Overview
ISO 22095-2:2026 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the series ISO 22095, focusing on chain of custody models. Part 2 specifically outlines the requirements and guidelines for applying the mass balance chain of custody model to any material or product flow. This standard provides a structured approach for attributing specified characteristics to flows within mass balance systems and emphasizes critical aspects such as system boundaries, conversion factors, implementation methods, and transparent communication of claims. Its aim is to establish a credible, consistent, and well-documented chain of custody in supply chains where mass balance systems are implemented.
Key Topics
Differentiation from Other Chain of Custody Models
- Mass Balance vs. Controlled Blending: Unlike controlled blending, mass balance does not require physical separation or guaranteed physical presence of specified characteristics in every output.
- Mass Balance vs. Book and Claim: In the book and claim model, credits or transferable instruments (TIECs) can be traded independently of the physical product, while in mass balance, specified characteristics are always tied to physical flows within the defined system boundaries.
General Requirements
- Organizational Responsibility: Each entity in the supply chain must maintain its own defined mass balance system, ensuring clear system boundaries regarding geography, process, or sites.
- System Boundaries: Must clearly include geography and time (balancing and claim periods).
- Documentation: Strict record-keeping is required for all transactions and flows involving specified characteristics.
Implementation Methods
- Rolling Average Percentage Method: Attributes specified characteristics to outputs based on a rolling average of inputs over a moving period.
- Credit Method: Credits represent specified characteristics attributed to outputs; they are tracked within a credit account system.
Key Procedures
- Conversion and Consumption Factors: Used to calculate the proportion of outputs bearing specified characteristics after mixing or co-processing.
- Material and Credit Reconciliation: Prevents double counting and ensures accurate attribution within the chain.
- Transparency and Communication: Clear communication of claims to both business partners and end consumers, following standardized processes.
Applications
ISO 22095-2:2026 supports organizations across various industries that handle mixed product flows-such as chemicals, agriculture, textiles, forestry, construction, energy, metals (including steel), plastics, glass, and more-to verify and communicate sustainability or other specified characteristics in their supply chains. The mass balance approach is ideal where physical segregation is not feasible but traceability and responsible sourcing remain critical.
Practical applications include:
- Sustainable Sourcing: Ensuring that a proportion of products (e.g., made from renewable or recycled material) can be credibly claimed as such according to the input amounts.
- Compliance and Auditing: Structured guidelines for trustworthy internal and external audits, including third-party verification.
- Market Communication: Facilitates consistent and credible sustainability claims, supporting consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
By following ISO 22095-2, organizations can provide transparent, auditable evidence that supports their claims about material flow characteristics, such as recycled content, renewable feedstock, or compliance with ethical standards.
Related Standards
For holistic chain of custody management and to ensure compliance and integration with industry best practices, ISO 22095-2:2026 should be used in conjunction with:
- ISO 22095:2020 - Chain of custody - General terminology and models
- Other ISO 22095 Series Parts - Covering various chain of custody models including identity preserved, segregated, and controlled blending.
- ISO 14050:2020 - Environmental management - Vocabulary (for terminology reference)
- ISO 9000:2015 - Quality management systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary (for process definitions)
These related ISO standards collectively help organizations implement robust, transparent, and credible chain of custody systems-supporting sustainability, product responsibility, and traceability across markets.
Keywords: ISO 22095-2, mass balance, chain of custody, material flow, credit method, rolling average, conversion factors, transparent claims, standardization, sustainable supply chain.
