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  • NewThumbnail - RCI's position paper: mass balance and attribution (mba) – update 2025

    RCI’s Position Paper: Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA) – Update 2025 (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy

    5 Pages
    91 Downloads

    2025-08

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    This position paper highlights the importance of mass balance and attribution “MBA” as one possible way to incentivise the transformation of the chemical sector away from fossil and on towards renewable carbon.

    The term “mass balance” has become established to describe systems in which biomass, CO2 and secondary materials are used as a feedstock, but is not or not fully physically traced to the end product. Using the MBA approach makes it possible to substitute large quantities of fossil raw materials and attractive renewable content shares can be attributed to desired materials or products for which demand on the market exists. Through this, chemistry can stepwise, but continuously, increase the shares of renewable carbon

    However, the term “mass balance” is somewhat unfortunate because it is too general, and does not mention the essence of the method: the free attribution of the bio-based, CO2-based or chemically recycled share in the feedstock mix to certain selected end products. Without this attribution, a pure mass balance makes no sense, and in practice, with several hundred products and intermediate products that have been certified accordingly, attribution is frequently carried out globally. The RCI recommends to only speak of “mass balance and attribution (MBA)” as this is transparent and honest, building trust from customers, end consumers and society in general. Both, mass balance and the free attribution are based on solid and established certifications.

    Besides terminology, there is still a need for regulatory harmonisation between the schemes of the existing certification systems. MBA cannot only be applied for bio-based feedstock, but also for CO/CO2 or feedstock from chemical recycling, both will gain strongly in importance in the coming years. Every MBA scheme should cover these three renewable feedstocks: biomass, CO/CO2 and recycling.

    This 2025 update now includes a brief overview and figure of MBA as defined at EU level, via the SUPD Implementing Decision on the recycling of a single-use plastics bottle- This establishes overall regulatory support for MBA in the EU as well as an applicable methodological framework for MBA in practice.

  • Newthe fossil fuel trap: why defossilising chemistry is essential – and feasible! (pdf)

    The fossil fuel trap: Why defossilising chemistry is essential – and feasible! (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Technology

    8 Pages
    140 Downloads

    2025-07

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    How can we escape the fossil fuel trap, our dependence on fossil fuels and the vulnerability that comes with it? In the long term, recycling, together with biogenic carbon and CO₂, can completely replace fossil carbon from crude oil or natural gas as a raw material for plastics production. This will enable the European Union to become independent of fossil carbon imports and increase its resilience and competitiveness. To achieve this, it is crucial to shape the transition phase in a politically astute and rapid manner so that the transformation of the chemical industry in Europe is successful – after all, Europe is the birthplace of modern chemistry. This is the only way to prevent the EU from remaining stuck in a fossil fuel trap while other regions successfully transform their economies.

  • Newdie fossile falle: warum die defossilisierung der chemie unverzichtbar – und machbar – ist! (pdf)

    Die fossile Falle: Warum die Defossilisierung der Chemie unverzichtbar – und machbar – ist! (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Technology

    8 Pages
    22 Downloads

    2025-07

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    Wie kommen wir raus aus der fossilen Falle, aus der fossilen Abhängigkeit und Verwundbarkeit? Langfristig kann Recycling zusammen mit biogenem Kohlenstoff und CO₂ den fossilen Kohlenstoff aus Erdöl oder Erdgas als Rohstoff für die Kunststoffproduktion komplett ersetzen. So kann die Europäische Union unabhängig von fossilen Kohlenstoffimporten werden und ihre Widerstandsfähigkeit und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit steigern. Dafür ist es entscheidend, die Übergangsphase politisch klug und rasch zu

    gestalten, damit die Transformation der Chemieindustrie in Europa gelingt – schließlich ist Europa die Ursprungsregion der modernen Chemie. Nur so kann vermieden werden, dass die EU in der fossilen Sackgasse stecken bleibt, während anderen Regionen die Transformation gelingt.

  • rci’s position paper: sustainability criteria for biomass

    RCI’s Position Paper: Sustainability Criteria for Biomass (PDF)

    Policy

    8 Pages
    229 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.

  • 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
    473 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.

     

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    CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2025 (Proceedings, PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    2025-05

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    The 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″.

  • 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
    85 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
    246 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
    254 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.

  • renewable energy and defossilisation (png)

    Renewable Energy and Defossilisation (PNG)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    1 Page
    26 Downloads

    2025-04

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  • trackling the european implementation gap for renewable carbon solutions (png)

    Trackling the European Implementation Gap for Renewable Carbon Solutions (PNG)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    1 Page
    28 Downloads

    2025-04

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

    RCI Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    70 Pages
    834 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

     

     

  • overview of rcis policy proposals (png)

    Overview of RCIs Policy Proposals (PNG)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    1 Page
    33 Downloads

    2025-04

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    info    biomassepotenziale rheinisches revier (pdf)

    Biomassepotenziale Rheinisches Revier (PDF)

    Policy, Sustainability & Health

    2025-04

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    More
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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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    Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 (Proceedings, PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health, Technology

    2025-03

    150 € ex. tax

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    The 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.

  • 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 (March 2025) (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    145 Pages
    803 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 (March 2025) (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    37 Pages
    553 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 (March 2025) (PDF)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    15 Pages
    722 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

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

    Core Elements of LCA for Renewable Carbon Solutions (PNG)

    Policy, Sustainability & Health

    1 Page
    102 Downloads

    2025-03

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    Several 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-Polymer-Production-and-Bio-based-shares-2024 (PNG)

    Markets & Economy, Policy, Sustainability & Health

    1 Page
    108 Downloads

    2025-02

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