Biobased Testing for Sustainable Products

You bought a water bottle that claims it is made from 100% sustainable biobased plastic. How can you know for sure? As industries embrace sustainability, the demand for verified biobased products is rising, along with concerns about greenwashing and false environmental claims. Accurate verification of biobased content is critical for regulatory compliance, consumer trust, and market differentiation. 

Global certification programs increasingly require third-party testing aligned with international standards such as ASTM D6866, ISO 16620-2, and EN 16640EN 16640. Without reliable testing, products risk failing certification and losing credibility in sustainability-driven markets. 

At SGS Beta, we offer comprehensive Biobased Product Testing to accurately determine the biomass-derived content in raw materials or end products. Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory utilizes Carbon-14 analysis to distinguish between biobased and fossil-derived carbon, providing results that are essential for certification, regulatory compliance, and product development.   

  • Standard Service: Results delivered within 7 business days  
  • Priority Service: Results delivered within 4 business days

Case Studies: Reebok and Sustainable Fashion 

Reebok has led the way in sustainable fashion through its plant-based shoes made from biomass-derived materials. Using ASTM D6866 testing at SGS Beta for biobased content validation, the brand ensured its materials met rigorous scientific standards. Reebok’s Cotton + Corn shoes were certified 75% biobased through the USDA BioPreferred® Program. This initiative reflects Reebok’s commitment to combining high-performance design with environmental responsibility. Read more on the case study.  

Video: Carbon 14 Testing in various industries 

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Achievement Certification

SGS Green Marks “Biobased”  

The Green Marks environmental claim certification and verification scheme applies on the product, packaging and in promotional materials and advertising to show end-users that the environmental claim is certified or verified by SGS.  

For the Biobased Content attribute, a material should have a minimum of 30% total carbon based on dry mass. This mark states the percentage of biobased carbon content once a minimum of 20% biobased carbon is met.  

For more information, visit: https://www.sgs.com/en-us/services/sgs-green-marks  

USDA BioPreferred® Program   

The BioPreferred Program requires ASTM D6866 testing from a USDA-approved laboratory to apply for certification. Utilizing our biobased content testing services, companies can obtain accurate measurements of biobased carbon content, qualifying for certification and enhancing their market appeal.  

Visit https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/ for more information.  

Click here to view our guide for BioPreferred Program applicants.  

EU Ecolabel  

The European Commission created the EU Ecolabel as a voluntary scheme that tackles the main environmental impacts of products throughout their full lifecycle, from extraction of raw material to disposal. For lubricants, the minimum bio-based carbon content in the final product shall be 25% in accordance with EN 16807 if the term ‘bio-based’ or ‘bio-lubricant’ is used.  

Read More: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel/product-groups-and-criteria/lubricants_en  

Why SGS for your Testing Needs?

  • Global Reach, Local Expertise: A worldwide laboratory network backed by local knowledge to meet your needs.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Expertise in regional and international guidelines, including EPA, CCME, and more.
  • Customized Analytical Plans: Tailored testing protocols to address unique project challenges.
  • Proven Track Record: Decades of experience delivering high-quality data to industries across North America.

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