What does the RSB Standard cover?

RSB’s Standard is uniquely positioned to cover any bio-based feedstock, biomass-derived material and any advanced fuel and product, as well as complete supply-chains and novel technologies. Composed of a variety of different standards, the RSB Standard has been designed and continuously developed to support certification in all circumstances, anywhere in the world.

For fuel producers, RSB offers RSB Global and RSB EU RED.

• RSB EU RED Standard is recommended for any producers in the EU or producers outside the EU who will be selling into the region.
• RSB Global Standard is recommended for producers who operate and sell in other regions.
  For non-fuel biomaterials producers, RSB offers the RSB Advanced Product Standard.

For groups of smallholders, RSB offers a Smallholder Standard to assist smaller farmers in accessing RSB Certification.

For producers wishing to demonstrate low indirect land use change, RSB’s low Indirect Land Use Change (iLUC) Standard is a voluntary addition. This module is applied where operators want to highlight that that their activities are at minimal risk of causing indirect impacts – such a deforestation or increased food prices – through their activities.

For groups of smallholders, RSB offers a Smallholder Standard to assist smaller farmers in accessing RSB Certification.

For producers wishing to demonstrate low indirect land use change, RSB’s low Indirect Land Use Change (iLUC) Standard is a voluntary addition. This module is applied where operators want to highlight that that their activities are at minimal risk of causing indirect impacts – such a deforestation or increased food prices – through their activities.

Learn more on our Working With The RSB Standard page.

How was the RSB Standard developed?

The RSB’s Standard has been developed in partnership with stakeholders from across sectors, regions, supply chains, governments and NGOs in order to ensure that is as representative as possible and that it covers all major sustainability issues in the biomaterials supply chain.

How are updates to the RSB Standard made?

As new technologies, legislation, research and sustainability issues emerge, we work with our members and stakeholders to develop and adapt our Standard to ensure its continuing relevance.

The RSB is a full member of the ISEAL alliance and has a formal process for how the RSB Standard is developed, adapted and reviewed by its members. All major modifications require a formal consultation, in line with the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice, and approval by RSB members.

You can view ongoing developments, learn how to take part in consultations and see our Standard Development workplan here.

Why is RSB's Standard the best-in-clas for biomaterials sustainability?

Our Standard is based upon our 12 Principles & Criteria, which are built on the best of social, legal, environmental and management practice.

These provide the foundation for sustainable production against our Standard, which:

Is global and applicable to all bio-based feedstocks and waste & residue material
Covers any bio-based feedstock, biomass-derived material and any advanced fuel, as well as complete supply-chains and novel technologies
Is regularly updated to reflect best practice and developments in the bioeconomy
Is supported by expertly developed guidance tools for maximum efficiency in the applying the standard
Is recognised the strongest and most trusted of its kind by organisations like WWF, NRDC and IUCN
Is widely recognised by regulatory authorities in Europe, the US and elsewhere, allowing RSB certified products swift approvals and preferential market access
Is a full member of ISEAL and complies with all of ISEAL’s rigorous and internationally recognised codes for sustainability standards.

How do RSB's principles work in practice?

Our Standard is based upon our 12 Principles & Criteria, which are built on the best of social, legal, environmental and management practice. Each of the 12 Principles is backed up by criteria, requirements and indicators. The criteria list the necessary conditions to meet each principle, and who must comply with them, while requirements and indicators give the details to support operators and auditors with the certification process.