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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:

  • New Hub projects announced

    We are pleased to announce that the Research Hub has commissioned the following two novel research projects:  Review of residual biogas potential test duration and 5-day gas evolution quality criterion  Evaluating quantified and visually assessed physical contaminants in delivered biowastes and biowastes after pre-treatment, and improving their assessment and pre-treatment management  The project proposals were evaluated and recommended by the Hub’s Research Panel in October. Both projects are expected to commence in 2026...

    Posted: 3 December, 2025

  • Plant Response Test project (Project 4) – data analysis contract announcement

    The Research Hub is pleased to announce that following a competitive tender period, Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) has been appointed to conduct the data analysis phase of the Hub Project 4: “Plant Response Test Interpretation and Comparison”.BioSS will compare Plant Response Test (PRT) data from the Compost Certification Scheme (CCS) with new data obtained for the project. Whereas the standard PRT uses tomato plants to establish the quality of compost, the new data gathered for the Hub project uses spring barley plants...

    Posted: 24 October, 2025