At CIRAM, we perform carbon-14 analyses in accordance with ASTM D6866 to accurately determine the proportion of bio-based carbon in industrial products.
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The ASTM D6866 standard was established in 2004. It defines test methods for determining the bio-based carbon content of solid, liquid, and gaseous materials using radiocarbon analysis.
It is based on the distinction between:
The analytical methods used (AMS, IRMS, or LSC, as appropriate) allow this proportion to be quantified with an uncertainty generally ranging from 0.1% to ±3%, depending on the protocols and laboratories. In addition, the method uses international reference materials to ensure the traceability of measurements and their comparability across laboratories.
For an in-depth analysis of the standard, please see our dedicated article: Bio-based industry: What is the ASTM D6866-24 standard?
Explore the areas of applicationMany companies in the biomaterials, biofuels and renewable energies sectors call on CIRAM to analyze the biobased content of their products according to ASTM D6866.
Within this regulatory framework, CIRAM applies the ASTM D6866 standard within a rigorous analytical framework: the analyses performed by our laboratory are based on accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), the gold standard technology for measuring carbon-14.
This technique makes it possible to accurately quantify the proportion of carbon from modern sources as opposed to fossil carbon, based on the natural presence (or absence) of carbon-14 in the materials.
Our results are expressed as a percentage of bio-based carbon, with a controlled uncertainty of 0.3% to 0.5%, making them ready for use in your technical documents, certification applications, or sales pitches.
Request a quoteBy choosing CIRAM, you are relying on an independent scientific laboratory with over 20 years of specialized expertise in radiocarbon dating and analysis. Our laboratory is recognized for its expertise in ASTM D6866 methods and offers you:
All products containing at least 1% carbon: liquids, solids, or gases. Even formulated and complex products are eligible.
Yes. It is often used as a supplement to or equivalent of European standards and is widely accepted, and even recommended, in requests for proposals and environmental audits.
Carbon-14 analysis provides independent scientific proof, uninfluenced by supplier declarations or technical data sheets.
Yes, CIRAM results can be integrated into ecolabel, LCA, biosourced certification or CSR reporting dossiers.
Of course. We'll show you how to collect, package and securely ship your samples.
The current version is ASTM D6866-24a, published in 2024.
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