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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:

  • Join REAL and the REA at RWM Expo 2026

    We would like to invite scheme participants and stakeholders to join REAL and the REA at the RWM Expo 2026, the UK's largest recycling and resource management event, taking place on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th September at the NEC in Birmingham.  Members of the REAL team will be attending throughout the event and co-hosting two key sessions on Wednesday. Between 10:30am and 11:30am, we will be holding an informal Organics Networking Event in the EFD networking area (Stand EN-G100), where attendees are invited to drop by...

    Posted: 9 September, 2026

  • Hub reports are now 'open access'

    The Research Hub is pleased to announce that its completed project reports will be made available on an ‘open access’ basis to any interested readers. Following discussions with the Hub’s governance bodies, comprising stakeholders from across industry and regulators, fees for non-Scheme participants to access the Hub’s research have been removed. This is part of a wider plan to raise the profile of the Hub’s work, helping it to fulfil its aim of supporting the CCS and BCS by providing evidence to inform developments in processes and policy...

    Posted: 14 August, 2026