At CIRAM, we perform carbon-14 analyses in accordance with ISO 16620-2 to accurately determine the proportion of bio-based carbon in plastics, polymers, and biopolymers.
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ISO 16620-2 is an international standard for determining the bio-based content of plastics and polymeric materials. It is part of the ISO 16620 series of standards on bio-based plastics and is now a key reference for manufacturers developing materials derived from renewable resources.
Its objective is to provide a harmonized method for quantifying the proportion of bio-based carbon in carbon-containing polymers, resins, monomers, and additives.
The standard is based on radiocarbon (carbon-14) dating, which makes it possible to distinguish between:
It thus allows for:
As the industry transitions toward more sustainable, recyclable, and traceable plastics, this standard provides a reliable scientific framework for characterizing the origin of the carbon used in materials.
For more information on the principles of radiocarbon dating as applied to bio-based plastics, see our dedicated article: ISO 16620-2, a standard for radiocarbon analysis of plastics.
Request a quoteMany companies in the biomaterials, biofuels and renewable energies sectors call on CIRAM to analyze the biobased content of their products according to ASTM D6866.
The ISO 16620-2 standard is used throughout the plastics and polymers value chain to reliably measure the proportion of carbon derived from renewable resources.
It applies in particular to:
The standard specifies various analytical methods based on the measurement of carbon-14. Among these is accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is currently the gold standard due to its precision and sensitivity. This is the method used by CIRAM to ensure robust results that are directly applicable in industrial and regulatory contexts.
The analysis determines the percentage of modern carbon (pMC), a value derived directly from the measurement of carbon-14. This value is then used to express the bio-based carbon content of the material.
Results can be expressed as a percentage of bio-based carbon or as a fraction of renewable carbon, ensuring a reliable, traceable, and reproducible measurement. This approach provides an independent assessment of supplier claims or material balances, based solely on the isotopic signature of the carbon contained in the material.
Request a quoteBy choosing CIRAM, you are relying on an independent laboratory that specializes in radiocarbon analysis and the characterization of complex polymer and bio-based materials.
We bring you :
No. ISO 16620-2 is specifically designed for plastics and polymers, whereas ASTM D6866 applies to a wider range of materials, including solids, liquids, and gases.
Plastics, polymers, resins, bioplastics, additives, and carbon-containing formulations.
The standard provides analytical data used in certification, labeling, and environmental auditing processes, but does not constitute certification in and of itself.
Biodegradable means that a material can break down naturally. A bio-based material is derived from renewable resources, but it is not necessarily biodegradable.
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