Can you trust a ‘biobased’ claim?

What is biobased?

A long time ago, nearly every product could claim to be biobased because the name simply states its materials were originally derived from a living organism, hence the prefix ‘bio’. Anything made from leather, silk, wood or wool is therefore naturally biobased. One of the advantages of these biobased products is that they are considered more sustainable. This is because they are wholly or partially derived from biological sources and require minimal processing, producing lower CO2 emissions, consuming less water and with a decreased reliance on harmful chemicals.

Today, the term is also applied to several new materials, each requiring more extensive processing. This includes renewable biomasses made from inputs such as wood flour, bamboo, straw, cereals and legumes. More confusingly for consumers, the term can also be applied to biopolymers and bioplastics, which are good alternatives to virgin plastic.

A natural polymer is one that is obtained from a biomass either wholly or partly by chemical and/or biological industrial process(es), and in which the polymer retains the original chemical structure and composition present in the biomass. Also known as biopolymers, they include starch and cellulose, which can be used for packaging materials, and biobased synthetic polymer (also known as bioplastics).

Common examples of natural polymers include polylactic acid (PLA) (made from corn starch or sugar cane) and chitosan. Chitosan is a good example of a modern biobased material. It is a polysaccharide derived from chitin, a substance found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans (e.g. crabs and shrimp), insect’s cuticles and the cell walls of some fungi. It has antimicrobial properties and is used in a variety of sectors, including the pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic and food industries.

Growing demand and the risk of greenwashing

Consumers are increasingly drawn to products that carry the claim of being biobased as they attempt to reduce their impact on the planet. This trend is expected to continue, and over the next ten years it is estimated the market for biobased biodegradable plastics will grow by 10% CAGR, reaching USD 13.6 billion by 2033.

Where there is an increased demand for products that can claim to be biobased, there is also the opportunity for greenwashing. Since it is difficult for consumers to instantly tell the difference between a material, especially plastic, that can genuinely carry the claim and one that is falsely labeled, it is important for businesses looking to expand their market share to find a way to display the veracity of their claim.

SGS biobased certification

Certification helps businesses demonstrate the validity of their biobased environmental attribute claim. In addition to products made from plastics, such as plastic toys, kitchenware and food packaging, this service is also applicable to other solids and liquids.

Testing is conducted in two parts. Firstly, products are independently tested against either one of the following 14-carbon isotope analysis standards:

• ASTM D6866 – Standard test methods for determining the biobased content of solid, liquid and gaseous samples using radiocarbon analysis
• EN 16640 – Biobased Products – Determination of the biobased carbon content using the radiocarbon method
• ISO 16620-2 – Plastics – Biobased content – Determination of biobased carbon content

They will also undergo qualitative analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and other relevant methodologies relating to the material.

To be considered biobased, the material must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum of 30% total carbon based on dry mass
• Minimum of 20% biobased carbon content

Products that conform to these biobased criteria are certified for five years, with compulsory surveillance testing, and can display the SGS Biobased Green Mark.

SGS Green Marks

Each SGS Green Mark covers an individual environmental attribute claim, allowing businesses to enhance trust in their products through independent, scientific evaluation. In addition to biobased, SGS Green Marks are also available for hazardous substances assessed, recycled content, PFAS-assessed, PVC-free, industrial compostable and biodegradability.

Every Green Mark is tailored to the requirements of the product and the claim being made. For biobased, this will include details of the standards against which the product has been assessed (ASTM D6866, EN 16640 or ISO 16620-2) and details of its level of conformity – for example, biobased carbon 30%. In addition, each mark carries a QR code that gives interested parties access to a database where they can verify the label and its claim.

Biobased certification and SGS Green Marks are proven ways to build a brand’s reputation. With consumer demand for sustainable products increasing and the threat of greenwashing becoming ever more serious, they provide a straightforward way for businesses to demonstrate the reliability of their biobased attribute claims.

Learn more at sgs.com/green-marks