Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) emerged from a collective desire to ensure that the burgeoning bioeconomy would develop in a way that was truly sustainable, benefiting both people and the planet. What began in 2007 as an initiative focused on ensuring the sustainability of liquid biofuels for transport, has since blossomed into a globally recognized, multi-stakeholder organization guiding the sustainable production, conversion, and use of all biomaterials. This evolution was driven by the understanding that a sustainable future required a holistic approach, encompassing not just fuels, but a wide array of products derived from biomass.

The journey of RSB has been one of collaboration and consensus-building. Recognizing that no single entity could define sustainability in isolation, RSB brought together a diverse coalition of farmers, companies, non-governmental organizations, experts, governments, and inter-governmental agencies. This worldwide movement, comprising over 130 members, including industry leaders, civil society groups, academic institutions, and UN organizations, has been instrumental in developing and refining the RSB Principles & Criteria – a robust framework that describes how to produce biomass, biofuels, and biomaterials in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible manner. This peer-reviewed standard is now considered one of the world's most trusted for sustainable biomaterials, biofuels, and biomass production. Over the years, RSB has expanded its scope and impact, moving beyond just standard-setting to providing comprehensive tools, solutions, and certification services that help businesses mitigate risk, contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and navigate the complexities of sustainable supply chains in sectors like aviation, shipping, chemicals, and materials. The organization actively engages in projects and partnerships globally, fostering innovation and building capacity to accelerate the transition to a bio-based and circular economy.