SUSTCERT4BIOBASED has generated significant achievements and a plethora of data, information, methods and tools that can drive further enhancement of the sustainability certification of biobased systems.
Together with sister projects, the BIOBASEDCERT cluster was formed. The cluster collaborated closes in a variety of activities, including the development and testing of the BIOBASEDCERT Monitoring Tool (BMT) and the preparation of policy briefs.
The highlights from the project are summarised as follows. Biological resources and biobased products were categorised under six industrial sectors (construction, woodworking, textiles, pulp and paper, chemicals and plastics). A multicriteria methodology was applied for ranking the identified 18 most representative biobased value chains. For a selection of these value chains, data was gathered on the global trade flows concerning EU production and trade volumes, as well as on the extent of their certification. Moreover, a collation of sustainability principles and criteria applicable to biological resources and biobased products was made by reviewing relevant EU legislation, standards and CSLs. Factsheets were prepared on 11 selected sustainability CSLs for industrial biobased systems. SUSTCERT4BIOBASED led the development of the content level of the BMT, consisting of the assessment of the requirements CSLs set out for operators seeking certification , while supporting the development of the system and outcome levels. The BMT was tested on 9 CSLs covering different feedstocks and sectors. Based on the testing, individual recommendations were provided to each CSL on opportunities for improvement in their standards. Furthermore, a new cost-benefit assessment (CBA) methodology was proposed, incorporating environmental and social externalities into the methodology to better understand the true feasibility of adopting sustainability certification. This methodology was used in assessing certification in three biobased value chains (sugarcane, cotton, wood). Finally, thematic briefs were prepared for the targeted stakeholders.
