What You Need to Prepare for ISCC Certification of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil

In the ever – evolving landscape of sustainable energy and circular economy initiatives, the process of obtaining International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) for waste plastic pyrolysis oil has become increasingly important. As more and more waste plastic pyrolysis plants strive to meet global sustainability standards, understanding the requirements for this certification is crucial. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps and preparations needed for ISCC certification of waste plastic pyrolysis oil.

1. Understanding ISCC and Its Relevance to Pyrolysis Oil

ISCC is a globally recognized sustainability certification system that ensures the sustainable production of various materials, including those from waste and residue raw materials. For waste plastic pyrolysis plants, obtaining ISCC certification can enhance their market credibility, meet regulatory requirements in some regions, and contribute to the overall goal of reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. It validates that the pyrolysis oil production process adheres to strict environmental, social, and traceability criteria.

2. Prerequisites for Applying for ISCC Certification

2.1 Selecting the Right Certification Body

The first step is to choose an ISCC – accredited certification body. These bodies are authorized to conduct the necessary audits and assessments for ISCC certification. Examples of well – known certification bodies include SGS, TÜV Rheinland, and DNV. When making this selection, consider factors such as the body’s experience in certifying waste – to – energy or plastic recycling processes, its reputation in the industry, and the cost – effectiveness of its services.

2.2 Registering with ISCC

Once you have chosen a certification body, you need to register your waste plastic pyrolysis plant with ISCC. This involves creating an account on the ISCC platform and providing basic information about your company, such as its legal name, address, contact details, and a brief description of your pyrolysis oil production activities. The registration process also requires you to specify the scope of certification, which in this case would be the production of waste plastic pyrolysis oil.

3. Documentation Requirements

3.1 Company and Facility Information

• Business Registration Documents: Provide copies of your business license, tax registration certificate, and any other relevant legal documents that prove the existence and legal standing of your waste plastic pyrolysis plant.
• Facility Layout and Process Flow Diagrams: Create detailed diagrams that show the layout of your pyrolysis plant, including the location of key equipment such as pyrolysis reactors, condensers, and storage tanks. A process flow diagram should also be included, which clearly illustrates the steps involved in converting waste plastics into pyrolysis oil, from waste plastic intake to the final production of pyrolysis oil.

3.2 Supply Chain Traceability

• Waste Plastic Supplier Information: Compile a comprehensive list of all your waste plastic suppliers. For each supplier, provide details such as their company name, address, contact information, and the types and quantities of waste plastics they supply. You will also need to have contracts or agreements in place with these suppliers that clearly state the quality and origin requirements of the waste plastics.
• Tracking Records: Implement a tracking system within your waste plastic pyrolysis plant to record the movement of waste plastics from the moment they enter the facility until the pyrolysis oil is produced. This includes records of the receipt of waste plastics, their storage location within the plant, and the specific batches used in each pyrolysis run. These records should be maintained for a minimum of three years, as required by ISCC.

3.3 Environmental and Social Sustainability

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Conduct an environmental impact assessment of your waste plastic pyrolysis plant. This assessment should cover aspects such as air emissions, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. Provide details of the measures you have implemented to minimize the environmental impact of your operations, such as the installation of pollution control equipment for air emissions and proper treatment of wastewater before discharge.
• Social Responsibility Policy: Develop and document a social responsibility policy for your plant. This policy should address issues such as employee rights, working conditions, and community relations. Provide evidence of compliance with local labor laws, including information on employee contracts, working hours, and safety training programs. Also, demonstrate your plant’s efforts to engage with the local community, such as through environmental education programs or support for local initiatives.

3.4 Quality Management System

• Quality Control Procedures: Establish a quality control system for the production of pyrolysis oil. This should include procedures for sampling and testing the waste plastics before processing, as well as for testing the final pyrolysis oil product. Document the quality parameters that your pyrolysis oil must meet, such as its chemical composition, heating value, and sulfur content.
• Internal Auditing and Management Review: Conduct regular internal audits of your waste plastic pyrolysis plant to ensure compliance with ISCC requirements and your own quality management system. Document the findings of these audits and the corrective actions taken. Additionally, perform management reviews at least once a year to evaluate the effectiveness of your quality management system and make any necessary improvements.

4. Conducting an Internal Audit

Before the official audit by the certification body, it is highly recommended that you conduct an internal audit of your waste plastic pyrolysis plant. This internal audit should be carried out by a team of trained personnel within your company who are familiar with ISCC requirements. The internal audit should cover all aspects of your operations, from waste plastic procurement to pyrolysis oil production and distribution. Identify any non – conformities or areas for improvement and take corrective actions before the external audit. This will help to increase the likelihood of a successful certification audit.

5. Preparing for the Certification Audit

5.1 Facility Readiness

Ensure that your waste plastic pyrolysis plant is in a clean and well – maintained condition. All equipment should be operational, and any safety hazards should be addressed. Clearly label all storage areas, pipelines, and equipment to facilitate the auditor’s understanding of your plant’s operations.

5.2 Document Accessibility

Organize all the required documentation in a way that makes it easily accessible to the auditor. Create a filing system or digital repository where the auditor can quickly retrieve the necessary documents, such as supply chain records, environmental reports, and quality control data. Provide the auditor with a list of all the documents and their locations within the plant.

5.3 Staff Training

Train your plant staff on ISCC requirements and their roles and responsibilities during the audit. Ensure that they are able to answer any questions the auditor may have regarding the plant’s operations, environmental practices, and social responsibility initiatives. Staff should be familiar with the quality control procedures and the tracking systems in place at the plant.

In conclusion, obtaining ISCC certification for waste plastic pyrolysis oil is a comprehensive process that requires careful planning, documentation, and preparation. By following the steps outlined above, waste plastic pyrolysis plants can increase their chances of a successful certification and contribute to a more sustainable future in the plastics recycling and energy sectors.