :
- Carbon 14 analysis (ASTM D6866 or EN 16640) validates the renewable origin of raw materials.
- Stable isotope analysis is complementary for identifying the botanical and geographical origin of an ingredient.
- Conformity testing of bio-based ingredients such as flavors, additives, essential oils or encapsulation supports.
- Advice on setting up a biobased agri-food quality control system, including reports to be used during the ISCC Plus certification audit.
The scope of our support enables us to achieve a dual objective: to guarantee regulatory compliance, and to avoid any non-compliance during the audit, which could lead to suspension or refusal of certification. A recognized laboratory also makes it possible to list the documents to be provided during an ISCC Plus audit.
Maintain, enhance and anticipate the evolution of ISCC Plus certification
ISCC Plus certification is not set in stone: it evolves in line with ESG policies, European regulations (EUDR, Green Deal), market expectations and consumer demands. Manufacturers must therefore integrate certification into their overall sustainable development strategy.
This includes :
- Integration with other recognized standards such as ISO 14001, BRC, FSSC 22000, to optimize documentation resources.
- Upgrading the skills of in-house teams to manage traceability, cross-checks and annual ISCC Plus audits.
- Adaptation of the approach for agri-food SMEs, with modular solutions and support from expert partners such as industrial analysis laboratories.
Manufacturers can rely on robust scientific analyses carried out by laboratories such as CIRAM, and reliable document management tools to obtain and maintain their certification, as well as to use it as a differentiating commercial and strategic lever.
ISCC Plus certification has become an essential standard for manufacturers committed to a sustainable, traceable approach that complies with regulatory requirements. To succeed in obtaining this essential certification, manufacturers need to understand its specific features, structure their certification process, master mass balance management and rely on reliable scientific analyses.
In this context, laboratories play a decisive role. CIRAM, a recognized expert in radiocarbon (carbon 14) analysis and biosourced authenticity, supports manufacturers in the technical validation of their products, the preparation of audit files and the securing of their conformity.
Are you preparing for certification, want to validate the biobased composition of your products or strengthen your ESG strategy? Contact us and request a study from CIRAM experts to benefit from tailor-made scientific support.
