Certification and Registration
ASTM D6866 Standard Test Method for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples by Radiocarbon Analysis
Category:
USDA BioPreferred Program for Biobased Products
ASTM D6866 Standard Description
ASTM D6866 It is the standard method for determining biomass content in industry using carbon-14.
ASTM D6866 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using Radiocarbon Analysis
ASTM D6866 Scope of Application
ASTM D6866 is applicable to a wide range of products, including solid, liquid, and gaseous samples, and is primarily used in the fields of bio-based products, renewable energy, and biomass fuels.
Applications in the Field of Bio-Based Products
ASTM D6866 testing methods are widely applicable to raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products. Examples of bio-based products include biopolymers, biodiesel, bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-solvents, bio-lubricants, bio-surfactants, bio-adhesives, biocatalysts, biosensors, bio-thinning agents, bio-paints, bio-fertilizers, automotive bio-fibers, and bio-resins.
ASTM D6866 is also widely used to determine the bio-based content of bioplastics. However, this method cannot evaluate the biodegradability of products. It is important to note that “bio-based” and “biodegradable” are two different concepts. A bioplastic may be 100% bio-based but not biodegradable, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Manufacturers of bio-based products seeking to participate in the USDA BioPreferred Procurement Program or Voluntary Labeling Program are required to submit an ASTM D6866 test certificate. In addition, several countries and organizations require ASTM D6866 certification for the use of specific labels, such as Canada’s EcoLogo and Belgium’s Vincotte (OK biobased).
ASTM D6866 Test Method
ASTM D6866 includes testing methods based on accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to determine the bio-based content of specific products. Instrumental errors are typically within 0.1–0.5% (1σ); however, empirical studies indicate that the overall uncertainty may reach ±3% (absolute value), excluding additional uncertainty sources involved in the final determination of bio-based content.
Sample preparation involves generating carbon dioxide in a vacuum manifold system, followed by purification, quantification within a calibrated volume, transfer into a quartz tube, and sealing with a torch.
ASTM D6866 also includes a testing method based on liquid scintillation counting (LSC). This method uses carbon converted from samples into benzene to determine the bio-based content of products. The method determines the bio-based content of samples with a maximum total error of ±3% (absolute value).
Other Relevant Carbon-14-Based Bio-Based Content Testing Standards
ISO 16620 applies to plastic products, polymers, and additives.
ISO 19984 applies to rubber and rubber products, including polyurethane.
EN 16640 applies to all bio-based products.
EN 16785 applies to any carbon-containing solid, liquid, or gaseous products.
EN 16766 applies only to bio-based solvents.
EN 16807 applies only to bio-based lubricants.
EN 17228 applies to bio-based plastics and plastic products.
SATISFY provides one-stop services for ASTM D6866 testing and USDA BioPreferred® bio-based certification, including preliminary feasibility assessment, preparation and submission of relevant documentation, monitoring of the testing and certification process, compliant labeling guidance, and post-certification support.
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