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

Welcome to the March edition of RCI’s monthly news! This month, RCI highlights its next large publication – a methodological study on LCA approaches for renewable carbon sources. This study is expected to make a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions on sustainability assessment of renewable carbon. Moreover, RCI was in Brussels, participating in a conference, a webinar, and meetings with various DGs. Finally, RCI is pleased to announce the relaunch of the RCI website, and to welcome new members Primient Covation (US) and Vioneo (CH), as well as a new partner Change Chemistry (US).

01) Publication of 3-part study: Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources

On 12 March 2025, RCI published a comprehensive 3-part study analysing how major LCA and carbon footprint standards address renewable-carbon-based products.

The studies offer critical insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and LCA practitioners. These reports analyse key methodological choices that impact the LCA of products containing renewable carbon within existing frameworks and guidelines. 

Report 1: Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources – Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines (146 pages), meticulously evaluates these methodological nuances across several established standards such as ISO 14040/44, the GHG Protocol Product Standard and others, highlighting both areas of similarities and differences.

In Report 2: Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources – Renewable Carbon in Recycling Situations (36 pages), we specifically address the complexities of renewable carbon in recycling contexts, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for LCA and carbon footprint studies in these scenarios. 

Report 3: Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources – Non-technical Summary (15 pages) provides a concise, non-technical summary of 15 pages, summarising the key findings and actionable insights to inform policy makers.

The publication was supported by a press release, a portal article and a LinkedIn post. In addition, the reports were shared directly with our broader network of policy contacts.

Find all three reports at our publication platform

2) RCI Ambassador Activities

18 March 2025, Euractiv webinar in Brussels: RCI joined a Euractiv webinar on “Renewable Carbon and the Circular Economy,” discussing wood-based value chains, policy needs and the recent BIC/RCI biomass availability study.  

20/21 March 2025, Separate meetings with representatives of DG RTD, GROW and ENV: RCI met with representatives from DG RTD, DG GROW, and DG ENV to present recent publications and discuss the Bioeconomy Strategy update and regulatory opportunities for renewable carbon. Additionally, RCI contributed to a DG GROW expert group meeting on forest-based industries.  

21 April 2025, Argus Agriculture and Feedstocks Conference: RCI participated in the Argus Agriculture and Feedstocks Conference, joining a panel with RCI member Braskem to explore bio-based chemicals and bioplastics as opportunities for agricultural diversification.

3) RCI Website Relaunch

RCI has launched a redesigned website. The site is more organised, making it easier for visitors to quickly understand RCI’s purpose, vision, and the definition of renewable carbon. It clearly communicates RCI’s founding reasons and its ambitious goal to replace fossil carbon by 2050. The improved tab structure enhances navigation, allowing users to efficiently access specific content categories. The new design offers a more professional and visually appealing experience.

Explore the website here: renewable-carbon-initiative.com. 

4) New RCI Members

In March, we would like to welcome two new RCI members: 

Vioneo (CH) is a start-up focused on driving transformation in the plastics industry. Vioneo offers a breakthrough – fossil-free, traceable, and certified plastics produced at scale. Vioneo is pioneering the production of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) from green methanol. This innovative approach delivers high-performance, fossil-free polymers that integrate seamlessly into existing production processes without compromising on quality or safety. Find out more: https://renewable-carbon-initiative.com/network/vioneo/

Primient Covation (US) is a leader in producing sustainable, plant-based ingredients, focusing on high-performance solutions derived from corn. They offer products like Susterra® and Zemea® –100% plant-based, petroleum-free diols used across various industries including cosmetics, food, industrial fluids, and polymers, helping companies reduce carbon footprints. Find out more: https://renewable-carbon-initiative.com/network/primient-covation/

5) New partner

In March, we would also like to welcome a new parter: 

Change Chemistry (US) is a unique global coalition of chemical producers, brand owners, retailers and innovative start-up companies working in collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profits to catalyse the transition of global manufacturing value chains to safe and sustainable chemistry. Find out more: https://renewable-carbon-initiative.com/network/

6) RCI Partner Events:

CO₂-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference (CCU) 2025 – 29-30 April 2025, Cologne

The CO₂-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference has successfully established itself as an international and unique meeting and networking ground for the entire Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and Power-to-X industry and its customers. 

The upcoming 13th edition expects over 250 leading international experts in the field of CCU, green hydrogen production and Power-to-X. Once more the event will showcase the latest innovations and most important developments in the fast-growing field of Carbon Capture and Utilisation with plenty of opportunities to network.

Find out more: https://co2-chemistry.eu

Cellulose Fibres Conference (CFC) 2025 – 12-13 March, Cologne

The unique conference focused on cellulose fibres – in textiles, hygiene products and packaging. 198 participants from 22 countries joined the past conference in Cologne, Germany. 

Sponsored by GIG Karasek GmbH, the Cellulose Fibre Innovation of the Year award highlighted exceptional achievements in sustainable fibre solutions. Taking first place, SA-Dynamics was recognised for their groundbreaking advancements in cellulose fibre technology. In second place, Releaf Paper impressed with their unique approach of converting fallen leaves into eco-friendly cellulose fibres, offering a renewable alternative to conventional materials. Uluu secured third place for their pioneering development of seaweed-based materials, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees for driving progress in the cellulose fibre sector.    

Find out more here: https://renewable-carbon.eu/news/cellulose-fibres-conference-2025-celebrating-innovation-and-dynamic-development-in-the-sustainable-fibres-market/

Source

Renewable Carbon Initiative, original text, 2025-03-28.

Supplier

Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC)
Braskem
Change Chemistry (US)
DG GROW - European Cluster Collaboration Platform
Euractiv
Primient Covation LLC
Releaf Paper
Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI)
SA-Dynamics
Uluu (AU)
Vioneo

Share