{"id":172815,"date":"2026-02-03T07:32:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T06:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=172815"},"modified":"2026-02-04T09:11:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:11:48","slug":"monthly-news-from-the-renewable-carbon-initiative-rci-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/monthly-news-from-the-renewable-carbon-initiative-rci-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Monthly News from the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI), January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

RCI started the year 2026 with a series of important publications \u2013 an extended LCA Case Studies Brochure and a new report on policy barriers for renewable carbon uptake. At the same time, RCI strengthened its role in the EU Commission\u2019s Critical Chemicals Alliance. The newsletter also covers ongoing work in WG Sustainability and WG Policy, including engagement with SBTi, environmental footprinting, and quotas. Finally, we report on recent and upcoming RCI Roundtables, including BASF on competitiveness and green transformation and the forthcoming Molecule Group discussion on end-of-life treatment for sustainable chemicals and materials.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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

Publication of second, extended version of LCA Case Studies Brochure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On 22 January, the RCI published the second, extended version of the LCA case studies report. This report broadens the scope of the brochure \u201cCase studies based on peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessments \u2013 Carbon Footprints of Different Carbon-Based Chemicals and Materials\u201d<\/a>, published in November 2023. The initial brochure presented five peer-reviewed studies that drew strong interest from experts, policymakers, and industry leaders for their insights into the carbon footprints of various carbon-based chemicals and materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This second, extended version includes seven peer-reviewed LCAs from participating member companies: Braskem, Econic, Fibenol, LanzaTech, Lenzing (update), Peter Greven and Primient Covation. It summarises these existing, high-standard LCAs on the market that show renewable-carbon based chemicals and materials with reduced carbon footprints (compared to fossil alternatives). Its main intention is to provide a convincing document highlighting that use of renewable carbon is beneficial for the climate, already today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These expanded contributions will deepen understanding of carbon footprints and further support RCI\u2019s commitment to data-driven sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to take a closer look at the publication, take a look at our press release<\/a> or download the full report at https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/publications\/product\/case-studies-based-on-peer-reviewed-life-cycle-assessments-carbon-footprints-of-different-renewable-carbon-based-chemicals-and-materials-2nd-extended-version-rci-report-pdf\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publication of Policy Barriers for Renewable Carbon Uptake<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\u00a9 RCI<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Just two weeks later, on 3 February, the RCI published another report with the title \u201cPolicy Barriers for Renewable Carbon Uptake\u201d. Based on internal assessment of RCI member companies and joint analysis, this report reveals existing EU legislation which creates several roadblocks for the shift from fossil to renewable carbon. The report identifies ten concrete policy barriers across seven EU frameworks, including the ETS, REDIII, PPWR and SUPD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings show regulatory misalignment (creating non-level playing fields and regulatory uncertainty), outdated definitions and misleading classifications (excluding innovative, climate-friendly products from incentives and market access) and impractical administrative bureaucracy (often conflicting with industrial realities). The biggest barrier is not identified in a single regulation, but identified as the lack of coherent support for renewable carbon in the chemicals and derived materials economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report provides practical suggestions to amend and fine-tune regulations in upcoming legislative revisions. It complements RCI\u2019s Policy Proposals report<\/a> published in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support outreach of the report, we have released a press release (LINK). The full report can be downloaded here: https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/publications\/product\/policy-barriers-for-renewable-carbon-uptake-rci-report-pdf\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Critical Chemicals Alliance \u2013 Application to Working Groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RCI is a member of the <\/a>European Commission\u2019s Critical Chemicals Alliance (CCA)<\/a> since December 2025 and has successfully applied to support the work of two Working Groups. Going forward, RCI will be intensively involved in discussions of<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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