Asian Agri is now the first palm oil company in Indonesia to be certified with ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)PLUS for its CPO (Crude Palm Oil) products. ISCC certified CPO means that the plantation operational management has undergone verification process and is produced with sustainable practices environmentally, socially and economically.
ISCC is one of the leading certification systems for sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions for all kinds of biomass and is recognized by the European Commission as one of the first certification schemes to demonstrate compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive’s (RED) requirements. ISCC PLUS allows an efficient extension of sustainability certification on sectors like food, feed or technical/chemical (e.g. bioplastics) and bioenergy applications (e.g. solid biomass). ISCC describes the rules and regulations of the certification process that is geared towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable use of land and the protection of natural habitats. Various stakeholders including NGOs and scientific institutions have recognized the ISCC System internationally.
Fredy Widjaja, Asian Agri General Manager said, "By achieving ISCC PLUS certification, Asian Agri wishes to wider expand its international market, while proving that cultivation and processing of palm oil are done sustainably. At the same time, this achievement is also expected to inspire other palm oil companies to participate in implementation of sustainable operations which ultimately will bring a positive image to Indonesian palm oil in the market and global community.”
The certification was issued by SGS Germany on 24 October 2014 for all of Asian Agri’s palm oil mills. SGS Germany is an independent certification body which specializes in inspection, verification, testing, and certification. SGS ensures that sustainability requirements according to the ISCC-approved documents and procedures, are applicable in reality.
In addition to Asian Agri being a ISCC PLUS certified CPO producer, all Asian Agri mills and plantations have also been ISCC-certified, including plantations owned by smallholders and KKPA. Other than the ISCC system certification, Asian Agri has also been certified by RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) and ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil).