ISCC PLUS Our Transition from First- to Second-Generation Bio-based Materials

First-generation bio-based materials have in many cases contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil based materials and continue to play an important transitional role. However, it is crucial to also consider other environmental impact factors and adopt solutions that are scalable, resilient, and future-proof. By embracing ISCC PLUS-certified bio-circular materials − sourced from biogenic waste and residues rather than intentionally cultivated crops − we support material circularity and aim to use it as a tool reduce our environmental footprint.

 

The Role of ISCC PLUS in Alternative Material Selection

As we evaluated how to improve our material choices, bio-based materials naturally became one of the options that we considered. Our assessment went beyond greenhouse gas emissions reductions to include additional factors such as availability, scalability, technical performance, hygiene, and safety. We considered a range of options, including reusable materials, recycled material, and various types of bio-based materials.

Ultimately, we determined that bio-circular ISCC PLUS-certified material derived from used cooking oil (UCO) would the most meaningful and practical benefits for our current applications.

But what exactly is ISCC PLUS?

 

How ISCC PLUS Works

The simplest way to understand ISCC PLUS is to compare it to green electricity. When you purchase green electricity, you’re not necessarily receiving renewable energy directly to your home or business. Instead, you ensure that an equivalent amount of your energy consumption is generated from renewable sources and added to the grid − supporting the demand for cleaner energy and reducing fossil fuel dependence.

In the chemical industry, ISCC PLUS uses a similar approach called mass balance. Bio-circular feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, are introduced early in the production process and mathematically allocated to the final product. The system ensures that the amount of certified material attributed to the final output never exceeds the actual volume of certified input.

This rigorous method is independently audited and verified by accredited third parties, ensuring transparency, credibility, and genuine environmental benefit.

Faster Transition, Same High Quality

A key reason we chose ISCC PLUS-certified material is its ability to offer identical performance to conventional fossil-based materials. Traditional first-generation bio-based alternatives often required lengthy development cycles to meet technical and safety requirements. In contrast, ISCC PLUS-certified materials can be integrated more quickly without compromising on quality, reliability, or safety.

Given the complex requirements for performance and regulatory compliance in our applications, ISCC PLUS provides a practical path forward in our journey toward decarbonization and alternative material use. Our first ISCC PLUS product is a disposable apron, Embra® Emmy Apron linked to 70% ISCC-certified bio-circular material on a mass balance basis.

 

Key Takeaways

1. ISCC PLUS represents the next step in alternative materials
   Transitioning from crop-based, first-generation bio-based materials to ISCC PLUS-certified bio-circular alternatives − derived from waste and residues − supports material circularity and reduces the dependency on fossil-based materials.
2. ISCC PLUS ensures credible and transparent sustainability claims
   Using a mass-balance system, ISCC PLUS tracks certified input through the supply chain. All claims are independently verified by third parties, ensuring traceability, trust, and substantiated environmental benefits.
3. ISCC PLUS enables a faster, uncompromised shift to alternative materials
   Unlike earlier bio-based solutions that needed long development to match fossil-based performance, ISCC PLUS materials offer equivalent quality and safety − accelerating the shift to sustainability without compromise.