• The OK biobased label, offered by TÜV AUSTRIA and founded by Vinçotte, uses a star system to indicate a certified product’s biobased content – the more stars, the higher the biobased content.
• This labeling program applies to basic/raw materials, intermediates, and finished products with at least 30% total carbon and 20% biobased carbon content (renewable raw material).
• An OK biobased certification, which is valid for five years, has no implication on a product’s compostability or biodegradability.

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NOTE: Beta Analytic is not affiliated with TÜV AUSTRIA or the OK biobased Program. Interested parties are welcome to contact Beta Analytic on how to submit samples for testing as part of the OK biobased certification.

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OK biobased Certification

The TÜV AUSTRIA Group is an independent international testing and certification company that has been authorized by European Bioplastics and operates in over 25 countries.¹ On December 1, 2017, TUV AUSTRIA integrated the OK biobased certification scheme program through the subsidiary TUV Austria Belgium.²

OK biobased uses a star system to indicate the biobased content of a product. A one-star biobased product has biobased content between 20% and 40% while a four-star certified product has a biobased content greater than 80%.

Source: TUV Austria Belgium Renewable Materials Conference. nova-Institute.

OK biobased Certification Process

Certification under the OK biobased program may take more than four weeks:

Step 1 – Collection of all necessary product information as required by the OK biobased program.

Step 2 – Analyses of the product’s biobased carbon content and total carbon content followed by evaluation of the test results and certification.

The duration of Step 1 depends on how quickly the OK biobased applicant can supply the information required by TÜV AUSTRIA. Step 2 takes four to six weeks.

To start the application, submit a completed form in the TÜV AUSTRIA website. It is prudent to inquire about certification costs from TÜV AUSTRIA before sending samples for testing.

Fast Facts:

Product Eligibility	Applicable to raw/basic materials, intermediates, additives, and finished products that are partially or completely made of materials and/or polymers of natural origin Not applicable to solid, gaseous or liquid fuels
Basic Requirements	Each product must meet these two requirements: At least 20% biobased carbon content as measured according to EN 16640 which determines biobased carbon content using the radiocarbon method. At least 30% total carbon content (dry weight) as measured according to TÜV AUSTRIA document TS-OK20
Number of measurements required	3 measurements per parameter (biobased carbon content, total carbon)
Certification Validity	5 years

Source: OK biobased certification scheme TS OK20 (PDF)

Reminders:

• Percentage of the biobased carbon content and total carbon may be stated on the certificate but not on the logo.
• The OK biobased certification cannot be used to make claims of compostability and biodegradability.
• Finished products using certified raw materials or intermediates are not automatically certified under the OK biobased program.
• A product may bear the OK biobased label only if the complete product is certified.

Biobased Carbon Content Testing at Beta Analytic

ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited Beta Analytic supports the biobased industry by providing accurate ASTM D6866 and EN 16640 analysis. Based in Miami, Florida, the company also has sample forwarding offices in Xiamen, China; Madrid, Spain; London, UK; and Nagoya, Japan.

According to Beta Analytic, one measurement is fine for research and development purposes. For better credibility or averaging, at least two measurements are recommended. If the biobased carbon test results will be used for any purpose with legal ramifications, the company recommends three to four analyses.

Page Last Updated: May 2023