Quantifying Biobased

Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866
Carbon 14, what is it and how is it measured?
Quantifying Biobased Content of Materials Using ASTM-D6866

Alex Shroff
Beta Analytic Inc.

March 1st 2011

Linking Bio-based Materials to Renewable Energy Production

1
Quantifying Biobased
Overview
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased •Background of Biobased
Background of
ASTM D6866 •Background of ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification
•Use in certification of Biobased products

Application of •Applications of ASTM D6866

ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic •Background of Beta Analytic

background
•Conclusion
Conclusion

2
Quantifying Biobased What is “Biobased” ? Premise: Use less petroleum
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased

Background of US Department of Agriculture’s Renewably Sourced Carbon

ASTM D6866
definition: Total Organic Carbon
Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866
• ASTM-D6866 results are to be consistent with this definition
Beta Analytic
background • Mass of component is factored out

Conclusion • A single value is applicable across industries

• Carbonates of natural mineral origin are to be excluded

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Quantifying Biobased
Carbon-14
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased

Background of
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
Naturally occurring
background
in all biomass,
Conclusion
absent in fossil fuels
ASTM D6866 measures it.
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Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Carbon-14 is ubiquitous in all living things.

Background of
Biobased

Background of But it doesn’t stick around.

ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification
It slowly and gradually decays away after death, so that by
50,000 years there’s none left.
Application of
ASTM D6866
Coal and fossil-derived materials do not have any
Beta Analytic
background carbon-14 whereas biomass does.
Conclusion

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Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866
Take a good look, Identical?
Background of
Biobased
Carbon-14
Background of

• Biomass CO2
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866
• Fossil Fuel CO2
Beta Analytic
background
No Carbon-14
Conclusion

They’re NOT the same!

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 The Radiocarbon Cycle
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866 STEP 1: Ongoing formation and decay of radiocarbon within the atmosphere

Background of Nitrogen ( 14N ) + cosmic neutrons Radiocarbon (14C)

Biobased
Radiocarbon immediately oxidizes Carbon dioxide (14CO2)
Background of
ASTM D6866
The radiocarbon immediately starts to decay (T1/2 = 5730 years)
Use in Product
Certification
14N +n 14C

Application of
ASTM D6866 “Constant” amount of radiocarbon
Beta Analytic in the atmosphere as CO2
background 14C Decay 14CO
2

Conclusion

STEP 2: Radiocarbon is removed from the atmosphere by plants

STEP 3: Disequilibrium begins upon “death”

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Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased

Background of
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
background

Conclusion

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Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased

Background of
ASTM D6866 If it were 50 % corn-based &
50% petroleum derived
Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866
If it were 100%
Beta Analytic petroleum derived
background

Conclusion

0 50,000 yrs

Regardless of the percentage of

total carbon in the product
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Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
ASTM-D6866 is a standardization of
Biobased
radiocarbon dating methods used by
Background of
ASTM D6866 archaeologists to determine the age of
Use in Product fossils.
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
Methods that have been in use for 60 years
background
(mature technology)
Conclusion

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 and being a mature industry . . .
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased
• Expertise
Background of • Laboratories
ASTM D6866
• Well-known sources of error
Use in Product
Certification • Supply Lines
Application of
ASTM D6866
• Venders

Beta Analytic
• Instrumentation
background
• Raw materials
Conclusion

Complete pre-existing infrastructure

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 USDA BioPreferred Program
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

• Federal Procurement
Background of
Biobased

Background of – Program began in 2005

ASTM D6866

Use in Product – Mandatory purchasing of biobased products by

Certification
government agencies
Application of
ASTM D6866
– Biobased minimums enforced for each product
Beta Analytic category
background

Conclusion
– ASTM D6866 used to determine if products meet
minimums

More information: www.biopreferred.gov 12

 USDA BioPreferred Program
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

• BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Program

Background of
Biobased

– Began February 2011

Background of
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
– Consumer product label
Certification

Application of – Minimum biobased content 25%

ASTM D6866 (Not BioPreferred procurement products)

Beta Analytic
background – Biobased % listed on label
Conclusion
– ASTM D6866 used to determine percentage

More information: www.biopreferred.gov 13

 Other Product Certification Programs
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866
Vinçotte OK Biobased

• Eco-label which indicates a product’s biobased content – the more stars in the logo, the higher biobased content.
Background of • Products must be at least 20% biobased according to ASTM D6866 results to obtain the OK Biobased logo

Biobased
Japan BioPlastics Association BiomassPla
Background of • BiomassPla certification and labeling system certifies biomass-based plastic products.
ASTM D6866 • Plastic products must contain biomass-derived components measured using ASTM D6866 to qualify.

EcoLogo (Canada)
Use in Product
Certification
• Program certifies a broad range of commercial products.
• Standard for hand sanitizers CCD-170 requires biobased content testing via ASTM D6866.
Application of
ASTM D6866 Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative

• Released a list of purchasing specifications called BioSpecs.

Beta Analytic • Food service ware must be at least be 95% biobased according to ASTM D6866 to qualify for a rating.
background
ICC Evaluation Service, Inc.
Conclusion
• Issued a guideline outlining the requirements for obtaining an ICC-ES Verification of Attributes Report.
• The Evaluation Building materials are recommended to have ASTM D6866 measurements.

Green Electronics Council EPEAT Program

• Aids purchasers assess and select electronic products based on environmental attributes.
• Verification of the biobased content is determined with ASTM D6866.

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 Alternative fuel biomass determination:
C14 Dating internationally recognized
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866 ASTM International
• Standardized through ASTM D6866

Background of
Biobased
CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
• Standardized through CEN 15440 (CEN 15747)

Background of EU-ETS (EU Emission Trading Scheme)

ASTM D6866 • Recommends CEN 15747 for refuse-derived fuels

Use in Product ROCs (Renewable Obligation Program UK)

Certification • Currently being Approved
• Program based on energy instead of CO2.
• Calculation being evaluated by OFGEM for each project application
Application of
ASTM D6866 US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
• Required to report carbon-neutral CO2 in waste and blended alternative fuels
• Required for waste derived biofuels and recommended for imported blended biofuels
Beta Analytic
background ARB (California Air Resources Board)
• Required to report carbon-neutral CO2 in waste and blended alternative fuels

Conclusion TCR (The Climate Registry)

• Measuring biogenic emissions from biofuels, waste fuels, and biomass co-firing.

WCI (Western Climate Initiative)

• For combustion units using mixed fuels and waste-derived fuels

Australia Greenhouse and Energy Reporting

• Determine the amounts of each kind of fuel in blended liquid or solid fuels.

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 Working Example : Surprises
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866
The manufacturer submitted 3 samples
Radiocarbon Dating Results were . . .
Background of
Biobased Product A 69 % Biobased
Background of Product B 78 % Biobased
ASTM D6866
Product C 70 % Biobased
Use in Product
Certification A B C

Application of
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
background

Conclusion After the analyses, the manufacturer informed the lab that A, B, & C were all
the same product and an error must be present in the result for Product B
ASTM-D6866 determined the biobased content & revealed a quality control issue.

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 MARKETING PERSPECTIVE
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of 50 % biobased also means 50% less petroleum carbon.

Biobased
– consider this in the marketing of your biobased products
Background of
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification
“This product contains 50% less petroleum than our previous formulas”

Application of
ASTM D6866

• Immediately understood by the public

Beta Analytic
background
• Positive public image and reception
Conclusion

• Brings value to your assemblers, distributors

and retailers

17
 LEGAL PERSPECTIVE – PRODUCT DEFENSE
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of An ASTM-D6866 analysis is routine, but complex – it is a “one off

Biobased
measurement”
Background of
ASTM D6866
If you are doing R&D or product development, generally one
measurement is fine.
Use in Product
Certification
If you are submitting materials to the USDA’s BioPreferred Program or
Application of other certification, we recommend 2 analyses per material for better
ASTM D6866
credibility and averaging.
Beta Analytic
background If you are doing any kind of product discovery, product market
protection, or any purpose that may entail commercial or legal
Conclusion
repercussions, we recommend 3-4 analyses per material.

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 Considerations in using ASTM-D6866
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

• All carbon components must be either fossil or contemporary

Background of
Biobased (respiring carbon within last 10 years)

Background of
ASTM D6866 • The reported result will be unique to the actual material analyzed

Use in Product
Certification
• Ensure a representative sample is analyzed
Application of
ASTM D6866
• Consider the homogeneity of your product
Beta Analytic
background
• If carbonates of natural mineral origin account for > 3% of
Conclusion
the total carbon in the product, it must be subtracted out of
the “Biobased Content”.

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 Reporting
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased

Background of
Simple Visual Report
ASTM D6866

Use in Product
Certification
Easy Inter-comparison
Application of
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
background
Instinctively Obvious
Conclusion

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 Time and Cost
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of
Biobased How long does it take to get a result?
Background of
ASTM D6866 4-7 Business Days
Use in Product
Certification

Application of
ASTM D6866 How much does it cost?
Beta Analytic
background
£395 per analysis
Conclusion

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 ISO 17025
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

Background of • Highest level of recognized quality any testing laboratory can attain
Biobased

Background of
ASTM D6866 • Recognized by every major certification program

Use in Product
Certification • Beta Analytic was awarded the ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 accreditation
Application of
ASTM D6866
• Only provider of radiocarbon determinations in the world with ISO
Beta Analytic 17025 Accreditation
background

Conclusion

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 Company Background
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

• 30 years in business, considered the leader of our field

Background of
Biobased

Background of • Fast turn-around times (as little as 24 hours)

ASTM D6866

Use in Product • Confidentiality of all results

Certification

Application of • Large throughput operation [52 LSC counters, 2 mass spectrometers,

ASTM D6866 2 accelerator mass spectrometers, 16 chemistry lines]
Beta Analytic
background
• 20 dedicated full-time professionals, no part-time students learning
on your samples
Conclusion

• ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited

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 Conclusion
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
Using ASTM-D6866

• Biobased materials are derived from renewable biological

Background of
Biobased resources

Background of
ASTM D6866 • Carbon-14 is present in biobased materials and absent in fossil
fuel-derived materials
Use in Product
Certification
• ASTM D6866 can be used on any material type (solid, liquids,
Application of gases)
ASTM D6866

Beta Analytic
background
• ASTM D6866 is used in major certification programs including the
USDA BioPreferred Voluntary Label for Biobased Products
Conclusion

• Biobased content testing is an offsite analysis; results reported

as % biobased versus % fossil-derived

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 WWW.BETALABSERVICES.COM
Quantifying Biobased
Content of Materials
European Facility
Using ASTM-D6866 Beta Analytic Limited
London BioScience Innovation Centre
2 Royal College Street
London NW10NH
Background of United Kingdom
Biobased Tel: +(44) 020 7617 7490
Email: info@betalabservices.com

Background of
Japan Representative United States (HQ) China Forwarding Facility
ASTM D6866 Chikyu Kagaku Kenkyusho Corp. Beta Analytic Inc.
4985 SW 74 Court
1-608 Ueda-Honmachi Miami, Florida 33155 5/F South Block Tower C, Raycom InfoTech Park
Tenpaku-ku Tel: +1 305 662 7760 No.2 KeXueYuan South Road, Haidian District,
Use in Product Nagoya 468-0007 Info@betalabservices.com Beijing 100190
Japan China
Certification Tel: +(81) 52 802 0703 Tel: +(86) 10 8418 1950
Email: geoinfo@geolab.co.jp Email: info@radiocarbon.cn
Website: www.betalabservices.com/jp Website: http://www.radiocarbon.cn
Application of
ASTM D6866
India Forwarding Facility Latin American Forwarding Facility Australia Forwarding Facility
Beta Analytic Beta Analytic Inc. Beta Analytic Inc. Beta Analytic Inc.
4th Floor, Rectangle 1 Avenida das Nações Unidas, nº 12.551 - 9º andar 1, Pacific Highway, Level 12,
background Commercial Complex D4 Cep: 04578-000 - São Paulo North Sydney NSW 2060
Saket, New Delhi 110017 Brazil Australia
India Tel: +(55) 11 3958 8586 Tel: +(61) 2 82053107
Conclusion Tel: +(91) 9013020788 Email: info@radiocarbon.eu Fax: +61 2 9959 3003
Email: info@radiocarbon.in

Alex Shroff
Ashroff@betalabservices.com
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