European Standards for Bio-based Lubricants, Solvents and Surfactants

In response to the European Commission’s mandates M/430 and M/491, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) developed the following standards. Request a quote

EN 16807 for Bio-based Lubricants

European standard EN 16807 sets the requirements and criteria for bio-based lubricants. It specifies the term “bio-lubricant” and briefly describes relevant test method needs with respect to its characterization. 

For biobased carbon content measurements, EN 16807 references analytical standards ASTM D6866 and EN 16640.

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EU Ecolabel for Lubricants

The European Commission’s EU Ecolabel has specified a minimum bio-based carbon content of 25% for lubricants using the terms “bio-based” or “bio-lubricant”. The bio-based carbon content will be measured according to EN 16807, ASTM D6866, CEN/TS 16137 (SPEC 91236), EN 16640 or EN 16785-1. This criteria for lubricants remains valid until December 31, 2024.

The EU Ecolabel is a voluntary scheme valid throughout the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Sources: 

Commission Decision (EU) 2018/1702 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for lubricants
EN 16807:2016 – Liquid petroleum products – Bio-lubricants – Criteria and requirements of bio-lubricants and bio-based lubricants (available online for a fee)

EN 16766 for Bio-based Solvents

The CEN first developed CEN/TS 16766 for bio-based solvents in 2015, which was eventually superseded by European standard EN 16766:2017. The standard sets requirements for bio-based solvents in terms of their bio-based content, their technical properties and test methods. 

European standard EN 16766 also:

– specifies solvent classes based on the bio-based carbon content, which will be determined as described under standards EN 16640 or EN 16785-1; and

– sets requirements on information to be provided regarding the sustainability aspects of bio-based solvents.

For details, please purchase a copy of EN 16766:2017 – Bio-based solvents – Requirements and test methods.

EN 17035 for Bio-based Surfactants

The EN 17035:2021 standard sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It also recommends sub-sampling procedures for various forms of surfactants (e.g. dry solid, paste, gel, liquids).

It includes a classification system based on the bio-based carbon content of the surfactant to clarify naming used in the industry. The bio-based carbon content measurements will be done according to standards EN 16640, EN 16785-1 or EN 16785-2.

EN 17035 allows inclusion of the classification and bio-based carbon content percentage on product labels.

What are Bio-based Surfactants?

EN 17035 describes a bio-based surfactant as a surfactant that is wholly or partly derived from biomass produced either by chemical or biotechnological processing. 

More details can be found in EN 17035:2021 – Surface Active Agents – Bio-based surfactants – Requirements and test methods (available online for a fee).

High-Quality Bio-based Carbon Content Testing

Beta Analytic provides rapid, high-quality bio-based carbon content testing according to all aforementioned standards except EN 16785-2. For inquiries on prices and lab turnaround time, please use this form.

Over the years, the ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited lab has supported Europe’s bio-based industry by providing professional radiocarbon analysis as described in various CEN standards. The lab will continue to improve its services to meet the needs of the bio-based industry.

Page Last Updated: June 2024