European Standard EN 16785-1:2015 details the requirements for determining bio-based content of a given product using radiocarbon (Carbon-14) analysis and elemental analysis. The standard references EN 16640 for the Carbon-14 analysis.

For the purposes of EN 16785, the term “bio-based” means “derived from biomass”. A bio-based product is one that is partially or wholly comprised of materials derived from biomass. The standard is applicable to any solid, liquid and gaseous product containing carbon, thus encompassing a broad range of products.

Under this standard, the bio-based carbon content of a product is determined according to EN 16640: Bio-based products – Bio-based carbon content – Determination of the bio-based carbon content using the radiocarbon method.

EN 16785-1 also specifies the standardized sampling methods to be used for various products.

Bio-based Certification Scheme

Spearheaded by the Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN), the project started in October 2015 with a kick-off meeting in Brussels, Belgium. EN 16785-1 was drawn up by the CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 411 and was published in December 2015. The certification scheme based on this standard was validated thereafter and was officially launched at the end of 2016.

By obtaining a bio-based certificate, companies can demonstrate the bio-based content of their products on the label. A register of certified products will be publicly available on an online database, thus providing transparent and easily accessed information on the bio-based products available to businesses and consumers.

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Is your product biobased? Prove it!

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Beta Analytic Provides Bio-based Content Testing

ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited Beta Analytic offers radiocarbon analyses in compliance with EN 16785-1, drawing upon over 35 years of technical experience and a decade of regulatory expertise to aid producers, suppliers and consumers in verifying the bio-based content of products. The lab does not offer elemental analysis at this time.

The lab provides high-quality bio-based carbon content measurements using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in 7 business days or less with online reporting, technical support, and quality assurance reports included. A priority service is available for results required in 4 business days or less. Client support is available in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the lab accepts samples throughout Europe via its forwarding office in London, UK.

Beta Analytic is not affiliated with CEN, NEN or the European Commission.

Related Biobased Topics:

CEN 16137
CEN 16295
Other CEN Biobased Standards

Last Updated May 2018