Recap of the Global Sustainability Conference 2026 

The ISCC EU stream was centred on the implementation of RED III and the Union Database (UDB), while positioning ISCC’s tools and methodologies as practical solutions to support regulatory compliance and system integrity. Discussions also addressed the evolving relationship between the EU and UK renewable fuels frameworks, underlining the need for alignment in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Regulatory implementation and market readiness 

Galin Gentchev (European Commission) provided an update on the Union Database, confirming the finalisation of the UDB concept in November 2025. He also outlined the ongoing revision of the Implementing Act on Sustainability Certification Rules for Voluntary Schemes, with publication for public consultation expected in Q2 2026. Upcoming stakeholder meetings, training sessions and a user survey will further assess the UDB’s readiness and functionality. 

 Sebastian Hirsz (bp) examined industry preparedness under RED III and emerging EU frameworks. Cheryl Duke and Clemens Yuen (UK Department for Transport) added the UK perspective, noting that while the UK system remainsclosely aligned with the EU RED framework, regulatory divergences are becoming more pronounced and require careful navigation by market participants.  

Reinforcing system integrity 

Dr Christoph Gerlach (Meo Carbon Solutions) presented working group initiatives aimed at further strengthening the robustness of the ISCC system. These focus on enhancing biodiesel audit procedures and conducting a scientific evaluation of UCO samples across participating laboratories to assess analytical applicability and variability. This initiative represents a key step in reinforcing credibility in sensitive feedstock markets. 

In the panel discussion, speakers assessed the state of RED III implementation and the future direction of Europe’s regulated renewable fuels market. A central message emerged: future European legislation should prioritiseoverall GHG reduction targets over fragmented sub-targets and move towards a simplified framework that enables technology neutrality and fair competition. 

Advancing methodologies and certification tools 

The stream also highlighted new ISCC instruments that directly support regulatory and market developments. Dessislava Barzachka (Bunge) presented the first ISCC Regenerative Agriculture Add-on certification, demonstratinghow agricultural practices can be integrated into certified value chains.  

Nabil Abdalla (Ifeu Institute) and Julia Diergarten (Meo Carbon Solutions) introduced CLEVER, a universal methodology for deriving GHG emission factors across energy carriers and pathways, contributing to greater harmonisation and comparability in emissions accounting.  

Finally, Juan Marulanda (ISCC) and Julia Nevares (Meo Carbon Solutions) presented developments in ISCC EU RFNBO certification. The newly introduced pre-certification concept provides a document-based readiness assessment ahead of full audits. In addition, updated audit procedures for installations consuming RFNBOs as intermediaries create an additional compliance pathway for transport and industry targets, further strengthening ISCC’s role in supporting emerging RFNBO markets.

The ISCC PLUS stream examined recycling ambitions across voluntary and regulated markets, demonstrating how ISCC PLUS certification supports both compliance and market positioning.

Regulatory frameworks and chemical recycling

Dr Wolfgang Trunk (European Commission) and Mark Palmer (HM Revenue Customs) presented how under the EU’s new Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) Implementing Decision, as well as the forthcoming UK Plastic Packaging Tax, recycled content requirements are being expanded. Chemical recycling is being recognised under defined mass balance rules based on a fuel-use excluded attribution model and mandatory third-party certification like ISCC PLUS. Rules for calculating and verifying recycled content in plastic packaging, and sustainability criteria for recycling technologies under the EU Packaging u0026amp; Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are expected by year’s end.rnrnIn response to these developments, Dr Jan Henke (ISCC System) presented ISCC’s work on a new dedicated scheme for regulated recycling markets. The objective is to provide a harmonised and recognised solution across multiple emerging frameworks, offering System Users and brand owners a single certification pathway for compliance. ISCC PLUS will continue to serve as the established certification system for voluntary markets.rnu003ch3u003eISCC PLUS in voluntary marketsu003c/h3u003ernFrom an industry perspective, Sunghee Son (LG Chem) illustrated how chemical recycling is being industrialised alongside mechanical recycling and the integration of biobased raw materials. ISCC PLUS supports this transition by enabling companies to meet voluntary commitments while preparing for regulatory developments.

With ISCC PLUS, we have a clear commitment to support the circular economy and the bioeconomy. In doing this, we also give companies that use ISCC PLUS better market access and a competitive advantage.

(Dr Jan Henke, Managing Director, ISCC System)

Market dynamics were equally prominent in the discussion. Daniel Cronin (Amazon) noted that a majority of surveyed consumers seek environmentally responsible brands. Within Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly programme, ISCC PLUS supports global brands such as Crocs, Philips, Brita and Playmobil, demonstrating that certified bio-based and circular materials have entered the mainstream. Lourenço Nunes (Thomy, Nestlé) emphasised the strategic challenge for brand owners: balancing the needs of people, the planet and business to unlock investment in sustainability strategies. ISCC PLUS certification was highlighted as a key enabler of brand reputation, transparent communication and trust in credible sustainability claims. Read more about certification and licensing under ISCC PLUS here.

Unlocking the potential of carbon footprinting

Dr Stefan Gärtner (Meo Carbon Solutions) and Johannes Musseleck (INEOS Styrolution) addressed the integration of mass balance under ISCC PLUS with product carbon footprint methodologies through ISCC CFC. This approach enables the systematic allocation of carbon savings, reflects the realities of industrial production, and supports scalable carbon footprint improvements across both alternative and conventional fossil-based products. They underlined that the strength of ISCC PLUS lies in its robust, transparent and auditable framework, its long-standing expertise in chain-of-custody implementation and its position as an independent and widely recognised certification system – laying the foundation for the successful development of the ISCC CFC scheme.rnrnThe stream concluded with a panel discussion on regulatory developments, market scaling and methodological evolution. A clear takeaway was the recognition of ISCC and the PLUS scheme as providers of structure, credibility and practical solutions in a rapidly evolving circular economy landscape, as summarised by moderator and ISCC Board Member Erika Sanchez.

The sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) stream focused on scaling SAF deployment by examining certification, policy frameworks and market mechanisms as mutually reinforcing drivers of growth. Across discussions, certification emerged as a central pillar for credibility, investment security and international alignment. 

Certification as a foundation for scale 

Adam Kirby (ISCC System) outlined recent developments aimed at strengthening SAF supply chains. These included the expansion of the Proof of Compliance (PoC) throughout 2025 and continued collaboration with regulators to advance ISCC EU and ISCC CORSIA Dual Conformance. Together, these efforts position certification as a foundation for regulatory compliance and scalable market growth. 

In a joint panel discussion, Adam Kirby was joined by Andrea Caderon (Airbus) and Alexander Losbichler (OMV) to present a collaborative approach to scaling SAF through a robust book-and-claim (B&C) system. Under the shared message of “we can go further together,” the initiative includes developing B&C guidance and piloting a facilitator model to bridge customer access gaps, strengthen chain-of-custody assurance, and enable credible, user-friendly claims. At the same time, advocacy continues for broader recognition under frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), with the aim of unlocking wider market uptake and supporting the development of a commercially viable SAF market.

Regulation and policy momentum 

Policy drivers were a central theme of the session. Jo Dardenne (European Commission, DG MOVE) presented the EU’s comprehensive regulatory framework, including ReFuelEU Aviation, which sets a 6% SAF blending target by 2030, compared to the current uptake of around 0.6%. Additional instruments to accelerate eSAF deployment, including Innovation Fund support and double-sided auction mechanisms, were stressed as key tools to provide investment certainty and de-risk capital deployment. Jo also pointed to ongoing collaboration that supports ISCC’s Dual Conformance approach, facilitating alignment among supply chain actors and airlines. 

Dr Bruno Silva (ICAO) provided a global perspective under the CORSIA framework, noting the rapid expansion of certified capacity. The number of CORSIA-certified refineries increased from three in 2022 to 41 in 2025, signallinggrowing international engagement and implementation. 

Market maturity and demand creation  

Tan Seow Hui (SAFCo Singapore) introduced Singapore’s centralised procurement model and voluntary SAF procurement initiative, designed to aggregate demand and operationalise a credible national SAF ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. This approach demonstrates how coordinated demand mechanisms can accelerate market formation. 

Daniel Chereau (IATA) complemented this perspective with insights into global SAF market dynamics, pricing structures and scaling trends, drawing on in-depth industry research. 

From the production side, Phil Moore (EcoCeres), Mario Mifsud (Neste), Alexsandra Krus (Montana Renewables) and Dr Agung Wicaksono (PT Pertamina) concluded the stream with a joint discussion. A shared priority emerged: aligning regulatory and voluntary frameworks, harmonising feedstock definitions and fostering collaborative market conditions that encourage healthy competition. Certification was consistently positioned as a critical enabler of investment, regulatory coherence and global SAF market expansion. 

Reflecting the growing importance of sustainability and certification in maritime decarbonisation, this year’s conference hosted, for the first time, a dedicated stream on alternative marine fuels (AMF). With more than 45 participants onsite and over 300 online, the session, moderated by Peter Schild, showcased strong market momentum and the central role of certification in enabling scale. 

Certification solutions for a regulated maritime market 

The session opened with updates from ISCC on certification solutions tailored to the maritime sector. Dario Formenti (Senior System Manager – Aviation & Maritime, ISCC) highlighted the increasing number of maritime stakeholders joining the ISCC Association, reflecting growing industry engagement. He reaffirmed ISCC’s role in AMF certification and presented key solutions, including the Proof of Compliance (PoC) and the Bio-marine Fuel Operator (BFO) scope, which support transparent and credible supply chain claims. 

Regulatory alignment and global frameworks 

From a regulatory perspective, Laura Lonza (European Commission, DG CLIMA) outlined the EU framework for maritime decarbonisation, including MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification), the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime. She emphasised the importance of EU RED-recognised voluntary schemes, such as ISCC EU, in enabling compliant and verifiable supply chain claims within this evolving regulatory ecosystem. 

Francielle Carvalho (Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping) provided an update on the drafting of fuel certification guidelines under the prospective IMO Net Zero Framework, noting ISCC’s valuable contribution based on its experience with established frameworks such as EU RED and CORSIA. 

Peter Mollema (Port of Rotterdam) added a practical infrastructure perspective, pointing to port readiness for handling alternative marine fuels. He stressed the need for a diversified fuel portfolio, the development of green corridorsand the importance of ensuring that fuels are allowed, available and affordable. 

Industry implementation and supply chain credibility 

Industry representatives demonstrated that deployment is already underway. Virginia Gimeno (Repsol) presented the integration of advanced biofuels, bioLNG and renewable methanol across production, trading and bunkering operations. She emphasised that credible regulatory claims depend on trusted and robust certification frameworks such as ISCC. 

Tom Cahill reinforced the importance of clear and fit-for-purpose chain-of-custody documentation, emphasising how ISCC’s Proof of Sustainability (PoS) and Proof of Compliance (PoC) provide a harmonised and verifiable basis for biofuel documentation. 

Partnerships and scope 3 integration 

In a fireside chat moderated by Dario Formenti, Kathrin Brost (DHL) and Ratna Nataliani (Hapag-Lloyd) discussed their recent partnership and the urgency of scaling alternative marine fuels. A key focus was bridging certified supply chains with credible Scope 3 emissions claims for freight forwarders. In this context, collaboration with trusted certification bodies is essential. ISCC is currently exploring expanding its Credit Transfer System and Registry to the maritime sector to further support this objective. 

Unlocking investment and international cooperation 

Towards the end of the session, Alexander Döll (Methanol Institute) highlighted the importance of market interconnectivity and clear regulatory rules to unlock investment. He addressed the recent non-adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework and expressed hope that progress will advance with broad international agreement. He also announced strengthened collaboration between ISCC and the Methanol Institute to support progress in the maritime sector, including within the IMO context. Our goal is to equip our System Users with an ISCC certification that supports compliance across a wide spectrum of regulatory frameworks and market requirements.