Monthly news from the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI), June 2025

This month, RCI kicked off two new projects focusing on biodiversity and policy barriers. Alongside these, we’re launching a new member-driven discussion format – the RCI Roundtable on 16 July with Econic Technologies. The widely anticipated ‘OK renewable’ label slide deck is now available to help stakeholders understand this important certification. Our Working Groups on Sustainability and Policy are gearing up with new meetings to tackle science-based targets, biomass sustainability criteria, and regulatory frameworks. We’re pleased to welcome Alcogroup (BE), a leading European ethanol producer, as the newest member of RCI, further strengthening our network. We’re also proud to highlight innovative member projects, like BASF and Vaude’s climate-neutral bike backpack, alongside exclusive interviews showcasing breakthrough technologies from RCI members Aduro Clean Technologies and Modern Meadow. 

New Projects

The new large RCI project on “Exploring Sustainable Feedstock Sources and Biodiversity Protection” has now fully started. The project focuses on exploring the role and significance of biodiversity in biomass production, sustainability and policy. It aims to integrate biodiversity considerations into sustainability assessments and develop strategies to protect biodiversity while optimising biomass yield. For this project, RCI is looking to involve external biodiversity experts for agriculture and forestry, and will prepare a tender soon.

Another, albeit smaller new RCI project on “Policy barriers in existing legislation” has also been kicked off on 24 June. The project is designed to complement the RCI publication on policy proposals by identifying existing regulations that hinder the transition to renewable carbon. The project will also try to identify possible adaptations / solutions to the identified barriers. 

Not an RCI member but aware of a specific issue caused by regulation? Do not hesitate to reach out!

Launch of New Format: RCI Roundtable to put member topics on the table

The RCI is launching the RCI Roundtable, a new member-driven discussion format which aims to provide a focused platform for knowledge exchange on current methodological challenges, data interpretation, and strategic developments relevant to the transition away from fossil carbon.

The first session on the “definition of renewable carbon to support drive in chemicals” by Econic Technologies will be on 16 July, 14:00 to 15:00 CEST. Further roundtables are already scheduled for 16 September and 6 October respectively. 

As this is the first time such a format is being implemented within the RCI, the Roundtable will also serve as a pilot initiative. It will be an opportunity to explore how an open, member-led format can enrich exchange and collaboration within RCI.  The structure and frequency may evolve based on member feedback and the relevance of emerging topics.

OK renewable label – Explanatory slides now available

Launched in April 2025 by RCI, nova-Institut and TÜV Austria, the ‘OK renewable’ label represents a fundamental component in advancing the defossilisation of the chemical industry.

At its core is the Renewable Carbon Share (RCS) measures the share of renewable carbon in a product (sourced from biomass, CO₂, or recycling) and excluding fossil carbon. The RCS is rated on a five-tier scale (20–100%) and is based on measured renewable carbon content or verified substitution of fossil-based feedstocks.

A slide deck with comprehensive information on the ‘OK renewable’ label is now publicly accessible to support industry stakeholders in understanding and implementing this innovative certification.

Download the full slide deck here: https://renewable-carbon.eu/publications/product/ok-renewable-label-pdf/

WG Sustainability RCI and the Science-based Targets initiative SBTi

Based on member input, RCI intends to explore communication opportunities and discussion with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Activities will include an RCI internal meeting to discuss experiences with SBTi, its relevance to renewable carbon, and potential issues to address in either the Chemical Sector Guidance or Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0. Going forward, direct meetings with SBTi representatives are under preparation, to directly address exchange on and discuss specific items.

Publication of Position Paper on Sustainability Criteria for Biomass

RCI published a new position paper on sustainability criteria for biomass called “There is an urgent need for horizontal sustainability criteria for biomass in bio-based chemicals and derived materials – in the framework of future incentives” on 30 June. The key messages of the position paper are that biomass is essential for Europe’s net-zero transition by replacing fossil resources in chemicals and materials. The EU must establish clear, aligned sustainabilitycriteria for biomass use in chemicals, based on the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) but adapted for this sector. These criteria should address sustainable cultivation of feedstock, full life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, and feedstock eligibility, and be linked to market incentives to ensure effectiveness.

No caps should limit the use of primary agricultural biomass for chemicals, as it does not threaten food security and provides multiple benefits. Access to a wide range of sustainable feedstocks is crucial. Biodiversity impacts should be managed through climate-smart farming, while forest biomass criteria must focus on current sustainable practices using existing certification schemes. This approach will create a fair and dependable framework to support Europe’s sustainable bio-based economy.

Find the position paper here: https://renewable-carbon.eu/publications/product/rcis-position-paper-there-is-an-urgent-need-for-horizontal-sustainability-criteria-for-biomass-in-bio-based-chemicals-and-derived-materials-in-the-framework-of-future-incentives

Don’t miss the related article on the Renewable Carbon News.

Member News: Bike backpack with net-zero product carbon footprint

Our RCI members, BASF (DE) and Vaude (DE) are collaborating to accelerate the defossilisation. 

Vaude, leader in sustainable outdoor equipment, has launched its new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+  bike backpack which is the first product being made with BASF’s Ultramid® ZeroPCF, a polyamide 6 with a net-zero product carbon footprint.

This breakthrough material is produced using:

• Renewable electricity from offshore wind (Hollandse Kust Zuid)
• Bio-based feedstocks from used cooking oil
• An ISCC+ certified mass balance approach

Congratulations, BASF and Vaude, on this flagship project that sets new standards for climate-neutral materials and product design. 

For further information: https://www.basf.com/basf/www/global/en/media/news-releases/2025/06/p-25-124

RCI member interviews

RCI offers exclusive interviews with customised questions for its members. These interviews are published on the RCI member subpage and promoted via LinkedIn to showcase member innovations and contributions to the transition toward renewable carbon. The most recent interviews were conducted with Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer at Aduro Clean Technologies Inc., and David Williamson, CEO of Modern Meadow. 

In Aduro’s interview, its Hydrochemolytic™ Technology (HCT) was highlighted, which presents a low-energy chemical recycling process for plastics and heavy crude 

Find the interview here: https://renewable-carbon-initiative.com/network/aduro-clean-technologies/

Modern Meadow is redefining material innovation with INNOVERA™, a plant- and recycled rubber-based leather alternative with over 80% renewable carbon content. Their proprietary Bio-Alloy® system enables versatile, high-performance bio-based materials with broad industry applications.

Find the interview here: https://renewable-carbon-initiative.com/network/modern-meadow/

New RCI members

Alcogroup (BE) is one of Europe’s foremost ethanol producers, with significant operations in Ghent (Belgium) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands). Their total ethanol production capacity across Europe reaches an impressive one million cubic meters. In addition to ethanol, their European facilities play an important role in producing and capturing substantial volumes of biogenic CO₂. 

Selected ambassador activities

26 June, Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy – Workshop on bio-based plastics in Brussels

17-18 June, Meetings with several units of the European Commission in Brussels

13 June, Molecule Forum (by Molecule Group), with a session on “Elevating Molecules for Chemical Pathways” targeted at COP 30

11 June, CEM Biofuture Platform and Dutch Ministry – Meeting on the “Sustainable Chemicals and Materials” workstream targeted at COP 30

03 June, Change Chemistry: European Policy WG 

Source

Renewable Carbon Initiative, original text, 2025-07-01.

Supplier

Aduro Clean Technologies, Inc.
Alcogroup
BASF Corporation (US)
Econic Technologies Ltd.
European Union
International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
Modern Meadow
Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI)
Science-Based Targets Initiative SBTi
TÜV AUSTRIA Group
VAUDE

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