Detergents and surfactants

Analysis laboratory for detergents and surfactants

Carbon-14 dating, or radiocarbon dating, is based on measuring the radiological activity of carbon 14 contained in all organic matter.

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Cleaning products made from natural and bio-based ingredients

Regulatory context and certification of detergent and surfactant products

Bio-based industrial productsare subject to strict standards ensuring formulation transparency and access to environmental certifications. Among the main references:

  • NF EN 16640: European standard specifying carbon-14 analysis methods to determine the bio-based content of a product with a total carbon approach.
  • ASTM D6866: international standard for quantifying the bio-based carbon content in industrial products, using a total carbon or total organic carbon approach;
  • EN 16785: European standard providing a detailed framework for determining bio-based content by measuring carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen concentrations.
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Three scientists discussing while standing around a microscope and some samples

Radiocarbon analysis to measure the biobased content of detergents and surfactants

Radiocarbon datingis a reference scientific method for accurately measuring the bio-based content of a product. It is based on the quantification of carbon 14:

  • Biobased materials (animal, vegetable): contain C14, with a percentage of modern carbon (pMC) of 100%.
  • Fossil fuels (oil, gas): no longer containing C14, their pMC is 0%.

Hybrid products contain a mix of bio-based and petro-based materials, and have a pMC of between 0% and 100%. This value is a direct reflection of their proportion of biobased materials.

For example, a 100% biobased detergent will have a pMC of 100, while a surfactant containing 60% biobased material for 40% pre-sourced material will have a pMC of 60. This analysis enables manufacturers to validate the composition of their products, comply with standards and optimize their formulations by integrating more sustainable raw materials.

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The challenges and practical applications of detergents and surfactants for manufacturers

01 - Performance and efficiency issues

The integration of bio-based surfactants must not be a hindrance or compromise the effectiveness of formulations. To achieve this, manufacturers must evaluate:

  • Surfactant efficacy under real-life conditions.
  • Compatibility with other components in formulations.
  • The stability and biodegradability of detergents produced to guarantee long-lasting performance.

02 - Economic issues and cost optimization

The integration of biobased surfactants into industrial production enables :

  • Control of production costs from the moment raw materials are integrated into manufacturing processes.
  • Improved yields to guarantee performance equivalent to petroleum-based surfactants.
  • Anticipation of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and limit future risks.

03 - Concrete applications for manufacturers

The analysis of detergents and surfactants carried out by laboratories using the radiocarbon method allows manufacturers to intervene at several stages of the product life cycle:

  • Validation of the bio-based content of formulations to control the composition and origin of raw materials.
  • Quality control of finished products to ensure compliance with commitments.
  • Certification and regulatory compliance (NF EN 16640, ASTM D6866).
  • Optimisation of manufacturing processes to gradually integrate bio-based surfactants into existing products.

Why choose CIRAM laboratories for radiocarbon analysis of detergents and surfactants?

CIRAM is a laboratory expert in radiocarbon analysis, with over 20 years of experience in the analysis of bio-based products. We offer manufacturers unique expertise for the characterization of detergents and surfactants, using advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry and chemical and physicochemical analysis methods. Our laboratory is certified and complies with international standards.

We offer a tailor-made approach, including a preliminary diagnosis, support in interpreting the results, and recommendations for optimizing your formulations. Our analyses comply with reference standards:

  • NF EN 16640: Quantification of bio-based carbon in industrial products by radiocarbon. Total carbon approach.
  • ASTM D6866: Measurement of the biobased carbon content by radiocarbon. Total carbon or total organic carbon approach.
  • EN 16785: Detailed method for determining the biobased content of formulations by radiocarbon and elemental analysis.

CIRAM accompanies you to analyze, certify, and optimize your detergents and surfactants. Benefit from the expertise of the European leader in radiocarbon analysis and request your study on our website.

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Are you asking yourself these questions?

How does the radiocarbon method work?

This method measures the proportion of carbon 14 (C14) in organic materials. Biobased materials contain C14, while fossil-based materials no longer do, making it possible to calculate the proportion of biobased carbon in a product.

What are the deadlines for radiocarbon analysis of detergents and surfactants?

Analysis takes 10 working days.

How does CIRAM support manufacturers in this process?

CIRAM offers a tailor-made approach, including a diagnosis of analysis needs, support in interpreting results and specific recommendations for optimizing formulations and production processes.

How can I contact CIRAM for detergent and surfactant analysis?

You can easily get in touch with our teams via our website. Click on the "Contact our teams" button for more information or to request a customized study.

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