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.
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.
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.
is a voluntary sustainability certification for plastics and chemicals, food and feed markets, as well as biofuels outside the European Union and the UK.
is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the certification of CORSIA-eligible sustainable aviation fuels.
The three main certification schemes are:
Raw materials must not harm the ecological environment, e.g., avoiding deforestation or illegal collection.
Life cycle assessment quantifies the carbon emission reduction of the product compared to the fossil baseline.
Full-chain traceability ensures every step from feedstock collection, processing, to product sales is documented.
ISCC has become a key procurement requirement for large multinational enterprises in Europe, the USA, and Japan.
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:
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. |
Pyrolysis oil, depending on its source and use, generally applies for ISCC PLUS or ISCC-EU.
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.
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.