Showing 1–20 of 225
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RCI’s 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”
NewPolicy
8 Pages
87 Downloads87 Downloads
2025-06
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DownloadsThe 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.
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Joint Webinar hosted by Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) (May 2025) (PDF)
Policy, Sustainability & Health
51 Pages
385 Downloads385 Downloads
2025-05
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DownloadsThe 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.
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CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2025 (Proceedings, PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
2025-05
150 € ex. tax
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cartThe proceedings of the CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2025 (29-30 April 2025, https://co2-chemistry.eu) contain all released presentations, the conference journal, and the press release of the three winners of the Innovation Award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2025″.
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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
65 Downloads65 Downloads
2025-05
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DownloadsThis 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.
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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
150 Downloads150 Downloads
2025-05
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DownloadsThis 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.
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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
154 Downloads154 Downloads
2025-05
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DownloadsThis 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.
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RCI Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
70 Pages
675 Downloads675 Downloads
2025-04
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DownloadsThe 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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Overview of RCIs Policy Proposals (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
1 Page
27 Downloads27 Downloads
2025-04
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Renewable Energy and Defossilisation (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
1 Page
21 Downloads21 Downloads
2025-04
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Trackling the European Implementation Gap for Renewable Carbon Solutions (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
1 Page
25 Downloads25 Downloads
2025-04
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2025-04
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infoDas 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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Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 (Proceedings, PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology
2025-03
150 € ex. tax
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cartThe Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 – New with Biosynthetics! (https://cellulose-fibres.eu, 12-13 March 2025, Cologne, hybrid) covered the entire value chain of the sustainable textile industry, from lignocellulose, pulp, cellulose fibres such as rayon, viscose, modal or lyocell and new developments to a wide range of applications:
Textiles from renewable fibres, non-wovens such as wet wipes, as well as areas such as composites, hygiene, packaging or nano cellulose in the food industry. This year, for the first time, the conference included a dedicated session on biosynthetics – a promising area to complement the alternative for bio-based textiles. Deep insights have been offered into the future of cellulose fibres, which fits perfectly with the current shift towards circular economy, recycling and sustainable carbon cycles.The Cellulose Fibres Conference Proceedings include all released conference presentations, the conference journal, sponsor documents and the conference press release.
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Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 1 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in LCA Guidelines (March 2025) (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
145 Pages
691 Downloads691 Downloads
2025-03
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DownloadsRenewable 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 SummaryPlease find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/VCYM7822
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Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 2 of 3 – Renewable Carbon in Recycling Situations (March 2025) (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
37 Pages
467 Downloads467 Downloads
2025-03
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DownloadsThis 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 SummaryPlease find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/QTVU8642
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Evaluating LCA Approaches and Methodologies for Renewable Carbon Sources Report 3 of 3 – Non-technical Summary (March 2025) (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
15 Pages
627 Downloads627 Downloads
2025-03
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DownloadsThis 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 SituationsPlease find these additional reports by following the respective links at the bottom of this page.
DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.52548/ZEKY1803
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Core Elements of LCA for Renewable Carbon Solutions (PNG)
Policy, Sustainability & Health
1 Page
89 Downloads89 Downloads
2025-03
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DownloadsSeveral methodological aspects are relevant for LCA and carbon footprints in general and for products containing renewable carbon in particular.
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Bio-based Polymers Worldwide (PDF)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
5 Pages
564 Downloads564 Downloads
2025-02
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DownloadsExpert 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.
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Bio-based-Polymer-Production-and-Bio-based-shares-2024 (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
1 Page
98 Downloads98 Downloads
2025-02
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98
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Global-Production-Capacities-of-Bio-based-Polymers-per-Region-2024 (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
1 Page
30 Downloads30 Downloads
2025-02
FREE
30
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Supply and Demand of Agricultural Biomass in the EU 2050 in HT +5 Scenario – Graphic (PNG)
Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health
1 Page
22 Downloads22 Downloads
2025-02
FREE
22
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