{"id":165005,"date":"2025-07-01T07:35:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T05:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=165005"},"modified":"2025-07-02T12:15:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:15:17","slug":"monthly-news-from-the-renewable-carbon-initiative-rci-june-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/monthly-news-from-the-renewable-carbon-initiative-rci-june-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Monthly news from the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI), June 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

This month, RCI kicked off two new projects focusing on biodiversity and policy barriers. Alongside these, we\u2019re launching a new member-driven discussion format \u2013 the RCI Roundtable on 16 July with Econic Technologies. The widely anticipated \u2018OK renewable\u2019 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\u2019re pleased to welcome Alcogroup (BE), a leading European ethanol producer, as the newest member of RCI, further strengthening our network. We\u2019re also proud to highlight innovative member projects, like BASF and Vaude\u2019s climate-neutral bike backpack, alongside exclusive interviews showcasing breakthrough technologies from RCI members Aduro Clean Technologies and Modern Meadow. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The new large RCI project on \u201cExploring Sustainable Feedstock Sources and Biodiversity Protection\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another, albeit smaller new RCI project on \u201cPolicy barriers in existing legislation\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not an RCI member but aware of a specific issue caused by regulation? Do not hesitate to reach out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launch of New Format: RCI Roundtable to put member topics on the table<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first session on the \u201cdefinition of renewable carbon to support drive in chemicals\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OK renewable label \u2013 Explanatory slides now available<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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OK renewable label \u2013 Slides now available<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Launched in April 2025 by RCI, nova-Institut and T\u00dcV Austria, the ‘OK renewable’ label represents a fundamental component in advancing the defossilisation of the chemical industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At its core is the Renewable Carbon Share (RCS) measures the share of renewable carbon in a product (sourced from biomass, CO\u2082, or recycling) and excluding fossil carbon. The RCS is rated on a five-tier scale (20\u2013100%) and is based on measured renewable carbon content or verified substitution of fossil-based feedstocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download the full slide deck here: https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/publications\/product\/ok-renewable-label-pdf\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WG Sustainability RCI and the Science-based Targets initiative SBTi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publication of Position Paper on Sustainability Criteria for Biomass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RCI published a new position paper on sustainability criteria for biomass called \u201cThere is an urgent need for horizontal sustainability criteria for biomass in bio-based chemicals and derived materials \u2013 in the framework of future incentives\u201d on 30 June. The key messages of the position paper are that biomass is essential for Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s sustainable bio-based economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss the related article on the Renewable Carbon News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Member News: Bike backpack with net-zero product carbon footprint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our RCI members, BASF (DE) and Vaude (DE) are collaborating to accelerate the defossilisation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaude, leader in sustainable outdoor equipment, has launched its new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+  bike backpack which is the first product being made with BASF\u2019s Ultramid\u00ae ZeroPCF, a polyamide 6 with a net-zero product carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u00a9 VAUDE<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This breakthrough material is produced using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n