Bonsucro Chain of Custody v5.2 (Bonsucro Chain of Custody v5.2) marks an important evolution in the certification of the sugar-energy chain. The update introduces a voluntary module for transmitting GHG emissions intensity data (GHG), expanding the scope of traceability beyond certified volume.
The change signals a clear trend: the market starts to demand not only a certified product, but measurable climate impact along the chain.
What is the Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard?
The Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard sets out the rules to ensure that certified products, like sugar, ethanol and derivatives, maintain their integrity throughout the chain.
- Mass Balance System;
- Document traceability;
- Volume control;
- Commercial statements;
- Audits by certifying bodies.
The main new feature of the version 5.2
Module A (Voluntary): GHG Intensity Transmission
The new module allows the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions to follow the product throughout the chain, using data calculated using the Bonsucro Calculator.
In practice, this means:
- Certified product with associated climate data;
- Greater transparency for international buyers;
- Possibility of use in ESG and Scope reports 3.
Strategic change
The international market is evolving from a model based solely on sustainable products to a model that requires a measurable carbon footprint.
How Module A works in practice?
Batch transmission
The average GHG intensity can follow the volumes sold.
Emissions allocation
Technical criteria for intensity distribution when batches are mixed.
Double counting prevention
Rules to prevent the same emissions reduction from being traded more than once.
Commercial statements
Guidelines on how to correctly communicate emissions intensity in business documents.
What doesn't change with the version 5.2
- The mass balance system remains;
- The GHG module is voluntary;
- Companies can continue operating without transmitting intensity data.
Impacts for each link in the chain
- Power Plants: Governance over primary data and consistency between volume and intensity.
- Traders and distributors: Adjustments to ERP and document control.
- International buyers: Using data for Scope 3, ESG reporting and decarbonization strategies.
Chain of Custody adequacy checklist v5.2
- Calculation update in the Bonsucro Calculator
- Internal GHG transmission policy
- Procedures against double counting
- In-house training
- Contractual adjustments
Conclusion
Bonsucro Chain of Custody v5.2 increases the sophistication of certification by incorporating the climate dimension into traditional traceability. For exporting companies and integrated chains serving demanding markets, Module A can become a relevant competitive differentiator.
Find out more about Bonsucro in other publications in our blog.