Decarbonisation Technology May 2025 Issue

Agricultural crops and crop residues

ISCC

First gathering point

Farm/ plantation

ISCC

PtX, RFNBOs, renewables

Processing unit

Blend point (if applicable)

Trader

Renewable electricity sources/units

Market

Waste, residue or byproducts

ISCC

Collecting point

Point of origin

Figure 3 Simplified SAF/AMF supply chains

responsible. Key factors include the selection of raw materials, life cycle emissions, land use impact, and traceability. Certification mandated by the EU RED and ICAO CORSIA demonstrates compliance with these requirements and documents traceability throughout the supply chain, covering feedstock identity, production processes, and chain of custody options. It increases transparency for governments, regulators, and consumers and provides clear and accessible information on the environmental impact of the fuel, the reduction of greenhouse gases, and the integrity of the supply chain. ISCC is the leading certification system for the EU renewable energy market, regulated by the RED. The system applies globally and encompasses all agricultural and forest biomass, biogenic waste and residues, non- biological renewable materials, and recycled carbon-based materials. Certification under ISCC can be utilised throughout the entire supply chain and is relevant to a wide array of sectors and markets. For this purpose, ISCC operates distinct certification systems, including ISCC EU, ISCC PLUS, and ISCC CORSIA, with the latter also being the leading certification system under the ICAO CORSIA framework. Accredited third-party Certification Bodies

(CBs) verify compliance with the certification requirements and issue certificates following successful auditing. Since 2011, ISCC EU has demonstrated compliance with the legal requirements for sustainability and GHG emissions savings criteria established by the RED. As of February 2025, it boasts 7,536 valid certificates ( ISCC, 2025 ), making it the largest of the three schemes. The ISCC PLUS certification was developed for voluntary markets such as food, feed, chemicals, plastics, packaging, and renewable energy sources outside the scope of the RED. With 5,545 valid certificates ( ISCC, 2025 ), it is the second-largest scheme. ISCC CORSIA, specifically designed to comply with the ICAO framework for SAF, has been recognised since 2020. Currently, it is the fastest-growing scheme, with a remarkable growth rate of 326% generated in 2024, when the number of certificates surged from 95 to 405 (ISCC, 2025) . This highlights SAF’s growing importance and interest among regulators, producers, airlines, and passengers.

Verifying every step: supply chain certification and mass balance

Certification ensures that every step in the SAF and AMF supply chains complies with robust