KBBPPS

Knowledge Based Bio-based Products' Pre-Standardization

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The application of standards and certification systems in the European bio-based product industry has positive long-term effects on the overall development of bio-based product markets. Trade barriers are reduced and the development of a pan-European market for bio-based products is promoted. Finally, public acceptance of bio-based products is increased through ensuring and verifying the sustainable sourcing of raw materials, the effective bio-content and clear indication of their (comparative) functionality in relation to the regular products. The KBBPPS project aims at increasing the uptake speed of standards and certification systems for bio-based products.

This project covers research and demonstration on bio-based carbon content determination, biomass content methods not solely dependent on 14C-analysis and biodegradability and eco-toxicity test schemes. Next, identification and resolution of functionality related bottlenecks with the view to developing, harmonising and validating test methodologies will be undertaken. The possibilities for improving sample preparation, fractionation and thermal treatments will be studied in order to cover bio-base carbon and other bio-based elements determination. Next, practical solutions for stakeholders, lab and field tests on biodegradation or biological derived elements will be investigated. The goal in the end is that the results can be copied one-to-one into European standards.

Following Mandates by the EC, the European Standardization Committee initiated a Technical Committee, CEN/TC 411. on 'Bio-based products'. By participating in this committee (its Secretariat being one of the partners), by exchanging with ASTM and ISO, and by doing pre- and co-normative research for them, KBBPPS will allow the European stakeholders to progress with well-defined, sound test methods correlated to actual field behaviour and applicability in the lab.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded researchers are investigating current methods for standardizing bio-based products. The four-part study assesses the methods' suitability or otherwise, and has resulted in improvements and new standards.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The designation bio-based product means one composed mainly of renewable agricultural or forestry materials. It is important to be able to certify such products and differentiate them from non-bio-based alternatives.

Hence, the project 'Knowledge based bio-based products' pre-standardization' (http://www.kbbpps.eu (KBBPPS)) aims to accelerate adoption of relevant standards and certification. The goal will be accomplished via a four-part research programme examining various testing methods, ultimately laying the foundation for a robust new European standard. The existence of clear standards will help the market develop. Involving seven organizations, the project will conclude in July 2015 after three years of collaboration.

Work to date has led to four reports being submitted to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), and two standardisation deliverables.

The project defined a set of bio-based products covering 26 categories. The motivation was helping to remove market entry barriers, also fostered through interview- and literature-based market research.

Researchers overviewed current global sampling and biogenic carbon standards, the results of which were reported to CEN. Two measurement techniques were improved and have been summarised in a report, followed by the development of European standards.

Three studies addressed bio-based content determination. One concerned novel thermal treatments for biogenic measurement, and concluded that thermogravimetry is less effective than bomb calorimetry. A second assessment concerned fractionation of formulations prior to measurement, concluding that fractionation is not applicable as a horizontal approach. A third report inventories techniques for determining biomass content for non-carbon elements.

The consortium has summarised and reported on current knowledge regarding biodegradability, focusing on biodegradation and ecotoxicity test methods for bio-based lubricants and solvents. Studies evaluated whether certain measurements and product modifications are necessary, concluding that testing methods are the main problem. Investigations have begun regarding the biodegradability and ecotoxicity of lubricants in freshwater and soil.

KBBPPS is evaluating existing methods of determining bio-based content, thus far determining that stable-isotope analysis is the most promising. The work is expected to yield a new European standard for certifying bio-based products, and has led to a new spin-off EU-funded project, OPEN-BIO.