The world produces over 400 million tons of plastic waste every year, and only a small fraction is effectively recycled. Much of it ends up in landfills or oceans, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions.
To address this, new chemical recycling technologies—particularly plastic-to-oil (PTO) or plastic pyrolysis—are gaining momentum. These technologies convert non-recyclable plastic waste into valuable resources such as pyrolysis oil, which can be used as a feedstock for producing new plastics or fuels.
However, as the industry grows, one crucial question arises: How can we ensure that plastic-to-oil technologies are truly sustainable and traceable?This is where ISCC certification comes in.
What Is ISCC Certification?
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is a globally recognized system that certifies sustainable supply chains for bio-based and circular materials.
It verifies that materials—whether from biomass, waste, or recycled plastics—meet strict sustainability, traceability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction criteria.
There are several ISCC schemes, but the most relevant for plastic-to-oil technologies are:
- ISCC PLUS – for circular and bio-based materials in industrial and consumer goods sectors.
- ISCC EU – for materials used in energy and transport, compliant with EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
How ISCC Supports Plastic-to-Oil Technologies
1. Traceability Across the Value Chain
ISCC ensures mass balance tracking, meaning every ton of recycled or circular feedstock (like pyrolysis oil) is documented through the supply chain—from waste collection to oil production to new plastic manufacturing.
This prevents greenwashing and ensures that claims of “recycled content” are based on verified data.
2. Verification of Waste Origin
To be recognized as sustainable under ISCC, the plastic waste used in pyrolysis must come from post-consumer or post-industrial sources that would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated.
This guarantees that the process contributes to real waste reduction rather than reusing easily recyclable plastics.
3. Sustainability and Emissions Accounting
ISCC-certified operations must calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions throughout the process—from waste collection to oil refinement.
This allows companies to demonstrate a measurable carbon footprint reduction compared to virgin fossil-based materials.
4. Market Recognition and Brand Trust
ISCC certification gives brand owners and manufacturers the confidence that their products meet internationally recognized sustainability standards.
It helps companies communicate credible circular economy claims to consumers and investors—an increasingly important factor in ESG reporting and compliance.
More in plastic to oil machine.
Industry Momentum
Today, many global companies are integrating ISCC certification into their plastic-to-oil initiatives:
- BASF, Shell, and SABIC use ISCC PLUS-certified pyrolysis oil in producing new plastics.
- Startups and recycling innovators are pursuing ISCC certification to gain market access and partner with global brands.
- Governments and regulators in Europe and Asia are recognizing ISCC as a credible verification framework for circular materials.
This combination of innovation and certification is helping shift the perception of waste plastics—from pollutants to valuable raw materials in a circular economy.
Why ISCC Matters for the Future
As chemical recycling technologies like plastic-to-oil scale up, transparency and accountability will be essential.
ISCC certification provides the framework to:
- Build trust between recyclers, producers, and consumers
- Ensure traceable and verifiable circular material flows
- Support low-carbon, circular economy goals worldwide
In short, ISCC helps turn the promise of plastic-to-oil recycling into a proven, sustainable reality.
Final Thoughts
Plastic-to-oil technologies have enormous potential to address the plastic waste crisis, but sustainability must be proven, not assumed.
By adopting ISCC certification, companies can ensure that every drop of recycled oil contributes to a transparent, responsible, and circular value chain—paving the way toward a cleaner and smarter future for plastics.
