A Guide to Various Certification Schemes for Plastic
Muhammad Imam Taufik • February 22, 2024
In today’s environmentally conscious landscape, understanding the sustainability and origin of plastic materials has become paramount. Various certification schemes have emerged to address this need, providing transparency and assurance to consumers and businesses alike.
These certifications not only validate the recycled content of plastic products but also trace their journey from source to end product. In this guide, we explore key certification programs that empower stakeholders to make informed choices, promote circularity, and contribute to a greener future. Let's jump right in!
OceanCycle Certification
OceanCycle is a social enterprise that provides a 100% independent, third-party certification of ocean-bound plastics recycling supply chains to ensure that they meet international quality, ethical, environmental, and labor standards.
The certification employs a first-of-its-kind chain of custody system that allows purchasers of their certified materials to have end-to-end traceability of those materials from bottle collection through manufacturing.
Plastic Free Certification
Plastic Free Certification aims to empower companies and organizations to ditch disposable plastics entirely. Their innovative Plastic Free Standard offers a structured and accessible framework for businesses to gradually eliminate single-use plastics throughout their operations, including packaging and supplier chains.
This certification program caters to diverse needs, offering five progressive grades, making it achievable for companies of all sizes and sectors.
EuCertPlast Certification
EuCertPlast, a European certification scheme, tackles the challenge of inconsistent standards and limited transparency in plastic recycling. It aims to promote environmentally-responsible practices by recognizing and incentivizing recyclers who adhere to rigorous best practices.
The scheme focuses on two key areas: traceability and quality. This means the entire recycling process, from the initial collection of plastic materials to the final product, undergoes strict scrutiny based on environmental and quality standards. This ensures the integrity of recycled plastic, fostering trust and transparency within the European plastics industry.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) by Textile Exchange is an international, voluntary certification program that sets standards for recycled materials in textiles. While not directly focused on plastic, it can be applied to recycled polyester, a commonly used plastic fiber in clothing, bags, and other textile products.
It ensures that products claiming to contain recycled polyester actually do, with a minimum of 20% recycled content for business-to-business use and 50% for consumer-facing labels.
GRS sets strict environmental and social requirements for the entire recycling process, from collection to processing, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring fair labor practices.
Traceability is a key aspect of GRS, allowing you to track the origin of the recycled polyester used in your product.
Moreover, polyester production traditionally has a significant environmental footprint. GRS encourages the use of recycled polyester, reducing reliance on virgin plastic and its associated environmental impact.
Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) Certification Program
The Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) Certification Program, developed by the non-governmental organization Zero Plastic Oceans, aims to address plastic pollution by incentivizing the collection and responsible management of ocean bound plastic (OBP). This type of plastic waste is defined as "at risk of ending up in the ocean" and is estimated to contribute to 80% of plastic marine litter.
It verifies that OBP is collected ethically and responsibly, minimizing environmental impact and social injustice.
The OBP Certification Program has two subprograms:
OBP Recycling Certification Subprogram
This certification focuses on commercially recyclable OBP, meaning the one that can be recycled into new products. It also verifies the entire OBP recycling value chain, from collection to final product creation.
Two certification standards are used:
- OBP Collection Organization Standard, which covers the ethical and responsible collection of OBP.
- OBP Recycling Organization Standard, which covers all further steps of recycling, fabrication, and sale of recycled OBP products.
OBP Neutrality Certification Subprogram
This certification applies to organizations collecting and treating non-commercially recyclable OBP, or those offsetting their plastic footprint. It aims to ensure ethical collection and treatment of OBP, with verified and traceable plastic credits issued for offsetting purposes.
Two certification standards are used:
- OBP Neutralization Services Provider Standard: For organizations collecting and treating OBP, allowing them to sell verified plastic credits.
- OBP Plastic Producers and Users Standard: For organizations wanting to offset their plastic footprint through purchasing these credits.
It's also worth noting that Qualitas Sertifikasi Indonesia is now an approved Certification Body (CB) for the OBP Certification Program. This means we can conduct audits and issue scope certificates against the program's requirements.
Moreover, our involvement expands the reach and accessibility of the OBP Certification Program, allowing more businesses to participate and benefit from its standards and principles. This broader participation ultimately drives greater adoption of sustainable practices and encourages the responsible management of plastic waste.
Despite their exceptional efforts, challenges remain on the horizon. The scale of plastic pollution necessitates collective action, involving governments, businesses, and individuals alike. As certification programs continue to evolve, stakeholders must prioritize transparency, scalability, and inclusivity to drive meaningful change.
If the OBP Certification Program resonates with your company's values, explore further by visiting our
website or
contacting us directly. Our team is ready to help you integrate sustainability into your business practices!
Recent posts
International aviation plays a crucial role in our interconnected world, but it comes at a significant environmental cost. The industry is responsible for approximately 900 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a figure that is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Recognizing this pressing challenge, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2016. How CORSIA Works CORSIA operates on a straightforward principle: airlines are required to offset their carbon emissions by investing in approved carbon reduction projects. These projects can range from renewable energy initiatives to reforestation efforts, all aimed at reducing or removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The offsetting mechanism ensures that the aviation industry's growth does not come at the expense of the environment. The Three Phases of CORSIA Implementation Pilot Phase (2021-2023) The Pilot Phase of CORSIA, spanning from 2021 to 2023, was designed to serve as a testing ground for the scheme. During this phase, participation was voluntary, allowing states to opt-in and gather valuable data on carbon emissions from international flights. This phase played a crucial role in setting the baseline for future offsetting requirements by providing insights into emission levels and the effectiveness of the program. First Phase (2024-2026) Starting on January 1, 2024, CORSIA entered its First Phase. This phase marked the expansion of the scheme, with more states choosing to participate voluntarily. The baseline for offsetting requirements during this phase is set at 85% of 2019 emissions. This means that airlines need to offset any emissions above this baseline by investing in carbon reduction projects or purchasing carbon credits. The First Phase is essential in bridging the gap between the initial testing period and the full implementation of the scheme. Second Phase (2027-2035) The Second Phase of CORSIA, commencing in 2027, is a significant milestone as participation becomes mandatory for all ICAO Contracting States. The inclusion criteria are based on 2018 Revenue Tonne Kilometer (RTK) data, ensuring that countries with higher levels of international aviation activity contribute proportionally to emission reduction efforts. This phase aims to achieve more ambitious emissions reduction targets and reinforces the global commitment to combat climate change. The Importance of ISCC CORSIA The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) plays a critical role in supporting CORSIA. ISCC CORSIA certification ensures that the carbon credits used to offset emissions meet stringent sustainability criteria. Here's how ISCC CORSIA makes a difference: Credibility and Trust : By adhering to rigorous standards, ISCC CORSIA provides assurance that the carbon offsets are genuine, verifiable, and contribute to real emissions reductions. This credibility is vital for gaining the trust of stakeholders, including airlines, governments, and consumers. Sustainability : ISCC CORSIA promotes sustainable practices across the supply chain. This includes ensuring that biofuels and other renewable resources used in aviation are produced in an environmentally responsible manner, thereby supporting the broader goals of sustainability and carbon neutrality. Transparency and Accountability : The certification process involves detailed documentation and auditing, enhancing transparency and accountability. This helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures that the carbon credits are traceable and legitimate. Global Collaboration : ISCC CORSIA fosters international cooperation by establishing a common framework for sustainability certification. This enables countries and airlines to work together towards a shared goal of reducing aviation's carbon footprint. The Impact on the Aviation Industry CORSIA's implementation has brought about several significant changes in the aviation industry: Increased Accountability : Airlines are now more accountable for their carbon emissions, promoting transparency and encouraging sustainable practices. Innovation in Carbon Reduction : The need to offset emissions has spurred innovation in carbon reduction technologies and practices within the aviation sector. Economic Opportunities : The demand for carbon credits and investment in carbon reduction projects has created economic opportunities in various sectors, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. CORSIA is a landmark initiative in the aviation industry's journey towards sustainability. By addressing carbon emissions through a phased approach, it lays the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship. The support of ISCC CORSIA is indispensable in this effort, providing the necessary certification and credibility to ensure that carbon offsetting is both effective and trustworthy. For more information about the ISCC CORSIA, please visit our website or contact us today!
Let's face it, these days, businesses can't sweep supply chain traceability under the rug anymore. In many key markets, supply chain traceability isn't optional—it's a legal requirement. Regulators, particularly in countries like in the EU and increasingly elsewhere, are demanding strict transparency. Being able to trace a product right back to its origin has become a non-negotiable condition for doing business within these jurisdictions. That's where ISCC comes in. It provides a standardized framework, recognized by regulatory bodies, for companies to demonstrate they're meeting these mandatory traceability requirements. This is absolutely crucial for maintaining market access. What is Traceability? So, what exactly is traceability? Simply put, it's about being able to track and verify the whole journey of materials and products—the entire supply chain, from beginning to end. This kind of transparency makes sure every step of the production process is checked out and that sustainable practices are actually being used. With ISCC-certified products, this traceability goes even deeper. Every single operator in the supply chain is certified, so you've got complete accountability from start to finish. How ISCC Ensures Traceability ISCC uses different methods to ensure materials meet sustainability standards and are traced correctly throughout the supply chain. These methods vary, but each has its own advantages that support business needs and consumer confidence. Mass Balance The mass balance approach tracks the quantity and characteristics of renewable or biobased materials throughout the value chain. By documenting and balancing inputs and outputs, companies can back up their sustainability claims with proof. This is ideal for companies starting their sustainability journey and those looking for a flexible yet robust system. Controlled Blending In controlled blending, companies account for the renewable content in their final products, especially under ISCC PLUS. This way the sustainability of the materials can be tracked and verified, so companies can meet high standards while being transparent. Perfect for industries transitioning to sustainability and want to keep their environmental promises. Physical Segregation For companies who want the highest level of transparency, physical segregation is the most strict approach. This method ensures that only certified, sustainable materials are used in production, and every step of the process—from storage to transportation—is separate to maintain the integrity of the certified product. Perfect for eco-conscious consumers who want credible sustainability claims. The Value of Traceability along Supply Chains Securing ISCC certification is a strategic imperative for businesses navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. It ensures compliance with increasingly stringent sustainability mandates, particularly in sectors subject to regulations on biofuel production, renewable energy targets, and sustainable sourcing. By achieving ISCC certification, companies proactively mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and demonstrate adherence to industry best practices recognized by regulatory bodies. This not only safeguards market access but also positions businesses to capitalize on emerging opportunities within regulated sustainable markets. For more information about the ISCC, please visit our website or contact us today!
As a result of the increasing problem of plastic pollution in the world, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the need for a Global Plastics Treaty by announcing the start of the Paris accord-like process with legal instruments to deal with plastic pollution in March 2022 at the resumed fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2). This was approved in 175 countries and it seeks to focus on the entire lifecycle of plastics, from its design to production and disposal. What is the Global Plastic Treaty? The Global Plastic Treaty is a proposal for an international agreement that aims to plan in detail the ways of combating plastic pollution including its manufacture and utilization which ultimately would result in a decrease of global plastic pollution. This project is being set within UNEP and has been actively supported by various coalition of governments, industries and groups working for the environment. Why is the Treaty Necessary? All the economic losses due to pollution caused by plastics are equally huge, the loss of billions of dollars each year owing to its effects on fisheries, tourism and the well being of people. In addition to this, the sickening image keeps the use and burning of plastics contributes and accentuates the emission of greenhouse gases. Taking into attention the size of these challenges, global production of plastics is likely to double by 2040 , if the current trends remain unabated. These multifarious issues are targeted by the three pillars of the Global Plastic Treaty through an all-inclusive legal approach, which are: Principle 1: Understanding Plastics as Carbon and Chemicals; Principle 2: Addressing the Harmful Health Effects from Chemicals in Plastics; Principle 3: Recognizing that Toxic Chemicals Make Plastics Incompatible with a Circular Economy. Key Aspects of the Global Plastics Treaty Lifecycle Approach : The Treaty seeks to reduce plastic pollution and plastic usage through measures such as eliminating the need for single use plastic, increasing the safe and viable options available, ensuring responsible production and consumption, modifying recycling approaches, and managing wastage of plastic by targeting pollution at every stage of plastic’s life cycle. Binding Targets : The Treaty suggests legally enforceable initiatives to reduce plastic usage which include specific targets for recycling as well as the percentage of plastic in consumer goods which has been recycled. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR ): The Treaty supports abandoning End of Product Life policies owned by the producers as it introduces a new concept of Environmental Pollution Responsibility (EPR) that pushes the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to be responsible in controlling wastes created after the sale of their products. Just Transition : The Treaty advocates a “Just Transition” for informal waste pickers with a focus on ending poverty through safeguarding the resource sector along with livelihoods for that sector in more economically developed industries. Global Cooperation : The Treaty underscores the need for developed countries to lend a helping hand in the reduction of plastic usage in developing countries by providing financial and technological support to achieve set goals. Environmental and Health Protection : Finally, the Treaty highlights the importance of being able to take legal action against irregularities in plastic supply chains as that will help in reducing the negative impact on health as well as the production of micro and nanoplastics that leak into water bodies. It also mentions the issue of impact of plastics in the climate change context and seeks to move towards a paradigm shift that would decrease the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the life cycle of plastics. Progress and Challenges This treaty has advanced towards its objectives since its inception. In 2013 negotiations started in a more organized fashion when an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was formed for the purpose of drafting the Treaty in 2024. During these negotiations, various stakeholders including industry, academia and civil society representatives have been engaged in discussions to ensure balance and inclusiveness. However, challenges remain. Enhanced expectations of the developed countries, related to funding, technology transfer and historical pollution responsibility have made negotiations intractable. Moreover, plastic-dependent industries have raised alarm bells on the negative economic ramifications that enacting strict regulations would have. Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS) One of the key components which supports the Global Plastic Treaty is the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS) of PCX Solutions. The PPRS offers a distinct and attainable framework which provides guidelines for plastic offsetting programs. It defines controllable conditions which must be emphasized including stringent environmental and social impact policies, and the availability of a mechanism to monitor performance and provide accountability with full disclosure of all information. Furthermore, the PPRS-registered Projects can generate one plastic credit for every metric ton (MT) of post-consumer plastic waste that has documented collection and End-of-Waste processing. Credits can only be generated within the validated scope of the project as approved by its VVB. The Global Plastic Treaty is an important milestone in protecting the future. It seeks to combat plastic pollution in a unified manner while fostering cooperation among nations to safeguard the earth and protect its environment for future peoples. The success of this Treaty relies on the willingness of all affected countries to work together. For more information on the PPRS, check out our website or give us a call !
In recent years, the global community has scaled up efforts to counter plastic pollution that is everywhere and threatens ecosystems and human health. Among various strategies, one innovative approach gaining traction is the concept of plastic credits. Examples of such initiatives include the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS) from PCX Solutions, which enables companies to offset their plastic footprints through plastic credits. This system not only incentivizes responsible ways of waste management; it encourages accountability and promotes transparency in tackling plastic pollution. But what exactly are plastic credits, and how do they work under the PPRS? What are Plastic Credits? Plastic credits work similarly to carbon credits in that they are a quantifiable unit of plastic waste collected, recycled, or otherwise removed from the environment. These can then be bought by companies or organizations to offset their plastic footprint, thereby contributing to reducing plastic waste. The PPRS The Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS ) is a globally recognized framework developed by PCX Solutions to address the growing challenge of plastic waste. It sets rigorous guidelines for the recovery, processing, and accountability of post-consumer plastic waste, enabling the issuance of verified plastic credits. The PPRS ensures transparency, traceability, and measurable environmental impact through its structured processes and third-party validations. The Mechanism Behind Plastic Credits within PPRS It typically involves four major players in the process: Aggregator : A person or organization, either governmental or non-governmental, that collects post-consumer plastic waste from different sources and consolidates it for delivery to processors. Processor : Any organization that receives, treats, or transforms post-consumer plastic waste into other useful forms through material or energy recovery (End-of-Waste). Verification and Validation Body (VVB) : A third-party organization, independent from PCX Solutions and the Project Partner, which has been accredited by PCX Solutions to conduct validation and verification of Projects for the purpose of assessing conformance with the PPRS. PCX Solutions also engages a VVB to verify the credits pre-issuance. The VVB engaged to conduct impact verification is referred to as the "Impact Verification Auditor." Plastic Credit Buyer : A person, organization, or company involved in plastic pollution reduction, avoidance, and/ or liability (i.e. by purchasing plastic credits). The Process of Plastic Credit Issuance The PPRS plastic credit system is based on a highly detailed and transparent issuance process: 1. Collection and Processing of Plastic Waste The journey starts at the collection and processing of plastic waste. The project partners at this stage must take due care that the waste being handled conforms to the requirements of the PPRS. 2. Submission of Chain of Custody Documents The project partner, after collection, needs to send in detailed chain of custody documents to the PPRS Registry. These chain of custody documents shall contain: Control numbers or document IDs Quantities being claimed and weighing equipment identifiers Name of the entity issuing the certification/document Names and signatures of the parties involved Type of inputs (feedstock type—i.e. flexibles, rigids, PET, LDPE, etc.) Output descriptions and destination The stakeholders involved (i.e. received from and transferred to) Date of issuance of the record Dates of receipt of feedstock/collection and pre-processing and completion of End-of-Waste processing 3. Impact Verification PCX Solutions verifies the records submitted to ensure completeness and that they reflect what has been validated in the project documents. Once the records are complete, they are forwarded to a third-party VVB for impact verification. The VVB verifies that the records are accurate, consistent, and traceable. Any discrepancies found have to be subject to corrective action by the project partner. 4. Assignment of Serial Number (SN) Positive verification by the VVB, PCX Solutions assigns a unique serial number to each eligible ton of plastic recovered, which contains critical information about the project's impact and source. 5. Plastic Credit Certificate Issuance Plastic Credit Certificates (PCC) facilitate the transfer of ownership of Plastic Credits and their corresponding serial numbers from the Project Partner to the Plastic Credit Buyer. Since PCX Solutions does not engage in selling plastic credits, the Project Partner or its designated platform/intermediary is responsible for providing PCX Solutions with the Plastic Credit Buyer details (organization and quantity of credits purchased). These details will be reflected on the PCCs and in the PPRS Registry upon the retirement of the Plastic Credits. The PCC will include all serial numbers of the assigned Plastic Credits for transfer to a specific Plastic Credit Buyer. 6. PCX Solutions Supply Registry Credit Retirement Once a PCC is issued, the respective serial numbers and plastic credits are retired in the PPRS Registry, hence a public registry providing perfect transparency and avoiding any cases of double counting. As of now, there is no globally accepted method for Plastic Credits trading. Hence, PPRS Plastic Credits are non-tradeable, with ownership transfer possible only once (i.e., from the Project Partner or its platform/intermediary to the Plastic Credit Buyer). Plastic Credit Generation PPRS-registered Projects can generate one (1) plastic credit for one metric ton (MT) of post-consumer plastic waste with documented collection and End-of-Waste processing. These credits can only be generated within the scope for which the project was validated by its Verification and Validation Body (VVB). Benefits and Challenges The value of plastic credits will lie in their provision of an added financial incentive in attempts at waste management, especially increased recycling rates, and for developing more advanced technologies in waste processing. Plastic credits could also be one avenue through which companies achieve their sustainability goals and improvement in their corporate social responsibility profiles. Yet, the system is not without its challenges. How to ensure integrity and transparency about plastic credits becomes paramount. There needs to be strong verification processes in place so that fraud cannot occur, and actual reductions in plastic waste, which are claimed to be disposed of, materialize and get measured out. The long-term viability of this emerging market also remains to be seen. The Future of Plastic Credits Even given this difficult context, plastic credits also hold great promise: it is a market-oriented model that fuels innovation and accountability regarding the environment. As many firms are committed to reduced plastic footprints, it will increase demand for plastic credits, thus driving even greater improvements in waste management. To learn more about the PPRS, please visit our website or give us a call !
Drop us a line
Contact Us
Share
International aviation plays a crucial role in our interconnected world, but it comes at a significant environmental cost. The industry is responsible for approximately 900 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a figure that is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Recognizing this pressing challenge, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2016. How CORSIA Works CORSIA operates on a straightforward principle: airlines are required to offset their carbon emissions by investing in approved carbon reduction projects. These projects can range from renewable energy initiatives to reforestation efforts, all aimed at reducing or removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The offsetting mechanism ensures that the aviation industry's growth does not come at the expense of the environment. The Three Phases of CORSIA Implementation Pilot Phase (2021-2023) The Pilot Phase of CORSIA, spanning from 2021 to 2023, was designed to serve as a testing ground for the scheme. During this phase, participation was voluntary, allowing states to opt-in and gather valuable data on carbon emissions from international flights. This phase played a crucial role in setting the baseline for future offsetting requirements by providing insights into emission levels and the effectiveness of the program. First Phase (2024-2026) Starting on January 1, 2024, CORSIA entered its First Phase. This phase marked the expansion of the scheme, with more states choosing to participate voluntarily. The baseline for offsetting requirements during this phase is set at 85% of 2019 emissions. This means that airlines need to offset any emissions above this baseline by investing in carbon reduction projects or purchasing carbon credits. The First Phase is essential in bridging the gap between the initial testing period and the full implementation of the scheme. Second Phase (2027-2035) The Second Phase of CORSIA, commencing in 2027, is a significant milestone as participation becomes mandatory for all ICAO Contracting States. The inclusion criteria are based on 2018 Revenue Tonne Kilometer (RTK) data, ensuring that countries with higher levels of international aviation activity contribute proportionally to emission reduction efforts. This phase aims to achieve more ambitious emissions reduction targets and reinforces the global commitment to combat climate change. The Importance of ISCC CORSIA The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) plays a critical role in supporting CORSIA. ISCC CORSIA certification ensures that the carbon credits used to offset emissions meet stringent sustainability criteria. Here's how ISCC CORSIA makes a difference: Credibility and Trust : By adhering to rigorous standards, ISCC CORSIA provides assurance that the carbon offsets are genuine, verifiable, and contribute to real emissions reductions. This credibility is vital for gaining the trust of stakeholders, including airlines, governments, and consumers. Sustainability : ISCC CORSIA promotes sustainable practices across the supply chain. This includes ensuring that biofuels and other renewable resources used in aviation are produced in an environmentally responsible manner, thereby supporting the broader goals of sustainability and carbon neutrality. Transparency and Accountability : The certification process involves detailed documentation and auditing, enhancing transparency and accountability. This helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures that the carbon credits are traceable and legitimate. Global Collaboration : ISCC CORSIA fosters international cooperation by establishing a common framework for sustainability certification. This enables countries and airlines to work together towards a shared goal of reducing aviation's carbon footprint. The Impact on the Aviation Industry CORSIA's implementation has brought about several significant changes in the aviation industry: Increased Accountability : Airlines are now more accountable for their carbon emissions, promoting transparency and encouraging sustainable practices. Innovation in Carbon Reduction : The need to offset emissions has spurred innovation in carbon reduction technologies and practices within the aviation sector. Economic Opportunities : The demand for carbon credits and investment in carbon reduction projects has created economic opportunities in various sectors, including renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. CORSIA is a landmark initiative in the aviation industry's journey towards sustainability. By addressing carbon emissions through a phased approach, it lays the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship. The support of ISCC CORSIA is indispensable in this effort, providing the necessary certification and credibility to ensure that carbon offsetting is both effective and trustworthy. For more information about the ISCC CORSIA, please visit our website or contact us today!
Let's face it, these days, businesses can't sweep supply chain traceability under the rug anymore. In many key markets, supply chain traceability isn't optional—it's a legal requirement. Regulators, particularly in countries like in the EU and increasingly elsewhere, are demanding strict transparency. Being able to trace a product right back to its origin has become a non-negotiable condition for doing business within these jurisdictions. That's where ISCC comes in. It provides a standardized framework, recognized by regulatory bodies, for companies to demonstrate they're meeting these mandatory traceability requirements. This is absolutely crucial for maintaining market access. What is Traceability? So, what exactly is traceability? Simply put, it's about being able to track and verify the whole journey of materials and products—the entire supply chain, from beginning to end. This kind of transparency makes sure every step of the production process is checked out and that sustainable practices are actually being used. With ISCC-certified products, this traceability goes even deeper. Every single operator in the supply chain is certified, so you've got complete accountability from start to finish. How ISCC Ensures Traceability ISCC uses different methods to ensure materials meet sustainability standards and are traced correctly throughout the supply chain. These methods vary, but each has its own advantages that support business needs and consumer confidence. Mass Balance The mass balance approach tracks the quantity and characteristics of renewable or biobased materials throughout the value chain. By documenting and balancing inputs and outputs, companies can back up their sustainability claims with proof. This is ideal for companies starting their sustainability journey and those looking for a flexible yet robust system. Controlled Blending In controlled blending, companies account for the renewable content in their final products, especially under ISCC PLUS. This way the sustainability of the materials can be tracked and verified, so companies can meet high standards while being transparent. Perfect for industries transitioning to sustainability and want to keep their environmental promises. Physical Segregation For companies who want the highest level of transparency, physical segregation is the most strict approach. This method ensures that only certified, sustainable materials are used in production, and every step of the process—from storage to transportation—is separate to maintain the integrity of the certified product. Perfect for eco-conscious consumers who want credible sustainability claims. The Value of Traceability along Supply Chains Securing ISCC certification is a strategic imperative for businesses navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. It ensures compliance with increasingly stringent sustainability mandates, particularly in sectors subject to regulations on biofuel production, renewable energy targets, and sustainable sourcing. By achieving ISCC certification, companies proactively mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and demonstrate adherence to industry best practices recognized by regulatory bodies. This not only safeguards market access but also positions businesses to capitalize on emerging opportunities within regulated sustainable markets. For more information about the ISCC, please visit our website or contact us today!
As a result of the increasing problem of plastic pollution in the world, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the need for a Global Plastics Treaty by announcing the start of the Paris accord-like process with legal instruments to deal with plastic pollution in March 2022 at the resumed fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2). This was approved in 175 countries and it seeks to focus on the entire lifecycle of plastics, from its design to production and disposal. What is the Global Plastic Treaty? The Global Plastic Treaty is a proposal for an international agreement that aims to plan in detail the ways of combating plastic pollution including its manufacture and utilization which ultimately would result in a decrease of global plastic pollution. This project is being set within UNEP and has been actively supported by various coalition of governments, industries and groups working for the environment. Why is the Treaty Necessary? All the economic losses due to pollution caused by plastics are equally huge, the loss of billions of dollars each year owing to its effects on fisheries, tourism and the well being of people. In addition to this, the sickening image keeps the use and burning of plastics contributes and accentuates the emission of greenhouse gases. Taking into attention the size of these challenges, global production of plastics is likely to double by 2040 , if the current trends remain unabated. These multifarious issues are targeted by the three pillars of the Global Plastic Treaty through an all-inclusive legal approach, which are: Principle 1: Understanding Plastics as Carbon and Chemicals; Principle 2: Addressing the Harmful Health Effects from Chemicals in Plastics; Principle 3: Recognizing that Toxic Chemicals Make Plastics Incompatible with a Circular Economy. Key Aspects of the Global Plastics Treaty Lifecycle Approach : The Treaty seeks to reduce plastic pollution and plastic usage through measures such as eliminating the need for single use plastic, increasing the safe and viable options available, ensuring responsible production and consumption, modifying recycling approaches, and managing wastage of plastic by targeting pollution at every stage of plastic’s life cycle. Binding Targets : The Treaty suggests legally enforceable initiatives to reduce plastic usage which include specific targets for recycling as well as the percentage of plastic in consumer goods which has been recycled. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR ): The Treaty supports abandoning End of Product Life policies owned by the producers as it introduces a new concept of Environmental Pollution Responsibility (EPR) that pushes the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to be responsible in controlling wastes created after the sale of their products. Just Transition : The Treaty advocates a “Just Transition” for informal waste pickers with a focus on ending poverty through safeguarding the resource sector along with livelihoods for that sector in more economically developed industries. Global Cooperation : The Treaty underscores the need for developed countries to lend a helping hand in the reduction of plastic usage in developing countries by providing financial and technological support to achieve set goals. Environmental and Health Protection : Finally, the Treaty highlights the importance of being able to take legal action against irregularities in plastic supply chains as that will help in reducing the negative impact on health as well as the production of micro and nanoplastics that leak into water bodies. It also mentions the issue of impact of plastics in the climate change context and seeks to move towards a paradigm shift that would decrease the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the life cycle of plastics. Progress and Challenges This treaty has advanced towards its objectives since its inception. In 2013 negotiations started in a more organized fashion when an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was formed for the purpose of drafting the Treaty in 2024. During these negotiations, various stakeholders including industry, academia and civil society representatives have been engaged in discussions to ensure balance and inclusiveness. However, challenges remain. Enhanced expectations of the developed countries, related to funding, technology transfer and historical pollution responsibility have made negotiations intractable. Moreover, plastic-dependent industries have raised alarm bells on the negative economic ramifications that enacting strict regulations would have. Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS) One of the key components which supports the Global Plastic Treaty is the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS) of PCX Solutions. The PPRS offers a distinct and attainable framework which provides guidelines for plastic offsetting programs. It defines controllable conditions which must be emphasized including stringent environmental and social impact policies, and the availability of a mechanism to monitor performance and provide accountability with full disclosure of all information. Furthermore, the PPRS-registered Projects can generate one plastic credit for every metric ton (MT) of post-consumer plastic waste that has documented collection and End-of-Waste processing. Credits can only be generated within the validated scope of the project as approved by its VVB. The Global Plastic Treaty is an important milestone in protecting the future. It seeks to combat plastic pollution in a unified manner while fostering cooperation among nations to safeguard the earth and protect its environment for future peoples. The success of this Treaty relies on the willingness of all affected countries to work together. For more information on the PPRS, check out our website or give us a call !