OECD considers biofuel principles

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is considering drawing up a set of principles to guide governments on the introduction of bio-based products.

Proposals are due to be discussed at the annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, where other industry trends and issues are also open to debate.

Among the topics are biofuel, sustainability, climate change and issues relating to financing and policy for organisations within the sector.

In order to support the creation of a sustainable bio-based economy, the OECD is looking to arrange a set of guidelines to be called the OECD Principles in Assessing the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Bio-based Products.

The discussions are due to focus on the obstacles and opportunities involved in setting up such a set of principles, with audience members welcome to contribute.

From the debate, principles are to be drawn up which the OECD suggests could ultimately lead to international standards for the industry.