Celebrating Bold Leadership and Breakthrough Innovation in the Bioeconomy
The RSB Transition Leaders’ Awards recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives driving real-world change across the sustainable bioeconomy. These shortlisted nominees have been selected by a committee of RSB’s multi-stakeholder membership, following a competitive review of over 50 entries from around the world.
Across six award categories, they represent the courage, collaboration and innovation needed to shift systems and accelerate climate action — from groundbreaking technologies and circular products to inclusive community programmes and responsible procurement strategies.
This year’s Awards are proudly supported by Airbus, whose sponsorship helps spotlight the people and projects leading credible transitions across sectors.
Each profile below offers a glimpse into their work — what challenge they set out to solve, how they’ve tackled it, and what others can learn from their journey. We invite you to explore, connect, and be inspired by the people and projects shaping a more sustainable future.
Voting is open to RSB members only. Voting links will be sent directly to members by email.
Learn more about becoming part of our community here.
Bioeconomy Breakthrough (Early-stage innovation)
This category highlights early-stage research, technologies, and start-ups with the potential to transform how we produce fuels, materials, and other bio-based products. It celebrates bold, future-facing ideas that are still in development but show strong promise for real-world sustainability impact.
Acelen Renewables
The Path to Decarbonising Aviation (ACELEN AGRIPARK)
How Acelen Agripark partners with Brazilian farmers to produce aviation fuel from native palm… read more
AfriSAF
Digital Feedstock Management Platform
Ghana’s AfriSAF brings 10,000 smallholder farmers into sustainable aviation fuel supply chains digitally… read more
IFF
Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials Platform
IFF collaborates with biorefineries turning plant sugar into biodegradable materials, valorising all by-products… read more
Sustainable Fuels & Energy Innovation
Recognising breakthroughs in sustainable fuels and low-carbon energy systems, this category includes innovations in fuel production (SAF, e-fuels, biofuels) as well as digital tools, traceability, and deployment models supporting decarbonisation of transport and industry.
Aether Fuels
Aurora Technology
Aether’s Aurora tech powers jet fuel from carbon waste, creating clean energy jobs across the US… read more
Coega Biomass Centre & Stewards of Nature
Sustainable Biomass
How Coega Biomass and Stewards of Nature turn invasive plants into energy, jobs, and water gains in South Africa…. read more
GranBio
AVAP Biorefinery – Enabling Net Zero
GranBio retools shuttered US paper mills for net-zero fuel, reviving manufacturing in regions of economic loss whilst expanding STEM education… read more
LanzaJet
Aviation’s First Non-Oil Based, Drop-In Fuel
Ethanol-to-jet: How LanzaJet built the world’s first plant scaling oil-free fuel whilst supporting community resilience… read more
Noviqtech
Real-Time Sustainable Fuels Traceability Using Blockchain and Digital Twins
NoviqTech builds live digital twins to verify every tonne of carbon saved in fuel production… read more
Nufarm
Bioenergy Seed Technologies
Nufarm’s carinata programme turns fallow farmland in South America into carbon-negative jet fuel… read more
Sustainable Products & Materials Innovation
This category celebrates new approaches to chemicals, packaging, textiles, and consumer products that replace fossil-based inputs and support circular, low-impact systems. Nominees demonstrate strong environmental and social performance across the full product lifecycle.
Electra
Green Iron Technology
Electra’s Green Iron Technology makes clean iron from low-grade ore, slashing steel emissions with renewably powered chemistry… read more
Hyosung
Hyosung regen™ BIO elastane
Sugarcane-to-stretch: Hyosung’s bio-elastane supply chain cuts textile emissions in Vietnam… read more
Topsoe
PureStep™ – Closing the Loop on Plastic Waste
How Topsoe’s PureStep tech transforms plastic waste into circular feedstock without fossil blending… read more
Leadership in Sustainable Procurement
Recognising organisations that are using their purchasing power to accelerate sustainability, this category highlights responsible buyers that support innovative, low-carbon solutions through strategic sourcing, long-term partnerships, and clear sustainability commitments.
Amazon
Driving Global Supply Chain Sustainability at Scale
Amazon: How Procurement Turns Electric Vans and Renewable Energy Into Real-World Climate Solutions… read more
DHL Group
Driving Sustainable Aviation: DHL’s Integrated Strategy for Maximum Impact
From parcels to propulsion: DHL’s procurement mobilised over 500,000 customers to scale sustainable aviation fuel… read more
Microsoft
Sustainability Through Procurement Leadership
Microsoft turns procurement into a climate lever, using their influence to drive and scale credible carbon removals and sustainable fuels… read more
Civil Society Leadership for Social & Environmental Impact
This category recognises the powerful role of civil society in advancing just and sustainable systems. It highlights advocacy, community programmes, education, and regenerative solutions that centre social equity, biodiversity, and climate resilience — particularly in frontline regions.
Canopy Planet
Defending Ancient Forests Globally
Canopy Planet works with indigenous leaders, brand partners and producers to protect 16.6 million hectares… read more
CO2 BIO
Real Commitment to the Orinoquia
CO2 BIO channels LATAM Airlines’ carbon revenues to Colombian families protecting 578,000 hectares of Orinoquia ecosystems… read more
Solidaridad Southern Africa
Hooves for Sustainability programme
Zambia’s Hooves for Sustainability empowers women-led feedlots and chiefs to restore 652,000 hectares of rangeland…. read more
The Youth Café
The Youth Climate Action Network
How Youth Café connects 3,500 African youth organisations to climate finance, disbursing $2 million for grassroots projects… read more
Wild Asia
The Wild Asia Group Scheme
Wild Asia trains smallscale palm farmers to turn waste into income whilst restoring soil and slashing emissions… read more
Outstanding Individual Leadership in the RSB Community
Celebrating an individual from within the RSB membership who has shown exceptional personal leadership, this award honours dedication, innovation, and integrity in advancing sustainability — whether through strategic influence, coalition building, or hands-on impact.
Freya Burton
CSO, LanzaTech
From translating science to changing systems, Freya Burton’s journey shows how belief, perseverance and empathy can turn carbon reuse into real-world change… read more
Adam Klauber
CSO, World Energy
Adam Klauber bridges data, policy and trust to build the systems behind aviation’s credible climate transition and supports others in the process… read more
Dan Lieberman
Head of Sustainability, Nufarm
Aligning agriculture, energy and climate policy, Dan Lieberman builds trust in low-carbon solutions that unite business, farmers and the planet… read more
Humphrey Nxumalo
Head of Programmes, Solidaridad Southern Africa
From Eswatini to Malawi, Humphrey Nxumalo empowers smallholders to lead sustainability through trust, inclusion and steady resolve… read more
Aaron Robinson
Vice President for SAF, International Airlines Group (IAG)
Aaron Robinson’s early instinct for aviation’s future helped shape the global systems now guiding credible decarbonisation… read more