We are thrilled to announce that Guardian Independent Certification (GICG) a pioneer in Testing, Inspection and Certification has been officially listed by the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) as its Cooperating Certification Body.

This cooperation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices. As a Cooperating Certification Body by ISCC, GICG will play a crucial role in facilitating and ensuring compliance with international standards for sustainability and carbon management across various businesses including the feed, food, and biochemical industries.

What is ISCC?

ISCC is a leading certification system that focuses on sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, and social responsibility. It is widely recognized for its comprehensive approach to ensuring that products and processes meet stringent environmental and social criteria.

ISCC is a globally applicable sustainability certification system that covers all sustainable raw materials, including biomass from agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, biowaste and residues, non-biorenewable materials, circular materials and renewable energy. It originated in Germany and is an open, multi-stakeholder initiative that leads the certification system to support sustainable, traceable, deforestation-free and climate-friendly supply chains. ISCC is committed to protecting forests, high-carbon lands and biodiversity for environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Our Role as an ISCC Cooperating Certification Body

As an ISCC Cooperating Certification Body, GICG will be responsible for conducting assessments, verifications, and certifications in adherence to the ISCC standards. This includes evaluating and certifying sustainable and low-carbon practices for the industries, promoting transparency in the supply chain, and ensuring compliance with social and environmental criteria.

ISCC and GICG cooperate in the matter of sustainability certification in accordance with ISCC EU, the ISCC standard recognised by the European Commission and ISCC PLUS, a certification system for food, feed and other technical/ chemical or bioenergy applications.

ISCC EU Certification

ISCC EU is the leading certification system recognized by the European Commission for compliance with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) for the sustainable production of biofuels and biomass, as well as for the market for biomass and biofuels for food and non-food uses, and its trading chain, and is a mandatory certification for access to the EU energy market.

The types of products that can be certified by ISCC EU include, but are not limited to:

• Biomass fuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol and biomethane
• Bio-based chemicals such as bio-based polyester and bio-based polyurethane
• Food uses and feed ingredients such as soybeans, palm oil, and corn
• Wood and pulp, such as soft woods such as fir and spruce, paper and pulp
• Biofuels and thermal energy, such as biomass fuels and biothermal energy, etc

Scope of Application

Sustainable fuels used for transport, electricity, heating and cooling and the production of electricity, heating and cooling from biomass in the European Union. Covering biofuels, bioliquids, biomass fuels, advanced fuels, low ilUC risk fuels, RFNBOs* and recycled carbon fuels*.

*Recognition pending

ISCC EU certification can help you get:

• Recognised by the European Commission (EC) to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability and GHG emission saving criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII)
• Recognised by the United Kingdom under the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO).
• Recognised under the Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation of Queensland, Australia.

Who is it for?

• Agricultural and forest biomass, waste and residues (including agricultural, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry residues), lignocellulosic and non-food cellulosic materials for the production of biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels, including advanced biofuels and biogas for transport of the RED II) and biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels with a low risk or a high risk of indirect land-use change (iLUC).
• Liquid and solid waste streams of non-renewable origin or waste processing and exhaust gas of non-renewable origin for the production of recycled carbon fuels.
• Energy derived from renewable sources other than biomass for the production of renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of nonbiological origin.

ISCC PLUS Certification

The ISCC PLUS certification system is a voluntary certification and is an independent third-party verification system. Applicable to the biofuels market outside the EU as well as to bioenergy, food, feed, chemicals, all types of agricultural and forestry raw materials, waste and residues, non-biotic renewable energy and recyclable carbon materials and fuels, as well as in the supply chain, such as farming, harvesting, processing, storage, transport and sales.

Scope of application

• Circular and biological products
• renewable energy
• foodstuff
• fodder
• Biofuels outside the EU (i.e. markets not regulated by RED and FQD).

ISCC PLUS certification can help you in:

• Demonstrate compliance with regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU Green Deal), national laws and industry-driven initiatives
• Declare your product’s carbon footprint to help reduce GHG emissions
• Support the protection of forests and biodiversity
• Trace your sustainability efforts across your supply chain
• Make realistic and verifiable claims
• Demonstrate good corporate governance for better environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance
• Increase sustainability ranking to access credits and loans, and improve ESG ratings on the stock market and attractiveness to investors
• Access new markets and displace established (fossil fuel) products with recycled or bio-based products
• Meet customer expectations through sustainably produced products

Who is it for?

Organizations and raw material suppliers, producers and brand owners that deal with:

• Agricultural and forestry biomass
• Bio-based waste and residues from agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and processing industries
• Fossil waste and residues for the circular economy
• Renewable energy

It covers all industrial applications, including chemicals, packaging, plastics, food, feed and energy.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At GICG, sustainability is at the core of our business philosophy. Our Values: Sustainability – We embrace sustainability for profitability while improving societal and environmental conditions. Achieving recognition as an ISCC Cooperating Certification Body aligns seamlessly with our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

How can GICG help?

As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, with decades of experience, we can help you along the path to certification with an ISCC EU and PLUS audit.

We can provide:

• Audits globally
• Experienced auditors with an in-depth understanding of certification requirements
• Audits in combination with other standards
• Verification of GHG calculations
• Extensive experience and a strong reputation in the certification industry

We are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we embark on this new chapter as an ISCC Cooperating Certification Body. Our team is committed to upholding the principles and standards set forth by ISCC and ensuring a smooth and transparent certification process for our clients.

We look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future together.

For more information on ISCC certification, please visit: https://gicgrp.com/sustainability-assurance/

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For more information about the press release, you may contact:

Lydia Annie Ho

Marketing Manager
Email               : lydiaannie.ho@gicgrp.com
Tel                   : +65 6742 3075