With the advancement of carbon reduction goals and the circular economy, the resource utilization of waste plastics and end-of-life tires has become a focal point in the chemical and energy industries. Through pyrolysis, they can be converted into usable liquid pyrolysis oil. However, how can we ensure that such oils have compliant origins, truly deliver carbon reduction benefits, and maintain supply chain traceability? It is for this reason that the “ISCC-certified pyrolysis oil” has emerged and is gaining growing attention. This article will introduce ISCC pyrolysis oil from five perspectives, helping industry professionals gain a clearer understanding of this emerging solution.
1. What Is ISCC?
ISCC, short for International Sustainability & Carbon Certification, is a global independent certification system. It is designed to provide proof of sustainability, traceability, and carbon reduction contributions for biomass, circular feedstocks, and renewable fuels.
Three Main ISCC Certification Schemes
ISCC EU
is recognised by the European Commission to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids set out in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and by the United Kingdom under the renewable fuel obligation.
ISCC PLUS
is a voluntary sustainability certification for plastics and chemicals, food and feed markets, as well as biofuels outside the European Union and the UK.
ISCC CORSIA
is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the certification of CORSIA-eligible sustainable aviation fuels.
The three main certification schemes are:
Key features of ISCC
Sustainability
Raw materials must not harm the ecological environment, e.g., avoiding deforestation or illegal collection.
Carbon reduction
Life cycle assessment quantifies the carbon emission reduction of the product compared to the fossil baseline.
Traceability
Full-chain traceability ensures every step from feedstock collection, processing, to product sales is documented.
International Recognition
ISCC has become a key procurement requirement for large multinational enterprises in Europe, the USA, and Japan.
2. What Is ISCC-certified Pyrolysis Oil?
Pyrolysis oil refers to liquid oil products obtained by heating waste plastics, scrap tires, or biomass under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions. ISCC pyrolysis oil adds certification requirements on top of this:
- Feedstock stage: Sourced from legal, compliant, and sustainable waste plastics or scrap tires.
- Production stage: Pyrolysis plants must operate according to ISCC standards, covering energy use, emissions, and material management.
- Supply chain stage: Every batch of pyrolysis oil must be fully traceable.
3. ISCC Pyrolysis Oil vs Ordinary Pyrolysis Oil: Differences
Although the difference in name is only “ISCC,” the two types differ significantly in market value, application scenarios, and sustainability:
| Feature | ISCC Pyrolysis Oil | Ordinary Pyrolysis Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Traceability | Full-chain traceability, transparent information. | Complex sourcing, lacks complete records. |
| Market Access | Accepted in EU and US markets, serving as a key raw material for circular plastics. | Mainly used as low-end fuel, limited entry to multinational chemical supply chains. |
| Environmental & Brand Value | Third-party certification available, supports corporate ESG and sustainability. | Cannot demonstrate carbon reduction, lacks certification support. |
4. The Value of ISCC-Certified Pyrolysis Oil
Market Value
- Entry into international supply chains, meeting green procurement requirements.
- Higher price premiums compared to ordinary pyrolysis oil.
- Facilitates waste recycling, promoting circular economy development.
Environmental Value
- Prevents waste plastics from entering incineration or landfill, reducing pollution.
- Reduces dependence on fossil resources, contributing to carbon emission reductions.
Brand & Social Responsibility Value
- Builds sustainable brand image, gaining recognition from the public and clients.
- Reduces trade and market access risks related to regulatory compliance.
- Supports better ESG performance within corporate sustainability frameworks.
5. Common ISCC Certification Pathways for Pyrolysis Oil
Pyrolysis oil, depending on its source and use, generally applies for ISCC PLUS or ISCC-EU.
ISCC PLUS
- Applicable fields: Non-fuel markets such as chemicals, materials, and plastic recycling.
- Typical application: Certified circular naphtha → steam cracking → ethylene, propylene → production of certified circular plastics.
- Target clients: Multinational chemical companies and consumer goods firms (packaging, personal care, food, etc.).
ISCC EU
- Applicable fields: EU energy market, meeting legal compliance requirements.
- Typical application: ISCC-EU pyrolysis oil used as fuel blending to meet EU transport energy carbon reduction targets.
- Target clients: Energy companies, refineries, EU fuel suppliers.
Dual Certification: ISCC PLUS & EU
- Advantage: Some companies apply for both PLUS and EU certifications to cover both the chemical and fuel markets.
- Challenge: Higher certification costs and stricter requirements for corporate compliance and operations.
6. How to Obtain ISCC Certification for Pyrolysis Oil
The ISCC certification process can be summarized in five steps:
Select ISCC PLUS, ISCC EU, or a combined certification based on product use and target market.
Choose a qualified third-party certification body to conduct document reviews and on-site assessments.
Register your company and product in the ISCC system to prepare for certification and traceability.
Submit documents and materials and cooperate with on-site inspections covering feedstock, production, and supply chain management.
Once approved, receive the ISCC certificate, which is typically valid for one year with annual surveillance audits to maintain validity.
Conclusion
With the advancement of the circular economy and low-carbon development, ISCC pyrolysis oil has become a key link connecting waste resource recovery and high-end industrial chains. Whether used as a chemical feedstock for downstream production or as an energy product entering the market, ISCC pyrolysis oil demonstrates the strategic value of circular resources in the industrial system and supports sustainable development goals for companies and the industry. Looking ahead, its wider adoption will rely on robust certification systems, technological innovation, and collaboration across the value chain.
