TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK biobased certification: measuring the biobased content of products

At CIRAM, we perform carbon 14 analyses to determine the proportion of biobased carbon in products as part of the OK biobased certification from TÜV AUSTRIA, applied to raw materials, intermediates, and finished products derived from renewable resources.

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Laboratory analyses supporting OK Biobased certification for biobased materials

What is the OK biobased certification developed by TÜV AUSTRIA?

The OK biobased certification from TÜV AUSTRIA is a voluntary system for evaluating and certifying the biobased content of a product.

It is based on carbon-14 analysis, which distinguishes carbon from renewable resources (recent biomass) from carbon from fossil resources. This method thus reliably determines the percentage of biobased carbon in a material.

The certification applies to products containing raw materials of natural origin such as starch, cellulose, or biobased polymers.

The classification is based on a system of 1 to 4 stars, directly linked to the measured biobased carbon percentage:

  • ★ 20% to 40%
  • ★★ 40% to 60%
  • ★★★ 60–80%
  • ★★★★ over 80%

This system allows for a simple, comparative, and immediately understandable reading of a product's biobased level.

For a global overview of the main European labels for bioplastics and biopolymers, you can consult our dedicated article: Bioplastics and biopolymers: which labels in Europe?.

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Industrial Applications of the OK Biobased Certification

The OK biobased certification applies to a wide range of products derived from biobased materials or natural polymers…, including:

  • Plastics and bioplastics,
  • Polymers and resins,
  • Chemical additives and intermediates,
  • Finished biobased products.

It is used in the following processes:

  • Development of biobased materials,
  • Industrial quality control,
  • Supporting evidence for environmental claims,
  • Product certification and labeling.

It allows manufacturers to have an objective and standardized measurement of the biobased content, independent of supplier declarations.

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Why choose CIRAM for your OK Biobased testing?

At CIRAM, we carry out the analyses necessary for OK biobased certification within a rigorous analytical framework, adapted to biobased materials and industrial requirements.

Our approach is based on carbon-14 dating to ensure reliable, comparable, and actionable results for certification processes.

We bring you :

  • A mastery of carbon 14 dating methods applied to biobased materials,
  • Analyses conducted using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS),
  • Expertise in polymers, bioplastics, and complex formulations,
  • Reliable and traceable results for certification files,
  • Scientific guidance in interpreting data,
  • Complete confidentiality of samples and results.

Are you asking yourself these questions?

Is OK biobased a standard?

No, this is a voluntary certification system based on measuring the biobased content.

Which products can be certified?

Raw materials, intermediates, and finished products derived from biobased materials. Fuels are excluded.

Is certification related to compostability?

No, it only measures the biobased content, with no link to biodegradability.

How is the biobased content measured?

By carbon-14 dating in accordance with standard NF EN 16640.

Does CIRAM issue the OK Biobased certification?

No, CIRAM only conducts the scientific analyses used for certification purposes.

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