Standard Modification: Palm-based agricultural processing residues

Last week, the RSB Board approved the interim modification of two RSB Standards with updated sustainability requirements for palm-based agricultural processing residues.

As a result, the RSB Global Standard for Advanced Fuels (RSB-STD-01-010) and RSB EU RED Standard for Advanced Fuels (RSB-STD-11-001-01-010) have been updated.

The sustainability requirements for palm-based agricultural processing residues were discussed at last year’s Assembly of Delegates, where concerns were raised that palm-based agricultural processing residues do not currently have sustainability requirements placed on them. This meant that a high-deforestation-risk feedstock could enter RSB supply chains without mitigation measures in place to ensure that they come from sustainable sources.

In order to align with RSB’s current approach for palm industry processing residues – which are required to be certified by RSB, RSPO or equivalent, back to plantation – equivalent requirements for palm-based agricultural processing residues are now required.

As per the RSB Procedure for Development and Modification of RSB Standards, RSB Procedures and RSB Guidance (RSB-PRO-15-001), RSB Members may object to interim modifications within two weeks (fourteen days) from the publication date. In absence of objection, interim modifications will be considered approved. 

Please contact RSB Technical Director Nicola Noponen ([email protected]) with feedback.