Showing 21–40 of 390

  • rci’s position paper: sustainability criteria for biomass

    Sustainability Criteria for Biomass: There is an urgent need for horizontal sustainability criteria for biomass in bio-based chemicals and derived materials in the framework of future incentives – RCI Position Paper (June 2025)

    Policy

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    332 Downloads

    2025-06

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    There is an urgent need for horizontal sustainability criteria for biomass in bio-based chemicals and derived materials – in the framework of future incentives.

    The Renewable Carbon Initiative’s position paper on sustainability criteria for biomass emphasises that biomass is essential for Europe’s net-zero transition by replacing fossil resources in chemicals and materials.

    The EU must establish clear, aligned sustainability criteria 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.

  • summary of rci scientific background report "rci policy proposals for facilitating the transition to renewable carbon" (pdf) (copy)

    3-CO Social Innovation Brochure: Social Innovation – Solutions Contributing to Responsible Production and Consumption in the Bioeconomy and Beyond

    Sustainability & Health

    64 Pages
    413 Downloads

    2025-06

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    This brochure by the EU-funded 3-CO project includes 17 carefully sected social innovations from various countries and sectors. These aim to introduce different approaches with the potential to change society at large but also inspire replication. They further identify hurdles in realising social innovation and introduce opportunities for upscaling and transfer. Derived policy recommendations complete the publication.

     

    DOI No.: 10.5281/zenodo.15601644

  • summary of rci scientific background report "rci policy proposals for facilitating the transition to renewable carbon" (pdf)

    Summary of RCI Scientific Background Report “RCI Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon” (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Sustainability & Health

    3 Pages
    406 Downloads

    2025-06

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    How to defossilise the chemical industry – policy proposals

    This is a summary of the RCI Scientific Background Report “RCI Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon” published by the Renewable Carbon Plastics | bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/25] Vol. 20.

  • ok renewable label (pdf)

    OK renewable Label (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Sustainability & Health

    8 Pages
    541 Downloads

    2025-06

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    This short document explains the OK renewable label, developed by RCI, nova and TÜV Austria and launched on 1 April 2025. The OK renewable label provides a clear, trustworthy way to identify products whose carbon content is derived from non‑fossil sources.

    The Renewable Carbon Share (RCS) metric quantifies the proportion of a product’s renewable carbon that originates from the biosphere, atmosphere or technosphere but not the geosphere on a five‑tier scale from 20% to 100 %. Products earn an RCS classification based either on their actual renewable carbon content or through documented substitution of fossil‑based feedstock with renewable alternatives.

  • joint webinar hosted by bio based industries consortium (bic) and the renewable carbon initiative (rci) (february 2025) (pdf)

    Joint Webinar hosted by Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) (May 2025) (PDF)

    Policy, Sustainability & Health

    51 Pages
    787 Downloads

    2025-05

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    The webinar was presented by Michael Carus (nova-Institute, RCI), supported by Christopher vom Berg (RCI), Dirk Carrez (BIC), and Marco Rupp (BIC). It was based on a Scientific Background Report “Is there enough biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050?” commissioned by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI).

    It explored whether agricultural and woody biomass could sustainably meet 20% of the carbon demand for the chemical and derived materials sectors by 2050. Using models like CAPRI (for agriculture) and TiMBA (for forestry), the study examined different scenarios, balancing food, feed, and biofuel priorities. Results showed that with moderate technological advancements, this 20% target is achievable without compromising sustainability or biodiversity. Stronger high-tech scenarios could even provide up to 40%, though existing biofuel policies may limit this. Overall, the study concluded that biomass could play a key role in defossilising the chemical sector, given the right innovations and policy frameworks.

     

  • summary of bic/rci report food and feed supply not at risk – biomass can meet 20 % of carbon demand in the chemicals sector by 2050 without compromising food and feed supply (pdf)

    Summary of BIC/RCI Report – Food and feed supply not at risk (PDF)

    Sustainability & Health

    3 Pages
    434 Downloads

    2025-05

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    Biomass can meet 20 % of carbon demand in the chemicals sector by 2050 without compromising food and feed supply.

    This is a summary of the RCI/BIC study “Is There Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050?” published by the Renewable Carbon Plastics | bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/25] Vol. 20.

  • summary of bic/rci report food and feed supply not at risk – biomass can meet 20 % of carbon demand in the chemicals sector by 2050 without compromising food and feed supply (pdf) (copy)

    Summary of RCI Scientific Background Report “Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodoloies for Renewable Carbon Sources” (PDF)

    Sustainability & Health

    3 Pages
    564 Downloads

    2025-05

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    How leading LCA standards address renewable carbon: An RCI study

    This is a summary of the RCI Scientific Background Report “Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources” published by the Renewable Carbon Plastics | bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/25] Vol. 20.

  • rci webinar: lca approaches and methodologies for renewable carbon (pdf)

    RCI Webinar: LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon (PDF)

    Sustainability & Health

    54 Pages
    693 Downloads

    2025-05

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    This webinar presentation is based on the key findings of the RCI Scientific Background Report “Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources” and was held on 7 May 2025 by Ferdinand Kähler (nova-Institute). The session examined how major LCA and carbon footprint standards address renewable carbon sources.

    Topics covered include:

    • Comparison of ISO standards (14040, 14044, 14067), PEF, TfS, Pact Pathfinder, GHG Protocol, and EPDs
    • Areas of consistency, such as biogenic carbon and recycling approaches
    • Key divergences, including allocation methods and co-product substitution credits

    This deck is a useful reference for sustainability teams, LCA practitioners and anyone working with carbon accounting and renewable materials.

  • background document to rci/bic report „is there enough biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050?" (pdf)

    Background Document to RCI/BIC Report „Measuring the Use of Biogenic Feedstocks in the Global and EU Chemical Industry in 2023″ (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy

    16 Pages
    122 Downloads

    2025-05

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    This background document is a supplement to the main publication: “Is there Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050? – A Joint BIC and RCI Scientific Background Report“.

    The report provides a comprehensive assessment of biogenic feedstock usage in the global and EU chemical industries for 2023, detailing sources like starch, sugar, vegetable oils, animal fats and more.

    Globally, the chemical industry used 7.3 million tonnes of starch and 4.0 million tonnes of sugar for bioethanol-derived chemicals, while the EU used 480,000 and 150,000 tonnes respectively. Vegetable oils accounted for the highest single feedstock usage globally at 17.6 million tonnes, and 1.6 million tonnes in the EU. Other significant feedstocks include glycerol (3.4 million tonnes globally, 490,000 tonnes in the EU) and natural rubber (14 million tonnes globally, 1.1 million tonnes in the EU).

    The data aims to establish a baseline for future biomass modeling and highlights discrepancies and assumptions due to data gaps.

  • a deep dive into the agriculture sector – „is there enough biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050?“ (pdf)

    A Deep Dive into the Agriculture sector – „Is There Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050?“ (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    41 Pages
    584 Downloads

    2025-05

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    This presentation is a supplement to the main publication: “Is there Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050? – A Joint BIC and RCI Scientific Background Report“ and provides deeper insights into the agriculture sector.

    The presentation analyses the potential of sustainable agricultural biomass to meet future carbon demand in the global and EU chemical industries by 2050.

    It uses the CAPRI model to simulate various land-use and technological scenarios, finding that only the Green High Tech (HT) scenarios can meet the projected biomass needs while fulfilling food, feed, and fuel demands. Key feedstocks include starch, sugar, and oil crops, with starch having the most significant expansion potential. Residues and biowaste play a limited but important role, especially when supplemented by advanced technologies and logistical improvements. External factors such as reduced meat consumption, Ukraine’s potential EU accession and innovations like agro-photovoltaics and urban farming also influence biomass availability.

  • a deep dive into the forestry sector – „is there enough biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050?" (pdf)

    A Deep Dive into the Forestry sector – „Is There Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050?” (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    46 Pages
    559 Downloads

    2025-05

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    This presentation is a supplement to the main publication: “Is there Enough Biomass to Defossilise the Chemicals and Derived Materials Sector by 2050? – A Joint BIC and RCI Scientific Background Report“ and provides deeper insights into the forestry sector.

    The TiMBA model evaluates the global forest products market under three scenarios—Business-as-Usual (BAU), Green Low Resource Depletion (LRD), and Green High Tech (HT)—to project wood production, trade, and forest development from 2020 to 2050. Under all scenarios, global forest area increases, especially in Asia, with the LRD and HT scenarios showing stronger forest protection due to deforestation bans and improved forest management. Industrial roundwood production rises by 38% globally by 2050, with Asia leading the growth, and highest demand seen in the LRD scenario, particularly for new applications like dissolving pulp and cellulose derivatives. Despite increased production, forest stocks remain stable or improve slightly due to technological efficiency, increased recycling, and reduced raw material inputs. However, competition for wood residues among biorefineries, pellet production, and sustainable aviation fuels poses challenges to meeting future biomass demand sustainably.

  • policy proposals for facilitating the transition to renewable carbon (pdf)

    Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon – RCI Report (April 2025)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    70 Pages
    1318 Downloads

    2025-04

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    The report outlines a strategic roadmap for transforming Europe’s chemical industry by transitioning from fossil-based to renewable carbon sources. It highlights the industry’s current crisis which is driven by global competition, high energy costs, and regulatory pressure, and stresses the urgency of reducing dependence on fossil feedstocks. The report aruges that the transition to renewable carbon is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about securing Europe’s industrial future and maintaining its global competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. By pioneering renewable carbon technologies, the EU can unlock economic benefits and unleash its innovation potential while advancing climate neutrality ambitions.

    The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) proposes ten comprehensive policy measures including mandatory renewable carbon targets, adaptation of emissions trading systems, and financial support mechanisms. These proposals aim to create market demand, drive innovation and build industrial resilience. Key enablers include harmonised standards, robust certification, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement.

    DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/DZRU4577

     

     

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    info    biomassepotenziale rheinisches revier (pdf)

    Biomassepotenziale Rheinisches Revier (PDF)

    Policy, Sustainability & Health

    2025-04

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    Das Rheinische Revier soll im Zuge des Kohleausstiegs zu einer „Modellregion Bioökonomie“ entwickelt werden. Der dadurch steigende Biomassebedarf könnte negative Auswertungen haben und muss daher gründlich untersucht werden. Aus diesem Grund hat das LANUV mit Unterstützung des nova-Instituts im Zeitraum vom 01.03.2023 bis 28.02.2025 das Projekt „Biomassepotenziale Rheinisches Revier“ durchgeführt. Ziel des Projekts war es, Grundlagen und Instrumente zu schaffen, um zu einer nachhaltigen Nutzung von Biomasse aus der Land- und Ernährungswirtschaft in der Region beizutragen.

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    licence    bio based building blocks and polymers – global capacities, production and trends 2024–2029 (pdf)

    Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2024–2029 (PDF)

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    Markets & Economy

    434 Pages

    2025-03

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    2024 was a respectable year for bio-based polymers, with an overall expected CAGR of 13 % to 2029. Overall, bio-based biodegradable polymers have large installed capacities with an expected CAGR of 17 % to 2029, but the current average capacity utilisation is moderate at 65 %. In contrast, bio-based non-biodegradable polymers have a much higher utilisation rate of 90 %, but will only grow by 10 % to 2029.

    Epoxy resin and PUR production is growing moderately at 9 and 8 %, respectively, while PP and cyclic APC capacities are increasing by 30 %. Despite a decline in production of biodegradables, especially for PLA in Asia, capacities have increased by 40 %. The same applies to PHA capacities. Commercial newcomers such as casein polymers and PEF recorded a rise in production capacity and are expected to continue to grow significantly until 2029.

    DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/UMTR4695

  • (pdf)

    Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2024–2029 – Short Version (PDF)

    Markets & Economy

    28 Pages
    1616 Downloads

    2025-03

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    2024 was a respectable year for bio-based polymers, with an overall expected CAGR of 13 % to 2029. Overall, bio-based biodegradable polymers have large installed capacities with an expected CAGR of 17 % to 2029, but the current average capacity utilisation is moderate at 65 %. In contrast, bio-based non-biodegradable polymers have a much higher utilisation rate of 90 %, but will only grow by 10 % to 2029.

    Epoxy resin and PUR production is growing moderately at 9 and 8 %, respectively, while PP and cyclic APC capacities are increasing by 30 %. Despite a decline in production of biodegradables, especially for PLA in Asia, capacities have increased by 40 %. The same applies to PHA capacities. Commercial newcomers such as casein polymers and PEF recorded a rise in production capacity and are expected to continue to grow significantly until 2029.

  • evaluating lca approaches and methodologies for renewable carbon sources report 1 of 3 – renewable carbon in lca guidelines (march 2025) (pdf)

    Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 1 of 3: Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines – RCI Report (March 2025)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    145 Pages
    1238 Downloads

    2025-03

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    Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines (146 pages) evaluates methodological choices which impact LCAs for products containing renewable carbon in existing LCA frameworks and guidelines. The study specifically examines the similarities and differences in the methodological choices of guidelines, as well as the implications of these methodological aspects on the resulting LCA outcomes.The frameworks were selected based on their relevance and legitimacy in the industry, academia and policy field, and include: ISO 14040/44, ISO 14067, GHG Protocol Product Standard, PACT’s Pathfinder Framework, the PCF Guideline for the chemical industry by Together for Sustainability (TfS), EPD for the construction industry – ISO 14025 and EN 15804, the Renewable Energy Directive, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the JRC’s plastics LCA methodology. One field with a particularly large methodological freedom is recycling.

    This report is the first report of a larger RCI project on LCA methodology, which includes two additional publications:

    Report 2 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in Recycling Situations
    Report 3 of 3 – Non-technical Summary

    Please find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.

     

    DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/VCYM7822

  • evaluating lca approaches and methodologies for renewable carbon sources report 2 of 3 – renewable carbon in recycling situations (march 2025) (pdf)

    Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 2 of 3: Renewable Carbon in Recycling Situations – RCI Report (March 2025)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    37 Pages
    894 Downloads

    2025-03

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    This report focuses on renewable carbon in recycling scenarios and the key challenges in LCA and carbon footprint assessments. It examines system boundaries, allocation methods, and biogenic carbon accounting approaches, highlighting their influence on sustainability evaluations. The report emphasises the cut-off and avoided-burden approaches for recycling while recommending the -1/+1 method for biogenic carbon transparency. However, it also identifies contradictions between LCA results and broader sustainability goals, such as the EU waste hierarchy, which prioritises recycling. To address these inconsistencies, the report suggests integrating LCA with additional sustainability metrics like land use and recyclability. Ultimately, refining these methodologies will enhance the accuracy and reliability of environmental assessments for bio-based and recycled materials.

    This report is the second report of a larger RCI project on LCA methodology, which includes two additional publications:

    Report 1 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines
    Report 3 of 3 – Non-technical Summary

    Please find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.

     

    DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/QTVU8642

  • evaluating lca approaches and methodologies for renewable carbon sources report 3 of 3 – non technical summary (march 2025)

    Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 3 of 3: Non-technical Summary – RCI Report (March 2025)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    15 Pages
    1067 Downloads

    2025-03

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    This Non-technical Summary (15 pages),highlights main insights into the project results and states key take-aways for policy-makers.

    It compares several frameworks, such as ISO 14040, Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and GHG Protocol, finding both commonalities and critical differences in areas like biogenic carbon accounting and recycling assessment. The study identifies significant methodological flexibility in existing frameworks, leading to inconsistencies in LCA results and challenges in standardisation. Key issues include differing treatment of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), direct air capture (DAC), and allocation of environmental burdens in multifunctional processes. Policy recommendations emphasise the need for harmonisation, improved biogenic carbon accounting, and clear guidance on emerging technologies like DAC and mass balance attribution. Overall, the study calls for refining LCA methodologies to ensure fair comparison between renewable and fossil-based carbon solutions.

    This report is the third report of a larger RCI project on LCA methodology, which includes two additional publications:

    Report 1 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines
    Report 2 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in Recycling Situations

    Please find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.

    DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/ZEKY1803

  • bio based polymers worldwide (pdf)

    Bio-based Polymers Worldwide (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    5 Pages
    884 Downloads

    2025-02

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    Expert insight into capacity developments, investments and new policy frameworks:
    • Firstly, global capacity for bio-based polymers will grow strongly over the next five years, much faster than for fossil-based polymers
    • Secondly, investments in new capacity will take place in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US
    • Thirdly, investment in bio-based polymer capacities is mainly driven by policy frameworks that create demand.
  • sustainable textiles the way forward (pdf)

    Sustainable textiles – the way forward (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Sustainability & Health

    6 Pages
    621 Downloads

    2025-02

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    High reliance on fossil carbon, associated high carbon footprint, low recycling rates and microplastics:
    Several solutions are emerging. The article analyses the evolution of the textile industry from 1960 to today, fossil and bio-based as well as recycling.
    The future of sustainable textiles
    The sustainable textile industry of the future will be built on a foundation of cotton fibres and fast-growing cellulose fibres, later strongly supported by bio- and CO2-based synthetic fibres (“biosynthetics”) and high recycling rates for all types of fibres. This combination can eventually replace most fossil-based synthetic fibres by 2050.