New approach to upstream verification of waste materials released

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a voluntary sustainability scheme approved by the European Union, has introduced a new report regarding upstream verification for waste materials.

The RBS, which covers all types of feedstock and all biomaterial products, outlines its new approach to certifying biofuels from waste materials.

‘While the new RSB approach to upstream verification of waste materials is designed to be rigorous, it still has an element of flexibility in its implementation to allow waste material originating from a range of producers to be eligible,’ says Peter Ryus, RSB Services CEO.

An excerpt from the report states: ‘Biofuels produced from waste count double towards European member states’ targets for use of renewable transport fuel. However, it is important that only genuine waste materials enter the supply chain. The upstream verification also needs to be economically feasible or waste materials will be diverted to other sectors with no certification requirements, and virgin oils may take their place for biofuel production.’

The report also details how biofuel producers that operate with a fixed supply chain can include their upstream collectors and aggregators within their scope of RSB certification.

The UK’s new traceability requirements for double counting material upstream to the point of origin, aimed to counteract potential fraudulent labelling of unsustainable virgin material as waste or residue, is also highlighted.

RSB expects however, as other member state requirements are examined, further changes may be incorporated.