ASTM and CSA Group have entered into an agreement to develop a joint standard aimed at improving how biomass supply chain risks are identified and evaluated across North America and international markets.
The initiative builds on CSA Group’s existing CSA W209 standard, which was published as a National Standard of Canada, and seeks to expand its application through a broader and more widely recognised framework, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.
According to the organisations, the new joint standard is designed to strengthen the reliability of risk assessment for bio-based projects by creating a consistent and recognised approach to evaluating biomass supply chain risks.
The effort marks the first stage of a two-phase plan intended to support faster and more cost-effective investment in bioeconomy plant development.
The second phase will focus on applying the standard alongside additional technical specifications to establish a biomass risk rating framework. The framework is expected to support independent third-party evaluations of feedstock supply risks and assist project developers, investors and manufacturers in making better-informed decisions on project location and investment.
Dan Smith, Vice President of Standards and Membership at ASTM International, said the collaboration represents an important opportunity to work together and could form the foundation for a long-term partnership.
Ray Woo, Vice President of Standards Development at CSA Group, said the initiative would expand standardisation efforts for identifying, assessing and managing risks across biomass supply chains. He added that building on the existing Canadian standard and extending its reach through collaboration would help establish more consistent and credible assessment practices internationally.
The organisations said the standard is intended to benefit a broad range of stakeholders across the bioeconomy, including project developers, biomass manufacturers, investors, lenders and others involved in planning, developing and financing biomass-based facilities.
By offering a common method for assessing supply chain risks, the standard is expected to support project siting, investment planning and third-party evaluations across different regions.
The proposed joint standard is scheduled to enter public review in the fall of 2026, with final publication targeted for early 2027.
