Recently, nova-Institut GmbH announced its participation in two new Horizon Europe projects - STAR4BBS and BIORECER - both of which involve the development of new certification systems and labels for bio-based raw materials.
Following a successful kick-off meeting in Berlin in September 2022, the new HORIZON Europe research project STAR4BBS aims to significantly improve the Sustainability Certification System (SCS) and the B2B label. This initiative supports the shift to a sustainable, bio-based economy (bioeconomy). In addition to identifying suitable indicators, the project focuses on the development of novel biomass monitoring systems.
The latter should be able to assess the validity and robustness of the established international and EU SCS and B2B labels. The traceability system related to biological raw materials, bio-based materials and products should also be promoted in this way. The knowledge gained in this way is the basis for the urgent need to harmonize existing systems and could significantly improve the transparency of global and EU trade flows.
New monitoring system reveals biomass labels
Given the efforts of industry to successfully implement the sustainability goals set, the bioeconomy is establishing itself as an increasingly important pillar of renewable carbon sources that can accelerate the transition to a pollution-free economy.
In order to utilize this potential in the best possible way, the right support tools are needed. These help the industry and other players in the value chain to choose the best solutions to achieve their sustainability goals. This is especially important in light of the increasing pressure to act on a growing number of international and national regulations, initiatives and agreements in the field of sustainable biomass, bio-based materials and products.
SCS and labeling can provide valuable guidance in this regard. However, the past decade has seen a confusing situation with different certification systems and labels. While the popularity of certification programs and labels is generally considered positive, it has led to increased competition between different programs. This not only creates confusion among potential users in the value chain, but also increases their potential for "greenwashing". At the same time, the diversity of labels has raised questions about the validity and robustness of the current certification system.
The innovative monitoring system and associated indicators developed under STAR4BBS address these issues by providing evidence and recommendations
Practical testing of nova's Biomass Utilization Factor (BUF) in the BIORECER project
In the coming years, nova experts will also be involved in other EU projects involving certification systems, including the HORIZON Europe project BIORECER.
The project aims to assess the optimal environmental performance and traceability of biological raw materials in bio-based industries. BIORECER also studied the impact of current and established certification systems on consumers and players in the biobased industry, as well as the acceptance of new value chains for biological raw materials, their residues and waste.
The project will also test the applicability of the Biomass Utilization Factor (BUF), developed by the nova-Institute in several European research projects and finally published in July 2022.
This novel metric makes it possible to document the recyclability of biomass, taking into account the principle of gradient utilization and the efficiency of biomass utilization. The concept is used to calculate the frequency and efficiency of material retention use, starting with the initial use of biomass in the first product stage and continuing through to its use in possible further product stages.
