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As industries accelerate their transition to bio-based alternatives, certification frameworks must evolve at the same pace. RSB has published its 2026 Standards Workplan, providing a detailed roadmap of the standards revisions, stakeholder consultations, and framework enhancements planned for the year ahead. 

The workplan addresses a critical challenge facing the bioeconomy: maintaining rigorous sustainability assurance whilst adapting to rapid technological innovation, shifting market dynamics, policiesand evolving environmental data. For organisations navigating risk whilst pursuing credible certification, this transparency into RSB’s development process demonstrates both the robustness and responsiveness of the framework. 

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What’s on the horizon for 2026 

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The 2026 workplan outlines revisions across RSB’s certification portfolio, with particular focus on: 

RSB Global Certification Schemes 

• Standard for Advanced Fuels revisions reflecting the latest feedstock innovation and carbon accounting methodologies 

• Standard for Advanced Products updates addressing emerging bio-based materials and recycled carbon pathways 

Regulatory Standards 

• ICAO CORSIA Standard updates aligned with international aviation sustainability requirements 

• Adaptation to regulatory developments in key markets including the EU, Japan, and emerging bioeconomy regions 

These revisions respond directly to operator feedback, scientific advancements, and the practical challenges certification bodies encounter during audits. Each modification undergoes multi-stakeholder review, ensuring that changes strengthen sustainability outcomes without creating arbitrary barriers.  

Download the RSB Standards Workplan: 2026

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The transparency principle 

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Publishing a forward-looking workplan isn’t standard practice in certification systems. Many frameworks operate reactively, adjusting standards only when regulatory pressure demands it or when market failures expose gaps. 

RSB’s proactive disclosure reflects a different philosophy: stakeholders deserve visibility into what’s changing, why it’s changing, and how they can influence those changes. This transparency is essential for RSB to maintain its structural integrity and rigour whilst responding to evolving demands.  

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Continuous improvement isn’t a cliché, it’s part of RSB’s governance model 

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The phrase “continuous improvement” appears in countless sustainability documents, often as rhetorical flourish. At RSB, it describes a specific governance mechanism. 

The standards development process integrates: 

• Real-time data from certification audits identifying implementation challenges 

• Emerging scientific research on sustainability impacts 

• Stakeholder concerns raised through formal and informal channels 

• Market intelligence on technological innovation and industry practices 

• Regulatory developments across RSB’s recognised jurisdictions 

This feedback loops into regular standards reviews, with modifications following transparent procedures that balance innovation with stability. The 2026 workplan summarises 2025’s development activities whilst projecting forward, thereby creating accountability for both completed and planned work. More detailed information about the development process of the RSB sustainability framework, including decision-making procedures can be found on the Procedure for Development and Modification of RSB Standards, Procedures and Guidance and and for additional details on how modifications to standards are made visit the RSB webpage on framework development.

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What participation looks like 

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For organisations considering deeper engagement: 

Current members: Shaping standards, not just following them  

RSB members gain exclusive access to standards development through  to RSB membership platforms, including the RSB General Standards Working Group, where members directly influence: 

• Criteria interpretation and application guidance 

• New technology assessment protocols 

• Risk-based audit approach refinement 

• Chain of custody methodology evolution 

• Emerging feedstock eligibility frameworks 

Access the RSB General Standards Working Group through your membership portal. Review the 2026 workplan and identify areas where your operational experience or technical expertise could inform revisions. 

Prospective members: Membership provides exclusive standards development access alongside the broader benefits of RSB’s collaborative network. Assess whether your organisation’s strategy would benefit from shaping certification requirements rather than only responding to them. 

Whilst systematic participation requires membership, all constructive input receives consideration, all stakeholders all welcomed to submit requests for guidance, interpretation, or standard amendments to [email protected]. 

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