FS, a leading Brazilian producer of ethanol and animal nutrition, has become the first corn ethanol producer in Brazil to receive the ISCC international certification.
This prestigious recognition signifies that FS’s production process adheres to rigorous international standards for the creation and supply of ethanol and corn oil used in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
FS holds the distinction of being the world’s first ethanol producer to attain Low Land Use Change (LUC) Risk certification, a collaborative effort with GGF Group, one of its second-crop corn suppliers. Rafael Abud, CEO of FS, underscores the importance of this certification, stating, “This certification serves as a crucial affirmation that Brazilian second-crop corn ethanol stands as a low-carbon feedstock for biofuel production in challenging sectors, such as aviation. Airlines can now rely on our ethanol as a competitive and readily scalable source to meet global market demands.”
The Low LUC Risk certification indicates that FS’s biofuel production process has zero Indirect Land Use Change (iLUC), meaning it does not generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to iLUC. iLUC refers to indirect changes in land use resulting from the redirection of significant land areas for biofuel feedstock production, such as deforestation or agricultural land conversion. This approach ensures that biofuel production contributes positively to carbon emissions reduction without causing additional harm to the environment.
The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) is a global sustainability certification system encompassing sustainable feedstocks, including agricultural and forestry biomass, biogenic waste, circular materials, and renewable energy for various markets. The ISCC CORSIA, a voluntary certification scheme, recognizes the eligibility of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) based on criteria established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), evaluating environmental, social, and traceability aspects from biomass to biofuel production.
FS’s certification process spans the entire ethanol production chain, starting from the agricultural phase and inputs, through biofuel manufacturing to transportation to SAF producers. This comprehensive approach, including agricultural production verification with the participation of suppliers such as the Água Santa farm, has led to the confirmation of zero iLUC for second-crop corn. Daniel Lopes, Vice President of Sustainability and New Business for FS, acknowledges the complexity of the certification process, requiring extensive documentation over a two-year implementation period. Lopes emphasizes the need for flexibility and adjustment of certification and regulation to accommodate the diverse realities of rural producers.
Rogério Ferrarin, Executive Director of GGF, further highlights that the certification attests to FS’s adherence to global agricultural best practices, demonstrating sustainability, traceability, and an increase in second-crop corn productivity within the same agricultural area.
