Does your ISCC PLUS certification support sustainable packaging claims in the EU?
Yes — with a clear understanding of how ISCC PLUS relates to current and upcoming EU regulations.Our ISCC PLUS certification (Certificate No. ISCC-PLUS-Cert-DE100-22099125, issued by SGS Germany, valid through September 2026) covers us as a converter under the mass balance chain of custody method. This means we can provide verified, third-party audited documentation tracing certified bio-based or recycled content in our materials — which directly supports your brand's sustainability claims. [1]Specifically, this certification enables: Supply chain transparency documentation for your ESG and sustainability reporting Verified recycled or bio-based content claims on your packaging, backed by an independent audit Alignment with major EU voluntary sustainability frameworks and buyer procurement requirements [1] On EU regulatory compliance (PPWR) — and how ISCC PLUS fits inThe EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (Regulation EU 2025/40) entered into force on 11 February 2025, with most provisions applying from 12 August 2026. [3][4]What PPWR requires: By 2030, certain packaging categories must contain minimum recycled content, for example: 10% for non-PET contact sensitive packaging 30% for single-use plastic beverage bottles 35% for other plastic packaging [5] Companies must be able to verify and prove recycled content claims [4] Where ISCC PLUS stands: PPWR does NOT explicitly mention or mandate ISCC PLUS — or any specific certification scheme However, ISCC PLUS is currently one of the most widely accepted, industry-recognized certification schemes for demonstrating recycled and bio-based content under the mass balance model [1] It serves as a credible, third-party audited tool that can help you meet PPWR's verification requirements. As stated in the ISCC Global Sustainability Conference 2026 recap: "Chemical recycling is being recognised under defined mass balance rules … and mandatory third-party certification like ISCC PLUS." [2] (Note: "like" indicates an example, not an explicit mandate in the regulation text.) In short:ISCC PLUS is not required by PPWR, but it is the most commonly used and trusted "measuring stick" for proving recycled content today. PPWR tells you what to prove (e.g., 10% recycled content). ISCC PLUS helps you how to prove it.Important additional considerations Rules still in development: PPWR's specific delegated and implementing acts — including detailed rules for calculating and verifying recycled content — have not yet been published. No certification scheme can currently claim formal "PPWR approval." As noted by industry sources, "the official methodology for calculating and verifying recycled content under the PPWR will be established in upcoming implementing acts." [5] Food contact compliance (if applicable): ISCC PLUS certification alone does not guarantee compliance with EU food contact regulations (e.g., Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 for plastics). [6] Additional validation is required. Updated ISCC PLUS scheme (July 1, 2025 onward): ISCC PLUS now operates under its own independent system document. Our certificate remains valid and reflects current requirements. Bottom lineISCC PLUS mass balance certification directly supports sustainable and recycled content claims in the EU today. It is well-aligned with the direction of PPWR and widely accepted by industry as a credible verification tool. [1][2][5]However, because ISCC PLUS is not explicitly named in PPWR, and implementing rules are still being finalized, we recommend validating specific compliance requirements with your EU regulatory team as detailed rules are published.We are happy to provide our certificate, sustainability declarations, and supporting documentation upon request.References No. Source Link [1] ISCC System – Plastics and Packaging Market Page https://iscc-system.org/about/markets/plastics-and-packaging/ [2] ISCC Global Sustainability Conference 2026 Recap https://iscc-system.org/recap-of-the-lobal-sustainability-conference-2026/ [3] UK Government – PPWR Overview https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/europe/european-union-eu-regulations/eu-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-eu-ppwr/ [4] EU Commission PPWR FAQ & Guidance (via GLOBALNORM) https://compliance.globalnorm.de/en/product-compliance-news/detail/eu-packaging-faq-and-guidance-published/ [5] Mondi Group – Recycled Content in Plastic Packaging (referencing PPWR 2030 targets) https://www.mondigroup.com/products-and-solutions/packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation/recycled-content-in-plastic-packaging [6] EUR-Lex – EU Regulation (EC) No 10/2011 (Food Contact Materials) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/DOC/?uri=PI_COM:C(2025)1085