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Who We Are

The Research Hub works alongside the REAL Compost Certification Scheme (CCS) and Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). CCS and BCS certify compost and digestate to a set of independent quality Standards (PAS 100 and PAS 110). CCS-certified compost and BCS-certified digestate is considered to have achieved end-of-waste and quality assured status.

REAL established the Research Hub to provide research support for technical and regulatory developments related to the production, testing, and use of certified compost and digestate.

What We Do

The Research Hub funds research to support the following objectives:

  • Maintain and improve the robustness of the Schemes (CCS and BCS) and related Standards (PAS 110 and PAS 100)
  • Reinforce confidence in the compost and anaerobic digestion markets
  • Contribute to the development of new markets, including identifying barriers

How It Works

The Research Hub sources research ideas via an open Call for Proposals at the start of each year. CCS and BCS participants are invited to feedback on proposals.

Proposals are then evaluated by an appointed ‘Research Panel’ of organics sector professionals, considering industry feedback.

Selected projects are funded through an annual Research Fee paid by CCS and BCS participants. REAL appoints a contractor to deliver each project. 

Latest News:

  • Tender Q&A: Risk Assessments to inform Compost and AD EoW Frameworks

    Please find linked here the Tender Q&A Document for the Research Hub project entitled Risk assessments to inform the revision of End of Waste Frameworks for compost and digestate.This document contains answers to all questions submitted to the Research Hub about the Tender Invitation Document for this project.A reminder that the deadline for tender submissions is Friday 6th December 2024...

    Posted: 14 November, 2024

  • Tender Opportunity: Screening impact on digestate quality

    The Research Hub seeks a contractor for a project titled “Appraisal of the impact on digestate quality with a final screening step, from introduction of a smaller screen size.”The project aims to help operators identify effective technologies for reducing plastic contamination while preserving nutrient content of final digestate products, and to evaluate if small changes in screen size affect digestate quality factors beyond physical contaminants...

    Posted: 13 November, 2024