Carbon-14 analysis for biofuels and CSR

Analysis of biogenic carbon: biofuels, CSR, and CO₂ emissions

Accurately measure the proportion of biogenic carbon in your biofuels, solid recovered fuels (SRF), and CO₂ emissions using carbon-14 analysis.

CIRAM supports manufacturers in quantifying biogenic carbon tomeet regulatory requirements, ensure the accuracy of carbon footprints, and enhance the reliability of environmental disclosures.

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What is biogenic carbon?

Biogenic carbonrefers to carbon derived from recent biomass (plant, animal, or microbial matter), as opposed to fossil carbon derived from oil, gas, or coal.

Unlike fossil carbon, biogenic carbon is part of a short natural cycle: it is absorbed by living organisms and then released when those organisms are broken down or burned. In carbon footprint calculations, it is generally considered carbon-neutral, unlike fossil carbon.

When it comes to biofuels, RSDs, biogas, or CO₂ emissions, identifying the share of biogenic carbon makes it possible to:

  • Measuring the renewable fraction of a fuel,
  • Distinguish between biogenic and fossil CO₂ emissions,
  • Comply with regulatory requirements (RED II, EU ETS…),
  • Highlight the environmental performance of facilities.
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They trust us

Major players in the energy, waste management, and chemical industries turn to CIRAM to characterize their biofuels, CSR, and CO2 emissions.

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Why measure biogenic carbon in your fuels and emissions?

European regulations require producers and users of alternative fuels—such as biofuels or Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF)—to demonstrate the proportion of renewable carbon in their inputs and emissions. This measure is essential for:

  • Meet the requirements of the RED II directive (renewable energies),
  • Calculating biogenic vs. fossil CO₂ emissions in carbon footprints,
  • Justify eligibility for certificates of origin, carbon credits or support mechanisms,
  • Ensure regulatory compliance of classified facilities (ICPE, incinerators, cogeneration units, cement plants),
  • Promote the energy transition to authorities, investors and partners.

At CIRAM, we produce reliable analytical results that are accepted by certification bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry partners.

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Our techniques for analyzing biogenic carbon in industry

To quantify the proportion of biogenic carbon in biofuels, solid recovered fuels (SRF), or CO₂ emissions, CIRAM relies onaccelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis of carbon-14, the international reference method.

This technique makes it possible to distinguish between fossil carbon (which contains no carbon-14) and biogenic carbon derived from recent biomass. It thus provides a reliable and accurate measurement of the renewable fraction, which is approximately 0.3%.

The analysis applies to both fuels and industrial emissions, making it possible, in particular, to determine the proportion of biogenic CO₂ in flue gases and to improve the accuracy of carbon budgets.

Our protocols are developed in accordance with current international standards:

  • ISO 21644 for CSR,
  • ASTM D6866 for biofuels and fuels.

In addition, stable isotope analysis can be performed to refine the interpretation, particularly in cases involving complex mixtures or disputes.

Each sample is prepared and analyzed in our laboratory according to rigorously validated procedures, guaranteeing traceability, reproducibility and robustness of results. You benefit from a clear, standardized report that can be used directly in your compliance, certification or environmental enhancement procedures.

Unlike bio-based content analyses, which assess a material’s composition, this approach aims to characterize carbon flows within an energy and industrial context.

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The steps involved in analyzing a fuel or an emission at CIRAM

CIRAM 's analysis process is rigorous and transparent:

01 - Qualifying your needs

We work with you to identify the type of sample, the applicable standard, the regulatory context and your objectives (declaration, audit, benchmarking, etc.).

02 - Sampling protocol

We provide you with precise instructions for collecting, packaging and shipping samples (liquids, solids, gases).

03 - Laboratory preparation and processing

Each sample is handled according to strict procedures to guarantee accuracy of analysis, even for heterogeneous or complex materials.

04 - Carbon-14 and isotopic analysis

Analysis is carried out according to the relevant standard, with the possibility of quality control or double analysis.

05 - Results and support

You receive a full report, with biobased data expressed in %.

Why choose CIRAM to characterize your fuels and emissions?

When you choose CIRAM, you benefit from the support of an independent laboratory, specialized in carbon-14 analysis and recognized for the quality of its services on complex matrices. We regularly work with :

  • Producers of RDF, biofuels and SAF wishing to demonstrate the renewable energy value of their batches,
  • Operators of boilers, cogeneration units or industrial furnaces, as part of regulatory declarations,
  • Biogas, biomethane and synthetic fuels players involved in RED II or LCA certification programs,
  • Consulting firms or public authorities, as part of independent audits or expert appraisals.

We deliver our results within 10 working days, accompanied by a technical interpretation and, if necessary, a discussion with your teams to integrate the data into your reports or internal tools.

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Are you asking yourself these questions?

What types of samples can you analyze?

Solid RSCs, liquid biofuels (ethanol, HVO...), biogas, CO₂ from flue gases, or complex mixtures (textiles, plastics, biomass...).

Does your analysis comply with current standards?

Yes, our methods comply with ISO 21644, ISO 13833 and ASTM D6866 standards. Results can be used for regulatory audits, certifications or CSR reports.

Do you supply sampling kits for gases or CSR?

We can guide you through the sampling protocol and put you in touch with equipped service providers if necessary.

Can I have a complex mixture analyzed (e.g. CSR containing plastic, paper and textiles)?

Yes, carbon-14 analysis is particularly well-suited to this type of heterogeneous mixture, enabling the total renewable content to be identified.

Can the analysis be used to benefit from carbon credits or support mechanisms?

Yes, our reports can be used as proof to access regulatory or financial schemes (quotas, green certificates, LCA, etc.).

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Your other challenges in the Biobased Industry

Measuring the biobased content of industrial products
Measuring the biobased content of industrial products

Measure the proportion of renewable raw materials in your formulations and certify their biobased origin.

Analysis of product naturalness: verifying natural origin using carbon-14 and isotopic analysis
Analysis of product naturalness: verifying natural origin using carbon-14 and isotopic analysis

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ASTM D6866 test for measuring the biobased content of industrial products
ASTM D6866 test for measuring the biobased content of industrial products

Make sure your products meet international standards for biobased content by following ASTM D6866.

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