Specialists in carbon-14 (or radiocarbon) dating, CIRAM laboratories comply with all current standards to deliver results that conform to regulations.

CIRAM Laboratories analyzes all cosmetic productss to determine their content of bio-based products, whether in active ingredients, excipients, or finished products.

Using radiocarbon dating (or carbon 14), we measure the proportion of natural components relative to synthetic components. With CIRAM measurements and subject to a 100 pMC, you will be able to stamp your products as 100% natural.

Discover the different cosmetic analysis methods with CIRAM laboratories.

Radiocarbon analysis for in-depth analysis of cosmetics

The radiocarbon dating method relies on measuring the activity of the isotope carbon-14. This isotope naturally decays over time and has completely disappeared from fossil fuels after approximately 60,000 years. Therefore, petroleum-based materials no longer contain carbon-14 and are exclusively composed of fossil carbon, unlike recent biomass (plants, essential oils, natural extracts) which contains a reservoir of modern carbon.

Radiocarbon, to distinguish between old and modern carbon

The radiocarbon technique allows for precise measurement of the proportion of fossil carbon and bio-based carbon in a sample. This analytical method offers numerous advantages:

• It is applicable to all types of materials, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous;
• It offers high accuracy (≈ 0.4%) with a detection limit of approximately 0.3%;
• It is fast, with results available within 7 business days, and offers excellent value for money.

Carbon-14 testing for natural products

In cosmetics, the high content of natural ingredients has become a determining factor in marketing, regulatory, and environmental terms. Carbon-14 testing is used at different stages: the development of natural products, supplier qualification, and the testing of cosmetic products before they are marketed.

This analysis technique is used from the R&D phases to the finished product, and can also be applied to the analysis of bio-based packaging.

Measuring the percentage of bio-based carbon in cosmeticsmakes it possible to verify regulatory compliance, authenticate ingredients from organic farming, and check the actual origin of an essential oil or plant extract.

Please note: the water content of a cosmetic product is not taken into account in radiocarbon dating and does not affect the results. The analysis focuses exclusively on the total amount of carbon and its isotopic ratios; hydrogen and oxygen atoms are not quantified.

Additional analyses to understand product origins

In addition to the carbon-14 analysis, the study of stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O, and δ²H), performed by EA-IRMS (Elemental Analysis coupled with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry), allows for:

• Determine a geographic origin,
• Detect adulteration or undeclared blending,
• Identify the botanical origin of certain natural compounds, particularly in the case of high value-added essential oils.

CIRAM laboratories comply with all applicable standards

The CIRAM laboratories comply with major international standards, including ASTM D6866 and EN 16640, to ensure reliable scientific expertise.

The EN 16128 standard, dedicated to natural and organic cosmetic products, explicitly recommends carbon 14 analysis for determining the bio-based fraction.

Reliable methods for cosmetics analysis with CIRAM

In summary, the use of radiocarbon for the characterization of cosmetic products constitutes a reliable and precise method applicable to all cosmetic matrices (liquid, solid, or gel), without the need to know the detailed chemical composition of the sample.

This scientific analysis method is relevant at all stages of the industrial process, from research and development, to the final product, including raw material sourcing, process validation, formulation, and obtaining labels highlighting the naturalness of cosmetic products.

Would you like to analyze an essential oil, a cosmetic ingredient, or a finished product?
The CIRAM teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and offer you a tailored, reliable analysis solution that complies with your regulatory and industrial requirements.

Carbon-14 analysis to detect adulteration or authenticate a product
 

Used in industry in general—and in the agri-food sector in particular—radiocarbon or carbon-14 analysis can be performed at every stage of the industrial process to characterize your flavorings and dietary supplements. Carbon-14 can also be used to inspect products from a partner or supplier. Learn about the methods used by CIRAM laboratories.

Carbon-14 and stable isotopes can be used to detect adulteration, authenticate a bio-based product, or determine a product’s provenance or botanical origin.

Using radiocarbon (or carbon-14) analysis, CIRAM laboratories measure the ratio of natural components to synthetic components. Radiocarbon analysis is based on the activity of carbon-14. Since carbon-14 decays over time and is completely gone after approximately 60,000 years, we can conclude that petroleum and other fossil materials no longer contain carbon-14; they contain only “old” carbon, unlike biomass, which has a full reservoir of carbon-14 and therefore contains only “modern” carbon.

A method used to measure the amount of "old" carbon and "modern" carbon
 

The radiocarbon technique measures the amount of "old" and "modern" carbon. The method is efficient and offers many advantages:

· It works on all materials, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous;

· It offers high accuracy, on the order of 0.4%, and a detection limit of 0.3%;

· It is very fast—results are available in an average of 7 business days—and inexpensive.

In the food industry in general—and in the flavors and dietary supplements sector in particular—there is a growing demand for products with high natural content. This is both a marketing and an environmental consideration. A carbon-14 test can therefore be used to develop a natural product, evaluate a supplier, or inspect a product before it is brought to market. This technique is useful and is employed from the R&D phase through to the finished product, as well as for analyzing packaging.

Measuring the percentage of natural ingredients will be very useful for verifying that raw materials comply with regulations or standards, authenticating organic agricultural products, and verifying raw materials.

Important: A product’s water content will not be taken into account and will not interfere with the radiocarbon measurement. This is because we measure only the total amount of carbon and its isotopic ratios.

Additional analyses for a detailed study of the products
 

Furthermore, by analyzing the stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, and δ2D), or through EA-IRMS analysis—elemental analysis coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry—we can determine the geographic origin, detect adulteration, or identify the botanical origin of a compound.

CIRAM laboratories comply with international standards, such as ASTM D6866 and EN 16640, which recommend analyzing the bio-based content using the carbon-14 method.

Radiocarbon: An Essential Element in the Study of Products
 

In summary, the use of radiocarbon for characterizing flavors and dietary supplements is a reliable, accurate method that works on all types of matrices (liquid, solid, and gel) without requiring knowledge of their chemical composition. It is also appropriate to use radiocarbon at every stage of the industrial process, from the research project through sourcing, validation of various treatments, and formulation, all the way to the final product—and even for obtaining certification.

CIRAM Laboratories offer a precise and comprehensive analysis of products. In addition to providing the results, we discuss with you the interpretations and relevance of the analyses performed.

Specialists in carbon-14 analysis, CIRAM laboratories use the ASTM D6866 standard to deliver results compliant with regulations. Discover without delay the contribution of radiocarbon to the analysis of biogas, as well as industrial chimney smoke.

The principle of radiocarbon analysis

Biogas mainly contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is possible to quantify these elements by elemental analysis, for example. But it is impossible to distinguish the biogenic or fossil origin of a hydrogen or oxygen atom. However, it is possible to do so for carbon. The 14 isotope of carbon is unstable, so it transforms over time. Its concentration is halved every 5730 years; this is called "half-life." After 10 periods, carbon 14 has completely disappeared. Natural gas comes from the decomposition of organic materials over millions of years, far beyond the 10 periods of carbon 14, which is about 60,000 years. Therefore, natural gas no longer contains carbon 14. Conversely, current biomass has a full reserve of carbon 14, which is referred to as "modern carbon." From radiocarbon analysis, the proportion of bio-based or biogenic (modern) carbon and the proportion of fossil (ancient) carbon present in biogas are quantified.

Carbon-14 fume analysis

Depending on the fuel burned, chimney smoke will contain more or less biogenic CO2. CIRAM laboratories analyze chimney smoke CO2 by radiocarbon in compliance with ASTM D6866 standard.

By measuring carbon-14 concentration, CIRAM determines the percentage of biogenic carbon in relation to carbon of fossil origin. Two types of carbon are distinguished with :

• Materials containing biogenic carbon (rich in carbon 14). This includes wood, paper and biomass of animal or plant origin.
• Materials containing fossil carbon (low in carbon 14), i.e. coal, oil or natural gas.

Measurements can be taken directly on a smoke sample collected at the chimney outlet. CIRAM laboratories use special bags to collect CO2 on site. Fine particles can also be sampled from filters installed on industrial chimneys.

A system dedicated to biogas and flue gas analysis thanks to CIRAM laboratories

CIRAM has developed a dedicated system for biogas and flue gas analysis. This system is directly connected to the automatic graphitizer. The gas is not injected into the elemental analyzer, as it is for solids and liquids, but passes through a "sulfur trap". It is vital to trap the sulfur before graphitization, as sulfur is a graphitization inhibitor. The gas, once purified, will be transformed into graphite (pure carbon) by the graphitizer.

Note that this system does not provide elemental concentration or stable isotopic information, as the gas is injected directly into the graphitizer without passing through the EA-IRMS.

CIRAM laboratories, specialists in carbon-14 dating

CIRAM laboratories take radiocarbon measurements of your biofuel samples in general, and biogas samples in particular, as well as industrial flue gases to determine the percentage of biogenic material they contain.

Carbon-14 analysis is possible not only on gas, but also on liquids and solids. CIRAM complies with the ASTM D6866 standard for the study of your biogas, in order to provide you with reliable and precise expertise.

ASTM D6866 is the reference standard for the analysis of biofuels and biogas using the carbon-14 technique. Our engineers interpret the results in the laboratory, and provide full results within 10 working days.

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 bio-based carbon content in these materials.

In this article, we explore how the ISO 16620-2 standard based on the Carbon 14 method can be used to qualify and quantify the biosourced and petrosourced parts of polymers in general, and plastics in particular. You'll 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 via mass balance and/or life cycle analysis and/or the ISCC method, it is becoming essential to use objective, reliable, and rapid measurements to qualify and quantify the bio-based content 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 100% bio-based carbon.

Why is this standard crucial for manufacturers?

ISO 16620-2 compliant analyses enable industry professionals to certify the renewable carbon content of their products. This is a crucial step in the certification of bio-based materials, as it validates product compliance with 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

Application of the ISO 16620-2 standard enables manufacturers to reliably quantify the biosourced content of plastics. This step is essential for obtaining certification 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 bio-based carbon in polymers. This analysis is based on the measurement of isotopic ratios of 14C, 13C and 12C, and enables the percentage of modern carbon to be calculated.

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 AMS (gas pedal coupled to a mass spectrometer) 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 bio-based 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

Analysis laboratories for bio-based products such as CIRAM play an indispensable role in the application of the ISO 16620-2 standard. They provide precise services to verify bio-based 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 respecting the strict requirements of certifying 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 such as ASTM D6866 analysis, this approach guarantees compliance with ISO 16620-2, essential for the competitiveness of companies in a sector undergoing rapid transformation towards more responsible materials. Laboratories specializing in the bio-based industry 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 bio-based 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.

Attention, the bio-based content in no way defines 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 bio-based 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 bio-based 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 (petroleum-based) carbon.

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 resources 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 clearly distinguishes them from bio-based sources.

By measuring the isotopic ratio between ¹⁴C, ¹³C, and ¹²C, scientists at the CIRAM supports precisely determine the content of modern (bio-based) and fossil (petro-based) carbon in a sample. This approach forms the basis ofradiocarbon analysis, which is used for the characterization of bio-based 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 bio-based 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% bio-based carbon.

Since 2003dating, official reference values used in the context of the NF EN 16640 standard are published by theUniversity of Groningen, ensuring international consistency in the interpretation of resultscarbon-14 analysis.

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

• in 2022, the value corresponding to 100% bio-based 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.

From the reference value REF, XTCB can be calculated, which is the bio-based 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 bio-based carbon content by the AMS radiocarbon technique has an uncertainty of ± 2%. This implies that the bio-based carbon content can vary by ± 2%. That is to say, a value of XTCB of 98% could be considered 100% bio-based carbon relative to total carbon, within the limits of uncertainty.

The NF EN 16640 standard does not recommend any specific 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 bio-based carbon relative to total carbon, unlike the ASTM D6866 standard which may consider the percentage of bio-based carbon relative to total organic carbon.

Find out more about the various methods for analyzing solid recovered fuels, as well as current international and European regulations.

What is solid recovered fuel (SRF)?

Solid Recovered Fuels (CSR in French or SRF in English) are a new, partly renewable energy source. CSRs make it possible to recover value from household or industrial waste and are an interesting alternative to fossil fuels. But before being used, solid recovered fuels must first be analyzed since they are heterogeneous materials that can contain paper, cardboard, wood, but also petroleum-based products like plastic.

Techniques used for CRS analysis

Several techniques exist to analyze the bio-based carbon content of WtEs while complying with the standard NF EN ISO 21644.

CSR can be analyzed by manual sorting, selective dissolution or radiocarbon analysis.

The selective dissolution technique

Selective dissolution is based on the assumption that biomass dissolves under the combined effect of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. While this technique may seem simpler to use than radiocarbon analysis, it does present a number of biases and inaccuracies:

• Selective dissolution assumes that all materials have common physico-chemical properties.
• Some plastics, though petroleum-based, are biodegradable and will therefore be dissolved and associated with biomass.
• Conversely, some biobased polymers are not biodegradable and will therefore not dissolve;
• The EN ISO 21644 standard specifies that the selective dissolution method underestimates the biobased content by 3% when CSRs contain paper, and by up to 16% for those containing rubber.

The selective dissolution method therefore lacks precision and reliability. That's why CIRAM laboratories use a more precise and reliable scientific technique: radiocarbon.

The radiocarbon technique, the method used by CIRAM laboratories

To deliver accurate, reliable results that comply with current standards, CIRAM laboratories use the radiocarbon technique to measure the biomass content of SRF.

This analysis is based on the activity of the carbon 14 isotope. Knowing that carbon 14 decays over time, disappearing after 60,0000 years, we can consider that oil and other fossil materials no longer contain carbon 14; they contain only "old" carbon, unlike biomass, which contains exclusively "modern" carbon.

The radiocarbon technique measures the amount of "old" and "modern" carbon. The method is efficient and offers many advantages:

• It works on all materials, whether solid, liquid or gaseous;
• Greater reliability and precision than with selective dissolution. Accuracy with radiocarbon is estimated at 0.5% and the detection limit at 0.3%;
• There is no underestimation or overestimation of biobased content;
• The radiocarbon method developed in CIRAM laboratories provides accurate biomass quantity values.

Sample preparation for radiocarbon technique

While radiocarbon analysis is more accurate, it requires special sample preparation.

CSRs are composed of different materials, so the sample must be homogenized beforehand before performing the carbon 14 measurement. Micronization ensures the representativeness of the sample and therefore of the result. If no radiocarbon laboratory is accredited for micronization according to the NF EN ISO 21646 standard, there are specialized units for sample preparation that carry out these mechanical treatments before the radiocarbon measurement.

Why choose carbon-14 for CSR analysis?

As we've said, the radiocarbon method is the most accurate and reliable analysis for your solid recovered fuels. With this technique, you not only reduce the shortfall in revenue, but also avoid a tax adjustment due to misdeclaration of biobased content.

Taking tires as an example, selective dissolution underestimates the biobased content of rubber by 16%. Bearing in mind that tires contain an average of 40% rubber, we can estimate a shortfall of 10,000 tonnes of C02 equivalent in 2015 with selective dissolution.

Radiocarbon analysis is therefore the most reliable and accurate method for characterizing your CSR.

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 bio-based materials from petro-based materials. It is not only accurate, but also adaptable to different types of matrix (liquid, solid, gel). Compared with 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 bio-based materials. Working with researchers and manufacturers, they optimize biopolymer formulations to improve 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 share of biogenic carbon in industrial products. These analyses are crucial for industrial companies seeking to certify the bio-based content of their products, to prevent fraud, and to comply with growing environmental standards. Furthermore, CIRAM laboratories support industrial companies and help them navigate the complexities of regulations and adopt more sustainable and innovative practices. This comprehensive support makes the CIRAM laboratories a key player in the bio-based 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 bio-based 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.