The circular economy is a model that has been gaining prominence in the global scenario as a viable alternative, sustainable and profitable to the traditional model of linear economy. While the latter is based on the logic of “extir-to-produce-dislitement”, the circular economy proposes a regenerative system, in which resources are kept in use for the longest possible time, extracting your maximum value, reducing waste and reintegrating materials to productive cycles whenever possible.
This paradigm shift became essential in the face of environmental challenges, 21st century social and economic, especially in the face of the scarcity of natural resources, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the increasing pressure of consumers for more responsible practices. In this context, sustainability certifications such as ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) play a key role in ensuring traceability, the integrity and environmental compliance of supply products and chains inserted in the logic of the circular economy.
What is Circular Economy?
The circular economy has as its main objective to challenge the economic growth of intensive exploitation of natural resources. Instead of manufacturing products with limited useful life and discarding them at the end of use, the circular economy encourages reuse, the remanufacturing, recycling and energy appreciation, promoting the regeneration of natural systems and the intelligent use of inputs.
It refers to three fundamental pillars:
- Elimination of waste and pollution from design - Products must be thought of since their conception to facilitate their disassembly, repair and reuse.
- Maintenance of products and materials in use - Through reuse, Recycling and Innovation in Business Models (as shared economy).
- Regeneration of natural systems - Returning nutrients to the soil and reducing the negative impacts of industrial production.
The circular model requires a complete transformation of value chains and an integration between various sectors, with collaboration between companies, governments, Universities and Civil Society.
ISCC: Certification for sustainability and circularity
In this scenario of transformation, certification ISCC emerges as a strategic tool to ensure sustainability throughout the supply chain, offering international credibility e compliance with environmental and market laws. ISCC is a widely recognized voluntary certification system, Originally created in Germany, and that covers agricultural raw materials, waste, organic waste, Recycled chemicals, Biofuels and Bioproducts.
The system has three main variations:
ISCC EU
A ISCC EU It is focused on compliance with the European directive of renewable energy (RED II). It is mandatory for biofuels and bioliquid producers who want to access the European Union market and ensure that their products have sustainable origin, with traceability from the field to the final destination.
ISCC I verify requirements like:
- GHG emissions (Greenhouse gases) reduced compared to fossil fuels;
- Protection of areas with high biodiversity and high carbon stock;
- Good agricultural and social practices;
- Total Supply Chain Traceability.
Besides serving the energy sector, ISCC I also apply to solid biomass and industrial inputs of biological origin that wish to demonstrate sustainability in the European market.
ISCC PLUS
The certification ISCC PLUS It is a wider and more voluntary version of the system, focused on Une regulated markets - As food, feed, cosmetics, plastics, Packaging and Chemicals. It is ideal for companies that want to demonstrate sustainability and circularity Even outside the legal obligation, as a form of brand differentiation, SERVICE SERVICE ESG (environmental, social and governance) or requirements of business partners.
In the context of the circular economy, ISCC Plus is especially relevant because it allows certification of:
- Mechanical or chemically recycled materials;
- Waste and by-products used as raw materials;
- Production flows with mass balance and circular origin tracking.
That is, ISCC Plus offers a concrete tool for Validate the real circularity of a product, from its origin to the end consumer, Creating confidence in the market and fighting Greenwashing.
ISCC for economia circular
The circular economy requires proof: It is not enough to say that a product is sustainable - it is necessary to test, trace and audit. This is exactly what ISCC offers. Certification promotes transparency in supply chains and makes it possible to marketing of sustainable and circular products with documented guarantees.
Practical examples of application of ISCC certification in circular economy include:
- Recycled plastics with certified content, applied in the packaging industry;
- Used oils and organic waste transformed into biofuels with ISCC traceability;
- Renewable or recycled chemicals used in cosmetics and food;
- Agricultural Reuse Solutions, as residues of cultures transformed into energy or certified fertilizers.
With ISCC, companies not only meet normative requirements, but also add value to your brand, conquer new markets and effectively contribute to a more circular and regenerative future.
Why invest in circular economy with ISCC?
The transition to a circular economy can represent considerable competitive advantages. Organizations that adopt this model and certify with ISCC can:
- Reduce operating costs, by maximizing the use of resources and minimizing waste;
- Meet the requirements of large buyers and international markets;
- Comply with strict environmental regulations, especially in the European Union;
- Improve your corporate reputation, aligning with the principles;
- Innovate with new business models, Circularity -based, sharing and regeneration.
ISCC certification brings the necessary security to demonstrate the commitment to these practices, in addition to facilitating partnerships and providing solid commercial arguments in negotiations with customers, investors and stakeholders.
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If you got here, already realized that the circular economy is not just a trend - it is a strategic need For the present and the future of business. And with ISCC certification, Your company can take firm steps towards sustainability, with international recognition and audited practices.
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