• Products are certified in consideration of the whole life cycle of products.
• Certification criteria have been established for each product category; many kinds of products such as stationeries, building materials and engine oil are categorized by usage and features
• In some product categories, the use of a plant-derived material is one certification requirement. ISO 16620-2, ISO 16620-3 or ASTM D6866 is specified as test method for this requirement.

Under its environmental labeling program called Eco Mark, Japan Environment Association (JEA) has established certification criteria for various product categories. The certification requirements are different depending on the product category.

For example, in Eco Mark Product Category No. 112 “Stationery/Office Supplies”, the media case, OA filter, OHP film, clear folder (file) and envelopes with windows (paper product) that use plant-based plastic are required to contain biobased synthetic polymer at higher than or equal to 25% as measured through ISO 16620-2 or ASTM D6866.

Biobased Content Testing

For the plant-based plastic (raw resin), if biobased synthetic polymer content results were calculated with the method specified in ISO 16620-3, the biobased carbon content and element composition results by the 14C method specified in ISO 16620-2 or ASTM D6866 must be submitted as an attached document as part of the certification procedure.

Note: Beta Analytic provides ISO 16620-2 and ASTM D6866 testing but NOT the calculation based on ISO 16620-3.

Eco Mark Product Categories Requiring Biobased Content Testing

Eco Mark has at least 8 product categories that specified ISO 16620-2 or ASTM D6866 as a method to verify plant-based plastic content:

Eco Mark Product Category No.103 Clothing Version 3.5

Eco Mark Product Category No.104 Household Textile Products Version 3.4

Eco Mark Product Category No.105 Textile Products for Industrial Use Version 3.3

Eco Mark Product Category No.112 Stationery/Office Supplies Version 2.2

Eco Mark Product Category No.128 Household Commodity Version 1.20

• Kitchen utensils and tableware
• Kitchen Utensils and Tableware, Lunch and Leisure Goods
• Strainers for Kitchen Sinks, Absorbents for Used Cooking and Oil food Oil Filter
• Laundry, Bath, Sanitary Supplies
• Cleaning/Storage Goods, Art and Decorative Ware
• Dust Control Mats
• Toiletry Goods, Medical Supplies for Home Use
• Pet Supplies and Gardening Tools
• Rubber products such as hoses, gloves and mats
• Can Collectors
• Other

Eco Mark Product Category No. 130 Furniture Version 2.3

Eco Mark Product Category No.140 Refill Containers and Resource Saving Containers
Version 1.11

• PET Bottles (Containers) Using plant-based plastics
• Plastic containers and packaging using plant-based plastics

Eco Mark Product Category No.143 Shoes and Footwear Version 1.7

For further details, please check the website of the Japan Environment Association.

Beta Analytic – Biobased Content Testing Lab

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic provides fast, high-quality biobased content testing as specified in standards ASTM D6866 and ISO 16620-2. Results are reported in 14 business days or less. Faster services are also available. For inquiries on Beta Analytic’s biobased content testing services for companies based in Japan, please contact Beta’s agent Chikyu Kagaku Kenkyusho Corp.

NOTE: Beta Analytic and Chikyu Kagaku Kenkyusho Corp. DO NOT provide ISO 16620-3 measurements.

Last Updated August 2018