Bio-based Content

Metric Also known as: Bio-based Carbon Content, Biogenic Carbon Content, Renewable Carbon Content

Quick Overview

Bio-based content measures renewable carbon fraction via radiocarbon dating — not the same as biodegradability.

Related terms: bio-based drop-in-bioplastic bio-pe bio-pet mass-balance-approach iscc-plus

Overview

Fraction of carbon in a material derived from biomass vs. fossil sources, measured via ¹⁴C analysis (ASTM D6866 / ISO 16620). Distinct from biodegradability — drop-in bioplastics (Bio-PE, Bio-PET) have high bio-based content but are not biodegradable.

Key Concepts

Bio-based content measures renewable carbon fraction via radiocarbon dating — not the same as biodegradability.

Industry Landscape

Major Companies & Projects

Beta Analytic, TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO, Vinçotte, SGS, Intertek are actively developing bio-based content technologies and applications.

Applications

Bio-based product labeling, USDA BioPreferred, Green procurement, Carbon footprint reduction claims

Standards & Certifications

ASTM D6866, ISO 16620, EN 16640, USDA BioPreferred

bio-based, drop-in-bioplastic, bio-pe, bio-pet, mass-balance-approach, iscc-plus

Further Reading

  • Industry reports from Nova-Institute, European Bioplastics, ISCC
  • Peer-reviewed literature in Green Chemistry, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
  • Regulatory updates from EU Commission, USDA BioPreferred, FDA

Standards & Certifications

  • ASTM D6866
  • ISO 16620
  • EN 16640
  • USDA BioPreferred

Major Producers

  • Beta Analytic
  • TÜV Austria
  • DIN CERTCO
  • Vinçotte
  • SGS
  • Intertek

Key Applications

  • Bio-based product labeling
  • USDA BioPreferred
  • Green procurement
  • Carbon footprint reduction claims