Harmonisation of bio-based certifications: TransBIB brings stakeholders to the table
How can certifications for bio-based products be made more efficient, transparent and compatible across sectors? With this key question in mind, we at TransBIB recently invited stakeholders to a dialogue. Together, we discussed how existing systems can be better harmonised and how bureaucratic hurdles can be removed - with the aim of making bio-based value chains more sustainable and marketable.
Initial situation: Cross-industry material flows require new solutions
The initial hypothesis was clear: bio-based raw materials and products are increasingly flowing across sector boundaries. This development makes it clear that rigid and sectoral certification systems are reaching their limits. What is needed is a comprehensive approach that takes equal account of residual materials, side streams and innovative materials and integrates both national and European sustainability requirements.
The need for standardised definitions and criteria was emphasised in the discussion. Inconsistent terminology, unclear reference values and different impact factors have so far made comparability and transparency along the supply chains difficult. Harmonisation could bring significant progress here - ideally by building on existing standards, not replacing them.
A common framework instead of a patchwork
A key outcome of the workshop was the broad approval of the idea of an overarching, standardised framework that links existing certification systems. The aim is to close interfaces between sectors and products and avoid duplicate certifications.
Chain-of-custody approaches came into focus: Where can a "lowest common denominator" be meaningfully defined and where do industry-specific features remain necessary? In particular, the digital product passport was mentioned as a possible basis for making certificates not only more transparent, but also more efficient and digitally available in the future.
Public sector as a driver for more market momentum
Another focus of the dialogue was on the role of public procurement. The public sector is seen as an important lever for sustainable innovation, but smaller municipalities in particular struggle with limited resources and complicated verification procedures. The participants agreed that harmonised and simplified certifications could make it easier for municipalities and public sector clients to access bio-based products - without additional bureaucracy.
Specifically, the integration of bio-based criteria in tendering standards and incentive systems through transparent points systems were discussed. Greater comparability could also lead to fairer market conditions and cost savings.
Challenges: Transparency deficits and lack of incentives
However, the workshop also highlighted the hurdles that harmonisation is currently facing. Gaps in knowledge along the supply chain, too many sometimes contradictory sustainability claims and a lack of financial incentives make broad implementation difficult. There are also structural obstacles such as competition between existing certificates and a lack of standards for new, innovative products.
Participants expressed particular concern about the increasing loss of trust on the part of consumers. The multitude of labels and unclear definitions are fuelling suspicions of greenwashing - a trend that urgently needs to be reversed.
Conclusion: Harmonisation as an opportunity for credibility and market success
The stakeholder dialogue has shown: The will to work together is there. Intelligent harmonisation has enormous potential to both strengthen the credibility of sustainability certificates and facilitate market access for bio-based products. TransBIB will continue this dialogue and invites all interested parties to play an active role in shaping the process.