Stable isotopes play an essential role in thetraceability and quality of industrial products, and more particularly in the agri-food sector.

In this article, we explore the world of stable isotopes, from their crucial role in fraud detection to verifying the geographical origin of products. Discover how the analysis techniques carried out by specialized laboratories help address the challenges of compliance and safety in the industry.

Stable isotopes: definition and challenges for industry

Stable isotopes have become essential in industrial sectors by offering solutions to ensure product traceability and integrity.

Stable isotope: definition and function

A stable isotope is a non-radioactive form of an atom that retains its structure over time. Unlike radioactive isotopes, it does not decay. Stable isotopes, particularly of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, can be used to trace geographical origins or define a botanical origin.

Stable isotopes such as carbon 12 and carbon 13 are particularly useful for analyzing the composition of food and industrial products. Their analysis via techniques such as mass spectrometrywithisotopic ratio measurement allows for the determination of the isotopic signature specific to each environment, thus facilitating the identification of the origins and processes undergone by raw materials. More specifically, the stable carbon isotope helps to understand biogeochemical cycles and identify botanical origin.

Industrial applications of stable isotopes

Stable isotopes offer a reliable way to ensure product traceability in the supply chain for industry professionals. For example, in the food industry, these isotopes are used to determine if a product actually comes from the claimed region (geographical origin) or to identify fraud, such as adulteration of a dairy product's composition.

The stable isotope of carbon varies depending on the type of plant photosynthesis: C3 plants (rice, cotton, wheat) have a δ13C lower than -20 ‰, while C4 plants (grass, corn, sugarcane) have δ13C values between -10 and -20‰. In practice, this allows for the detection of adulterations, such as the addition of high-fructose corn syrup to honey.

Stable isotopes in the fight against fraud and traceability

Stable isotopes are an invaluable weapon in the fight against product adulteration and falsification, and in verifying the origin of products.

Detecting adulteration with stable isotopes

The adulteration of products, whether it be falsification of origin or quality, is a critical issue for manufacturers. The latter can detect if a product has been mixed or falsified thanks to stable isotope analysis. It is thus possible to analyze the isotopic composition of a sample to verify if it conforms to its declared origin by using stable carbon isotopes.

The analysis of δ13C can, for example, detect the addition of sugar to fruit juice. An abnormally low δ18O can indicate the addition of water to wine, for example. Furthermore, the analysis of δ2D can distinguish orange juices adulterated with beet sugar.

Stable isotopes for traceability of origin

Stable isotopes offer industry professionals a reliable solution for tracing the precise geographical origin of products. Environmental conditions, such as altitude, temperature, or soil type, influence isotopic signatures. For example, δ18O can differentiate coffee from Africa from that of South America. These analyses are also applied to natural vanilla.

These isotopic analyses also make it possible to detect fraudulent practices, such as substituting products from one region with those from another. Product traceability thus becomes a lever for quality and transparency for manufacturers, allowing them to comply with international standards and guarantee customer satisfaction.

The importance of analytical laboratories for industry

CIRAM plays a central role in the application of these techniques, by carrying out laboratory quality control operations that make it possible to verify the authenticity, conformity, and origin of raw materials.

The role of laboratories in isotope analysis

Specialized laboratories, such as CIRAM, use cutting-edge technologies to perform precise and reliable isotopic analyses. Their sophisticated equipment, like isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), allows for the isolation and measurement of stable isotopes in various samples, from industrial products to foodstuffs.

Benefits for manufacturers: safety, compliance and optimization

For industries, collaborating with a laboratory specializing in stable isotopes offers numerous advantages. These analyses help ensure product compliance with international regulations and avoid risks associated with fraud. Furthermore, they enable the optimization of traceability in supply chains, providing companies with complete control over the origin and quality of their raw materials.

By working with a laboratory like CIRAM, industrial companies can ensure their market presence by offering products whose authenticity and quality have been scientifically verified.

Stable isotopes are therefore essential for guaranteeing the traceability, quality, and authenticity of industrial products. Whether for fraud detection criteria or verification of geographical origin, these analyses offer reliable solutions for industry professionals.

Specialized laboratories like CIRAM play a crucial role in applying these techniques thanks to their advanced equipment and expertise. If you need to secure your products and optimize your processes, request a study from CIRAM today.

In modern industry, sustainability and regulatory compliance are major issues for manufacturers, particularly in the plastics and polymers sector. The ISO 16620-2 standard, which is based on the Carbon 14 method, allows for precise measurement of the biobased carbon content in these materials.

In this article, we explore how the ISO 16620-2 standard, based on the Carbon 14 method, allows for the qualification and quantification of the biobased and petro-sourced parts of polymers in general, and plastics in particular. You will also discover the importance of analysis laboratories like CIRAM, which support manufacturers in applying this standard to ensure the quality control and conformity of their materials.

Understanding ISO 16620-2 and its importance for industry

The ISO 16620-2 standard is essential for manufacturers wishing to measure the biobased carbon content of plastics to ensure their compliance and sustainability. This standard makes it possible to precisely identify the proportion of renewable carbon through radiocarbon dating analysis.

What is ISO 16620-2?

The ISO 16620-2 standard establishes a protocol for measuring the biobased carbon content of plastics and biopolymers using Carbon 14 analysis. It distinguishes between modern carbon (containing 14C, found in biomass) and fossil carbon (without 14C, as in petroleum). This process allows for the precise quantification of the biobased portion.

Beyond voluntary declarations by mass balance and/or life cycle analysis and/or the ISCC method, it is essential to use objective, reliable, and rapid measurements to qualify and quantify the biobased share of biopolymers. The percentage of modern carbon (pMC) relative to total carbon is calculated according to this standard, guaranteeing a reliable measurement respected by certification bodies such as TÜV AUSTRIA and DIN CERTCO. The standard also specifies the reference values: 100 pMC since 2019 for biobased carbon at 100%.

Why is this standard crucial for manufacturers?

Analyses conforming to ISO 16620-2 allow industry professionals to certify the renewable carbon content in their products. This biobased material certification step is crucial as it validates product compliance within the framework of current regulations and environmental certifications.

Since 2020, for example, European legislation has required plastic bags to contain at least 50% biobased carbon, with this threshold rising to 60% by 2025. Carrying out this type of analysis is a key differentiating factor for companies wishing to meet new standards and requirements in the plastics industry.

Application of ISO 16620-2 for the analysis and certification of bioplastics

The application of the ISO 16620-2 standard allows manufacturers to reliably quantify the biobased share in plastics. This step is essential for obtaining certifications and ensuring the conformity of the materials used.

Radiocarbon analysis of plastics: the Carbon-14 method

The Carbon-14 method is used to distinguish fossil carbon from biobased carbon in polymers. This analysis is based on measuring the isotopic ratios of 14C, 13C, and 12C, and allows for the calculation of the percentage of modern carbon.

To comply with ISO 16620-2, radiocarbon measurement must be expressed as a percentage of modern carbon, or pMC. The biobased carbon content can then be expressed as a percentage of total carbon, TC, or as a percentage of total organic carbon, TOC.

ISO 16620-2 also sets a reference value, REF, for 100% biobased carbon content.

According to ISO 16620-2, this REF is or was :

• to 100 pMC from 2019, for 100% biobased carbon content.
• to 102 pMC in 2015, for a 100% biobased carbon content.
• 200 in 1964-1965, for a 100% biobased carbon content.

Consequently, the biobased carbon content of a material is the value of the measured pMC / REF.

ISO 16620-2 also allows for a variation of up to ±2% in biobased carbon content, depending on the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) used. Consequently, a measurement of 98 pMC can be considered to correspond to 100% biobased carbon in relation to total carbon.

Certification and quantification of biomass in plastics

The ISO 16620-2 standard is crucial for certifications such as OK Biobased® or DIN CERTCO®, which require radiocarbon analyses to validate the proportion of biopolymers in a product. The EN 16620-2 standard clearly indicates the information to be reported in analysis reports. In addition to the measurement of pMC, we must indicate:

• χ^TC the total carbon content of the sample,
• χ_B the biobased carbon content as a fraction of the sample mass

From the reference value REF, χ^TC_B, which is the biobased carbon content relative to the total carbon content, can be calculated. It is this value that is decisive.

Using this standard, manufacturers can not only quantify their biomass content, but also ensure the certification of biobased materials at every stage of the industrial process, from R&D to marketing.

The role of laboratories in implementing ISO 16620-2

Specialized laboratories like CIRAM play an essential role in implementing ISO 16620-2, guaranteeing accurate and reliable analyses for industry professionals.

Importance of analytical laboratories in the plastics industry

Analytical biobased product laboratories such as CIRAM play an essential role in the application of the ISO 16620-2 standard. They provide precise services to verify biobased carbon content at each stage of the industrial process, whether for raw materials, products in progress, or finished products. The Carbon 14 method, used in these laboratories, allows for the certification of materials while adhering to the strict requirements of certification bodies and international standards. Specialists in Carbon 14 by AMS since 2005, our laboratories, in addition to complying with current international standards, deliver accurate and reliable results thanks to innovative solutions and personalized support.

For industry professionals, this means being able to rely on reliable results to validate material conformity, ensure rigorous quality control, and guarantee that their products comply with current standards, notably those required for certification of biobased materials.

Quality control and ISO compliance in the bioplastics industry

Quality control is a priority in the bioplastics industry, where the integration of standards such as ISO 16620-2 is becoming essential to prove product sustainability. Thanks to ISO 16620-2-compliant analyses, manufacturers can control the quality of bioplastics and guarantee that their products meet biomass and biobased carbon content criteria.

Coupled with complementary standards like ASTM D6866 analysis, this approach guarantees compliance with ISO 16620-2, which is essential for companies' competitiveness in a sector undergoing rapid transformation towards more responsible materials. Industrial biobased specialized laboratories like CIRAM thus enable companies to secure their production chain while meeting regulatory and environmental expectations.

The ISO 16620-2 standard is a key tool for the biobased plastics industry, ensuring material compliance and certification. Through rigorous methods like Carbon 14 analysis, it allows manufacturers to accurately quantify the renewable carbon content in their products. Specialized laboratories like CIRAM play a crucial role in this process, offering reliable analyses and personalized support. To learn more, contact the CIRAM teams and request your sample study.

In compliance with this standard, we use radiocarbon dating (also called carbon-14) through analytical testing techniques used to determine the age of carbon-containing objects.

Please note, the biobased content does not in any way define the environmental impact or sustainability of a product. It is possible to measure this impact through a life cycle analysis according to defined sustainability criteria.

Radiocarbon analysis of biobased products

Radiocarbon analysis of biobased products must comply with the NF EN 16640 standard by using one of the three regulatory methods.

CIRAM laboratories explain AMS carbon-14 analysis in detail.

What is a biobased product?

The term biosourced means "derived from biomass". A biobased product can be entirely or partially derived from biomass. Thanks to our laboratory analyses, we can characterize the quantity of biomass contained in a product (paint, solvent polymers, etc.).

It will be interesting to measure the amount of biobased carbon during an R&D phase, but also on a finished product (biogenic carbon in biofuels, biogas, fumes, but also in cosmetic and agri-food products) or to evaluate a supplier's raw materials. The measurement of carbon 14 quantifies the content of biogenic carbon and synthetic carbon (petroleum-based).

Carbon-14, an element present in all living organisms

Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is a radioactive isotope of carbon produced by the interaction between nitrogen-14 atoms present in the atmosphere and cosmic radiation. Naturally unstable, it gradually decays to become nitrogen-14 again. Its half-life, estimated at 5,568 years, means its concentration halves over this period, and it almost completely disappears after about 60,000 years.

Due to its continuous regeneration by solar activity, the concentration of carbon 14 is considered almost constant in the atmosphere. It is thus present in all living organisms, where it is assimilated by photosynthesis and respiration. The current biomass (cereals, algae, wood, residues, and organic waste) therefore possesses a reservoir of carbon 14 said to be "modern" and fully active.

In contrast, fossil fuels such as oil, gas, or coal, resulting from the transformation of organic matter over millions of years, no longer contain carbon 14. They are composed exclusively of ancient carbon or petroleum-based carbon, which allows them to be clearly distinguished from biobased sources.

By measuring the isotopic ratio between ¹⁴C, ¹³C, and ¹²C, scientists at the CIRAM precisely determine the content of modern (biobased) and fossil (petro-based) carbon in a sample. This approach forms the basis ofradiocarbon analysis, which is used for the characterization of biobased products, the control of raw materials and verification of environmental claims.

AMS radiocarbon analysis

The NF EN 16640 standard provides three methods for measuring the carbon 14 content of biobased products. CIRAM laboratories exclusively use accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), a recognized reference technique for its high precision and sensitivity in radiocarbon analysis.

Before measurement by AMS, the sample is prepared by conversion into pure carbon, in the form of graphite, then compacted into a sample holder cathode. This preparation step is essential to ensure the reliability of the results and the reproducibility of measurements.

The carbon 14 content is then expressed either as a fraction of the sample's mass, or as a fraction of the total carbon content. The percentage of modern carbon, called pMC (percent Modern Carbon), corresponds to a normalized and standardized value of the measured carbon 14. This value is compared to that of a reference material (REF), representing 100% biobased carbon.

Since 2003, the official reference values used within the framework of standard NF EN 16640 have been published by the University of Groningen, ensuring international consistency in the interpretation of carbon 14 analysis results.

To illustrate the evolution of these references, we can recall that:

• in 2022, the value corresponding to 100% biobased carbon was set at 100 pMC;
• in 2010, the reference value for certifying 100% content was 104 pMC;
• In 1964, this value reached 190 pMC, due to the effects of atmospheric nuclear testing on carbon-14 concentrations.

The calculation method for biobased products

The NF EN 16640 standard indicates that in addition to measuring the pMC, we must indicate:

• XTC the total carbon content of the sample,
• Xb the biobased carbon content as a fraction of the sample mass.

Starting from the reference value REF, XTCB can be calculated, which is the biobased carbon content as a fraction of the total carbon content. It is this value that is decisive.

Attention, the standard NF EN 16640 indicates that the measurement of the biobased carbon content by the AMS radiocarbon technique has an uncertainty of ± 2%. This implies that the biobased carbon content can vary by ± 2%. That is to say, a value of XTCB at 98% could be considered 100% biobased carbon relative to total carbon, within the limits of uncertainty.

The NF EN 16640 standard does not recommend any particular treatment for materials containing inorganic carbonates. However, calcium carbonates contain "old carbon" and risk artificially lowering the XTCB value. This clarification is important because it indicates that the NF 16640 standard defines the percentage of biobased carbon relative to total carbon, unlike the ASTM D6866 standard which may consider the percentage of biobased carbon relative to total organic carbon.

The analysis of biopolymers plays a key role in the industrial ecological transition process through sustainable materials. Biopolymers, derived from renewable resources, indeed offer an ecological alternative to materials derived from fossil fuels.

To guarantee their authenticity and contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to accurately quantify their biogenic carbon content. CIRAM laboratories, experts in scientific dating and analysis, use carbon 14 to provide reliable and accurate results.

This text describes the importance of carbon-14 analysis for biopolymers, explaining its applications, advantages, and the methodology used to distinguish carbon sources.

Carbon-14 analysis of biopolymers

The importance of biopolymers

A biopolymer is a polymer of natural origin, produced by living organisms, or synthesized from raw materials of biological origin. They can be derived from plants, animals or micro-organisms, and are made up of substances such as proteins, polysaccharides (like starch and cellulose), and natural polyesters (like PHB).

Unlike synthetic polymers made from petroleum, biopolymers are renewable and for the most part biodegradable, making them materials of interest for ecological and sustainable applications. Biopolymers are thus key materials for the transition to renewable energy sources.

Biopolymers are manufactured from organic resources, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, unlike petroleum-based materials. Their use limits the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry, making them essential players in the fight against climate change and global warming.

The role of carbon-14 in scientific analysis

Carbon 14 (14C) is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope used to date organic matter. As radiocarbon decays over time (its concentration halves every 5,730 years), it is totally absent from petroleum, whereas its proportion is at its highest in today's biomass. Carbon-14 analysis thus enables us to differentiate between fossil carbon, derived from petroleum, and biogenic carbon.

Beyond its ability to differentiate between carbon sources, carbon-14 plays an important role in identifying the proportion of biomass present in industrial products. This analysis technique is particularly interesting for manufacturers seeking to prove the sustainability of their biobased products and comply with environmental regulations. For example, certified products containing a minimum percentage of biogenic carbon can benefit from eco-certifications, enhancing their market acceptability and boosting consumer confidence.

Last but not least, carbon-14 analysis is used to detect potential fraud, by verifying that manufacturers' claims about the origin of materials are true and comply with current standards and legislation.

Understanding the difference between fossil and biogenic carbon

Definition and characteristics of fossil carbon

Oil comes from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years. This process excludes the presence of 14C, classifying it as ancient. Fossil fuels, rich in ancient carbon, are a major source of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Fossil carbon is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. When burned, fossil fuels also pose ecological challenges during extraction, transportation and refining. These processes regularly lead to significant environmental degradation, such as oil spills and the destruction of ecosystems.

Definition and importance of biogenic carbon

Biogenic carbon, or modern carbon, is present in living organisms and biobased materials. It has a full C14 reservoir, which distinguishes it from fossil carbon. Biopolymers, often derived from renewable resources such as plants, are rich in biogenic carbon and play a crucial role in storing atmospheric carbon, acting as carbon sinks.

The increasing use of biobased materials by manufacturers is encouraging the recovery of organic waste and the production of biomass. The transition to renewable materials thus stimulates innovation in the green chemistry and biotechnology sectors, by developing new materials with unique, sustainable properties. As alternatives to petro-based materials, biopolymers can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to energy security and the preservation of natural resources.

The use of carbon-14 in biopolymer analysis

The process of analyzing biopolymers with carbon-14

Carbon-14 analysis of biopolymers involves the measurement of 14C/12C and 13C/12C isotope ratios. Samples are analyzed by mass spectrometry, enabling precise quantification of the proportion of biogenic carbon. This method can even detect low levels of 14C, ensuring an accurate assessment of biobased content.

Analytical precision is enhanced by the use of certified reference materials. These are used to calibrate the instruments and validate the results obtained. These procedures are rigorous and essential to guarantee the accuracy of measurements critical to industrial applications such as certification of biogenic carbon content, product quality control, and compliance with environmental regulations.

The benefits of using carbon-14 in biopolymer analysis

Carbon-14 is a reliable and objective method for differentiating biobased materials from petro-sourced materials. It is not only accurate but also adaptable to different types of matrices (liquid, solid, gel). Compared to other analytical methods, it offers exceptional precision, essential for industry in the context of product regulation and certification.

Carbon-14 analysis offers another crucial advantage thanks to its ability to deliver rapid, reproducible results. This is essential for manufacturers who regularly need to check product conformity or innovate rapidly to meet market demands.

The use of carbon-14 helps to guarantee the integrity of supply chains by providing scientific proof of the origin of raw materials for regulators. Carbon-14 analysis thus contributes to product transparency and traceability, reinforcing the credibility of companies' marketing claims concerning the biobased nature of their products. It is therefore an essential tool not only for regulatory compliance, but also for competitiveness in a global market where sustainability criteria are becoming a key differentiating factor.

The interest of carbon-14 analysis laboratories in biopolymer analysis

Carbon-14 analysis laboratories play a key role in the research and development of new biobased materials. Their work with researchers and manufacturers helps optimize biopolymer formulations to improve their properties and performance while ensuring compliance with ecological requirements.

The technical expertise of their scientists and their state-of-the-art equipment position them as privileged partners for the implementation of rigorous quality control programs, essential for guaranteeing the reliability of finished products. By providing detailed and precise analyses, C14 analysis laboratories contribute to the development of new industrial and regulatory standards, thereby reinforcing transparency and confidence in biobased products.

The CIRAM laboratories, located near Bordeaux, are experts in carbon 14 analysis. They provide reliable analyses to determine the biogenic carbon content in industrial products. These analyses are crucial for industrial companies seeking to certify the biobased material content of their products, to prevent fraud and comply with growing environmental standards. Furthermore, CIRAM laboratories support industrial companies and help them navigate regulatory complexities and adopt more sustainable and innovative practices. This comprehensive support makes the CIRAM laboratories a key player in the biobased materials landscape and the transition towards a new, more environmentally friendly industry.

Carbon-14 analysis of biopolymers is therefore an indispensable tool for guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of biobased materials. This method not only distinguishes biogenic carbon from fossil carbon, but also supports efforts to ensure sustainability and compliance with environmental standards.

CIRAM laboratories, thanks to their expertise and advanced technologies, provide precise and reliable analyses for the biobased industry. These studies enable industry professionals to comply with regulations, avoid fraud, and promote ecological practices. If you wish to discuss your industrial challenges related to biopolymers, contact our experts by requesting a study.