This marks the first time an automobile manufacturer has joined the initiative.

The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) was founded by the nova-Institut and brings together companies from the chemical, energy, and automotive industries with the aim of replacing fossil carbon sources with renewable alternatives – such as biomass, CO2 utilization, and recycling. According to its own statement, Mercedes-Benz, which is now the first automotive manufacturer to join the initiative, is focusing its membership on supporting its strategic pillar of “resource use & circular economy,” which is intended to go far beyond individual products. Together with partners such as BASF, Covestro, Michelin, Continental, and WWF, Mercedes-Benz intends to develop innovative solutions for a carbon-based circular economy that does not rely on fossil raw materials. According to the information provided, concrete pilot projects are planned for 2026, including “Carbon Capture and Utilization” (CCU), i.e., the capture and use of carbon dioxide for automotive plastics, bio-based carbon sources for components, and circular carbon solutions. Mercedes Benz aims to further accelerate the transformation of its supply chain by gaining access to specialized renewable carbon technologies and networks.
 
“Joining the ‘Renewable Carbon Initiative’ is an important step in driving the transition to renewable carbon sources and working with strong partners to develop innovative, fossil-free solutions,” emphasizes Ulf Zillig, Vice President Group Research, Sustainability, and RD Functions at Mercedes-Benz AG.
 
Sources:

• Mercedes-Benz press release (7.10.2025)
• Photo: © Mercedes-Benz AG