ASTM D6866, Beta Analytic » Event Participation (Conferences)

Biobased Content Testing Lab Beta Analytic Exhibits at Wood-Plastic Composites 2011

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:35:31 +0000

Beta Analytic Inc. was one of the exhibitors at Wood-Plastic Composites 2011, an international business conference and exhibition organized by Applied Market Information Ltd (AMI) for the wood-plastic composites industry. Deputy manager for European operations Alex Shroff represented the lab at the conference held in Vienna, Austria.

Trex Company CEO Ronald Kaplan and SILVADEC EVP Bénédicte Jezequel presented at the event. AMI expert Jon Nash talked about the market outlook. Most of the participants were biocomposite product manufacturers, equipment vendors, and consulting firms. The AMI expected 250 delegates from more than 30 countries around the world.

The conference was held at Austria Trend Savoyen Hotel in Vienna from November 8 to November 10, 2011.

This was AMI’s eighth Wood-Plastic Composites conference. AMI serves the plastics industry through its market research and consulting services.

Alex Shroff at Wood-Plastic Composites 2011 (photo courtesy of AMI)

Beta Analytic Biobased Content Testing

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic supports the biobased industry by providing fast, high-quality biobased content analysis. The lab reports results in three to five days. Beta Analytic measures the biobased content of products through ASTM D6866 or CEN/TS 16137.

Beta Analytic is based in Miami, Florida, and has sample forwarding offices in London, UK; Sydney, Australia; São Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; New Delhi, India; and Nagoya, Japan. Packages sent to these forwarding facilities are sent to Miami via overnight courier services at Beta Analytic’s expense.

For more information, please contact Alex Shroff at lab@radiocarbon.com or +44-207-617-7417. Inquiries on biobased content analysis may also be sent via Live Chat at www.betalabservices.com.

Beta Analytic Presents at Pacific Rim Summit in Malaysia

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:57:57 +0000

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic Inc. is participating at the Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology & BioEnergy currently underway at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ms. Pat Patodia, Beta Analytic’s Research Associate, will discuss “Measuring the Biobased Content of Renewable Chemicals and Biofuels via ASTM D6866.”

The 2011 Pacific Rim Summit highlights the latest issues in industrial biotechnology as well as advanced biofuels, renewable hydrocarbons, biopolymers and bioplastics, and green chemistry, among others. It has two technical tracks – Biomass and Biofuels, and Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Products. Ms. Pat is presenting under the latter.

“This summit is a great opportunity for Beta Analytic to introduce ASTM D6866 testing to biobased products and renewable chemical manufacturers from North America and Asia. Although there are few regulations or initiatives in Asia that require standardized testing at this time, I’m sure manufacturers see the need and marketing advantage of knowing the exact biobased content of their products,” Ms. Patodia says.

The three-day event started on November 21, 2011, contemporaneous with BioMalaysia 2011 Conference & Exhibition co-organized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The Pacific Rim Summit was co-organized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), which represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other countries. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

Pat Patodia Discussing ASTM D6866 Testing

Pat Patodia at Pacific Rim Summit 2011

ASTM D6866 Biobased Products and Renewable Chemicals Testing

The ASTM D6866 is a standard method based on radiocarbon analysis. Through this method, the exact percentage of a material that comes from renewable sources is accurately determined. Products made from renewable materials have known levels of radiocarbon or Carbon-14 whereas those from fossil sources have no radiocarbon. The product’s radiocarbon content is correlated to its biobased content.

Products made wholly from biomass are 100% biobased. Products made from 100% fossil feedstock are 0% biobased. Bioplastics, on the other hand, will have biobased content greater than 0% and lesser than 100% depending on how much of it comes from renewable materials.

ASTM D6866 was developed by ASTM International at the request of the US Department of Agriculture for its BioPreferred Program. Nowadays, the standard is also used in various ecolabeling programs including Japan BioPlastics Association’s BiomassPla certification and labeling system, Vinçotte’s OK Biobased Program, and EcoLogo’s standard for hand sanitizers CCD-170, to name a few. DIN CERTCO also uses the ASTM D6866 method for its biobased cerfitication scheme DIN-Geprüft Biobased.

ASTM D6866 results provide a measure of a product’s biobased content but has no implication on the product’s biodegradability. Some biobased products are not biodegradable.

Pat Patodia’s Speaker Profile and Beta Analytic’s Abstract

Pat Patodia’s Presentation

Carbon-14 Lab Presents at CIWM Futureproofing Thermal Treatment Conference

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:06:52 +0000

Deputy manager for European operations Alex Shroff presented the Carbon-14 method to participants of the Futureproofing Thermal Treatment Conference organized by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CWIM). The conference presented different methods available for sampling and measuring biogenic carbon content of mixed waste streams and the current existing options for the sustainable treatment of air pollution control (APC) residues.

Other conference speakers include Dr. Chris Manson Whitton of Progressive Energy Ltd., who also talked about Carbon-14; Peter Edwards and Christian Riber of Ramboll; Emma Clarke and Andy Jones of Future Industrial Services Ltd.; Costas Velis of Imperial College London; Dr. Mike Wise of Tetronics Ltd.; and Dr. Paula Carey of Carbon 8, among others.

The one-day conference was held on November 15, 2011, at the Austin Court in Birmingham, UK.

Carbon-14 Method

The Carbon-14 method involves measuring the Carbon-14 or radiocarbon content of a material and correlating it to biogenic carbon content. Biogenic carbon refers to carbon that comes from non-fossil sources like biomass.

Materials that come from contemporary biomass and other renewable sources have a known radiocarbon level. Materials from fossil sources have no radiocarbon in them. Thus, the radiocarbon content of a material is easily correlated to the biogenic carbon content.

The Carbon-14 method is one of the methods presented in EN 15440, a European standard for the determination of the biogenic carbon content of solid recovered fuels. Under this method, either the solid mixed waste or its combustion emission can be used as a sample. This inherent flexibility of the Carbon-14 method makes it an ideal analytical tool for the waste-to-energy industry.

Beta Analytic Carbon-14 Presentation at CIWM Conference

Beta Analytic Exhibits at 2011 Adhesive and Sealant Council Sustainability Summit

beta analytic — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:27:09 +0000

Beta Analytic will join this year’s Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) Sustainability Summit as an exhibitor. Business Development Manager Mauricio Larenas will represent the company at the two-day event in Rosemont, Illinois, which starts July 26, 2011. The summit will focus on defining “green” adhesives and sealants.

“The summit is a good opportunity to introduce ASTM D6866 biobased content testing to manufacturers, suppliers, formulators, and standards professionals. I will be available for consultation at the Beta Analytic booth near the registration area throughout the event. I would welcome any inquiries the participants will have about biobased content testing and its role in various certification programs worldwide,” Mr. Larenas says.

The 2011 ASC Sustainability Summit, to be held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, will include panel discussions focused on transportation, packaging, and building construction market segments; break out sessions, and a tour of a LEED Silver Building. Dr. Robert Peoples, American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute Director, will be joining the event as a keynote speaker. He will discuss the business importance of green chemistry across the industry.

The summit is organized by the ASC in cooperation with ASTM International.

Beta Analytic: ASTM D6866 Testing Provider

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic supports the adhesives and sealants industry by providing fast, high-quality ASTM D6866 testing services. Manufacturers, formulators, and distributors of biobased adhesive and sealant products are welcome to submit their samples directly to the lab in Miami, Florida, or to any of the company’s sample forwarding facilities located in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan, and the UK.

About the Adhesive and Sealant Council

The ASC is a North American trade association comprised of 114 adhesive and sealant manufacturers, raw material and equipment suppliers, distributors, and industry consultants, representing more than 75% of the U.S. industry with operations around the world. The organization offers education, legislative advocacy, professional networking, and business growth solutions for its members.

Beta Analytic to Participate in Future of Bioplastics Discussion at BioPlastek 2011

beta analytic — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:12:25 +0000

Darden Hood, Beta Analytic Inc.’s president, will join the discussion on the future of bioplastics at BioPlastek 2011, an interactive forum on bioplastics to be held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York from June 27 to June 29, 2011. As the ASTM D6866 testing expert in the panel, Mr. Hood aims to dispel misconceptions on the measurement and interpretation of a product’s biobased content percentage.

Other panel members include USDA BioPreferred Program Director at Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service Steven L. Devlin, Nexant Inc.’s Director of Strategy William L. Tittle, CMAI Group Vice President Don Bari, Lux Research Associate Andrew Soare, Mason Wells Managing Director Gregory J. Myers, Rafferty Capital Markets Senior Equity Analyst Ian Horowitz, and Maverick Biofuels Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer David Bradin. “The Future of Bioplastics: Making It Happen” discussion will take place on June 29 at 10 am. It will be moderated by Dr. Ronald S. Schotland, the president of conference organizer Schotland Business Research, Inc.

“Companies seeking advice on USDA BioPreferred Program application are welcome to visit Beta Analytic’s booth at the exhibit hall. I would be glad to discuss the significance of ASTM D6866 testing to a company’s marketing and advertising efforts,” Mr. Hood says.

Beta Analytic is not affiliated with the BioPreferred Program or the USDA.

Measuring Biobased Content via ASTM D6866

The exact biobased content percentage of a product is determined via ASTM D6866, a standard method based on radiocarbon analysis. Products wholly sourced from renewable sources have known radiocarbon levels whereas products from fossil sources have zero radiocarbon content. This major difference makes it easy to correlate a product’s radiocarbon level to its biobased content.

An ASTM D6866 result is expressed as “percent biobased” defined as the amount of organic carbon relative to the total carbon content in a material. The source of confusion in interpreting the results lies in this definition. It is often overlooked that ASTM D6866 only takes into account the organic carbon in the formulation and excludes inorganic carbon (e.g. carbon in carbonates).

Another source of misconception is in the definition of the term “biobased.” As per 2002 Farm Bill definition, a biobased product is a commercial or industrial product other than food or feed that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products including renewable domestic agricultural materials, forestry materials, and marine and animal materials. The 2008 Farm Bill has extended the definition of biobased products to include biobased intermediate ingredients or feedstocks. This biobased definition is included in the ASTM D6866 standard and the USDA BioPreferred Program.

It must be noted that the terms “biobased” or “non-biobased” are associated with carbon-containing materials. Glass, for example, may technically be “non-biobased” but is not generally referred to be such because it does not contain carbon.

ASTM D6866 was developed by ASTM International at the request of the USDA for the BioPreferred Program. ASTM D6866 was first published in 2004 and was further optimized over the years through revisions. The latest version of the ASTM D6866 method was released in April 2011.

ASTM D6866 Expert Beta Analytic

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic supports the biobased industry by providing accurate and precise biobased content results. The company has provided commercial ASTM D6866 analysis since 2004. Beta Analytic has participated in the development of ASTM D6866; the company is a member of the ASTM International subcommittee responsible for the development of the method. Beta Analytic served as the expert on radiocarbon analysis.

The company accepts biobased products for analysis through its lab in Miami, Florida, and sample forwarding offices located in London, UK; Sydney, Australia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; New Delhi, India; and Nagoya, Japan.

RRB7 Exhibitor Beta Analytic Promotes ASTM D6866 Testing to Biorefineries

beta analytic — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:10:31 +0000

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic Inc. is one of the exhibitors at the Seventh International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries (RRB7) in Bruges, Belgium. Alexander Shroff, deputy manager for European operations, and Thierry Sam Tamers, director, will represent the company at the event. The three-day conference, to be held at the Oud Sint-Jan Conference Centre, starts June 8.

Mr. Shroff and Mr. Tamers will be present at Beta Analytic’s booth at the exhibit hall. “I’m looking forward to meet academic researchers and industrial experts at the conference to discuss how ASTM D6866 testing can benefit their projects or biorefinery operations,” Mr. Shroff says.

Beta Analytic’s Booth at RRB7
At least 400 participants from around the world are expected to join RRB7. Aside from plenary lectures, oral presentations, and a poster session, RRB7 participants may also join a forum for industrial biotechnology focused on biomass feedstock and conversion technologies as well as a tour of the Genencor plant in Bruges. This year’s conference is organized as a twin conference of the Third International Biorefinery Conference in collaboration with DECHEMA e.V.

Alex Shroff at RRB7

ASTM D6866 Lab Beta Analytic

Based in Miami, Florida, Beta Analytic has provided ASTM D6866 analysis since the standard method’s publication in 2004. The company’s president, Mr. Darden Hood, is a member of the subcommittee in charge of developing the ASTM D6866 standard, which is based on radiocarbon dating techniques. Beta Analytic is known in archaeology and cultural heritage circles as the world’s largest professional radiocarbon dating lab.

The company opened a sample forwarding facility in London, UK, to better serve its clients in Europe. Beta Analytic also has offices and representatives in Sydney, Australia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; New Delhi, India; and Nagoya, Japan.

Contact:
Alexander Shroff
Tel.: +44 207 617 7417 (UK)
Tel.: +1 305 600 4716 (USA)
E-mail: ashroff(at)betalabservices.com

Beta Analytic Joins Back-to-back Plastics Conferences in Guangzhou, China

beta analytic — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:37:19 +0000

Fuming “Steven” Liu, Beta Analytic’s China Operations Manager, has promoted biobased content testing via ASTM D6866 at the Third China International Symposium on the Application of Biodegradable Plastics held in Guangzhou, China. Mr. Liu also visited the the China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex for the 25th International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries (Chinaplas 2011), which was considered to be Asia’s No. 1 plastics and rubber trade fair.

3rd Biodegradable Plastics Symposium

Mr. Liu was one of the speakers on Day 2 of the symposium. He talked about ASTM D6866 testing and the ecolabeling programs that require or recommend the test. Several plastics manufacturers have expressed interest in testing. As with his efforts in other previous conferences, Mr. Liu has successfully promoted not only Beta Analytic’s services but also biobased content testing. The Application of Biodegradable Plastics symposium was held on May 15-16, 2011.

Mr. Liu discussing the ASTM D6866 to symposium participants

Chinaplas 2011

This year’s conference had 2,200 exhibitors and more than 80,000 visitors from 35 countries around the world. Event organizers hoped to continue their mission to showcase the most innovative and advanced plastics and rubber machinery and raw materials. Other concurrent events at Chinaplas 2011 included the Eco-friendly Plastics Conference. Mr. Liu joined the conference, which tackled Bioplastics and Degradable Plastics, Recycling and Energy-saving issues. Chinaplas 2011 started on May 17 and ended on May 20.

Chinaplas 2011 Exhibitors

ASTM D6866 Lab Beta Analytic

Based in Miami, Florida, ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic has promoted ASTM D6866 biobased content analysis in various conferences around the world. The company supports the biobased industry by providing high-quality services with results routinely available in three to five business days.

The company has sample forwarding facilities in key cities around the world including London (UK), Sydney (Australia), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Beijing (China), New Delhi (India), and Nagoya (Japan). Beta Analytic has analyzed hundreds of biobased products since 2004 when the ASTM D6866 standard was first published.

BioPlastek 2011 Forum Newsletter Features Biobased Content Analysis

beta analytic — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:26:25 +0000

The BioPlastek 2011 Forum Newsletter published on May 16, 2011, featured an article about biobased content testing and Beta Analytic President Darden Hood’s participation in BioPlastek 2011 as one of the panelists in the session on “The Future of Bioplastics.”

Biobased Content Analysis: Measurement and Interpretation

A series of U.S. government “greening” initiatives beginning in 1998 led to the stipulation that Federal Agencies must give preferred purchase to competing products containing the highest biobased content. Today this is known as the USDA BioPreferred Program.

With manufacturers making claims of biobased content, the USDA needed a verification method in order to effectively implement the BioPreferred Program. With this, ASTM D6866 (Standard Test Method for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples using Radiocarbon Analysis) was born.

Radiocarbon dating is a proven methodology used by archaeologists for decades to tell us about the past. But because radiocarbon dating is unique to each laboratory, its applicability as a standardized verification method to quantify the biobased content of petroleum-based chemical alternatives remained in doubt. The U.S. government turned to ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials) to address this quandary. Through stakeholder participation and with the help of Mr. Hood, ASTM D6866 emerged as a standard approved method.

Although today ASTM D6866 measurements have been applied to a large number of biobased materials, the meaning of the term “percent biobased” is a source of confusion. “Percent biobased” is a measure of the amount of biobased carbon in the product as compared to the sum of biobased and petroleum-based carbon in the product. The value represents a measure of how much biobased material a company is using to manufacture its products relative to the more readily available and less expensive petroleum-based alternatives. It must be noted though that a product’s biobased content is based ONLY on the organic (carbon-containing) fraction of the formulation.

With the BioPreferred Program included as one of the topics in the session on “The Future of Bioplastics” at the upcoming BioPlastek 2011 Forum, Mr. Hood will be a panelist to clarify interpretation and measurement of percent biobased content.

The Forum will take place on June 27-29, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

ASTM D6866 Lab Beta Analytic Joins 2011 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology as Exhibitor

beta analytic — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:20:29 +0000

Beta Analytic, Inc., will showcase its ISO 17025-accredited lab’s services at the 8th World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, which starts May 8, 2011. Martin Tesini, the company’s Operations Manager for Latin America/Iberian Peninsula, will take charge of Beta Analytic’s tabletop display at the exhibit hall and would welcome any inquiries on biobased or renewable carbon content measurements. The four-day event will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Ontario, Canada.

More than 1,000 participants from the biofuel, biobased products, and renewable chemicals industries are expected to attend the congress. “I am excited to be a part of such a big event. I will take advantage of the unique networking opportunities at the congress. There aren’t that many conferences that foster discussions on topics related to climate change, sustainability, new sources of fuel, financing, and policy,” Mr. Tesini says.

Beta Analytic’s Martin Tesini at the 2011 World Congress

This year’s breakout program is divided into six tracks: (1) Advanced Biofuel Technologies, (2) Algae and Feedstock Crops, (3) Renewable Chemical Platforms and Biobased Materials, (4) Specialty Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Intermediates, Food Ingredients, (4) Public Policy, Infrastructure and Business Development, and (5) Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering. The poster session features dozens of researches on the latest developments in industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing. The congress also includes workshops and an investor session, under which 16 emerging industrial biotechnology companies will present to investors and analysts new technologies and business models covering advanced biofuels and renewable chemical platforms.

Beta Analytic’s Tabletop Display at the 2011 World Congress

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Exhibit Hall

This is the first time that Beta Analytic will be joining the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. The company has participated as speaker or exhibitor at other industrial biotechnology conferences held in North America, Europe, and Asia. Beta Analytic is committed to promote ASTM D6866 testing to various industries that need an accurate tool in quantifying the biobased content or renewable carbon content of solid, liquid, or gaseous products.

Beta Analytic: The Leader in ASTM D6866 Testing

Based in Miami, Florida, Beta Analytic has the fastest turnaround time in the industry. ASTM D6866 results are routinely reported between three to five business days. The company accepts samples through its offices and representatives in London, UK; Sydney, Australia; São Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; New Delhi, India; and Nagoya, Japan. All samples sent to these facilities are forwarded to the Miami lab via overnight courier services at Beta Analytic’s expense.

Contact:
Martin Tesini
Beta Analytic Inc.
4985 SW 74 Court
Miami, Florida 33155 USA
Direct Tel. US: (1) (305) 515-8066
Brazil: (55) 11 3958-8586
UK: (44) 207 193 5705
Email: info@betalabservices.com

Beta Analytic Introduces ASTM D6866 Testing to Cement Manufacturers in Asia

beta analytic — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:58:54 +0000

Andrew Pal, Beta Analytic’s Operations Manager for India, was one of the presenters at the 5th Global Fuels Conference for cement and lime held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mr. Pal, who is also the company’s Deputy Manager for Southeast Asia, talked about measuring the renewable carbon content of alternative fuels and their combustion emissions via ASTM D6866 method.

Around 100 delegates from 20 countries gathered at the five-star Sheraton Imperial Hotel for the two-day event to discuss the global trends in alternative fuels, process optimization, and preparation and logistics for alternative fuels. This year’s event was the first Global Fuels Conference held in Asia. According to Mr. Pal, many cement producers in Southeast Asia showed strong interest on the ASTM D6866 test. Many of them are planning to use scrap tires and other alternative fuels in their cement plants.

Mr. Pal’s presentation is found in our website.

Mr. Andrew Pal at the 5th Global Fuels Conference

The 5th Global Fuels Conference for cement and lime took place on April 12-13, 2011. Next year’s conference will be held in Aachen, Germany.

ASTM D6866 Lab Beta Analytic in Global Fuels Conferences

Beta Analytic has participated in previous Global Fuel Conferences in North America. Mauricio Larenas, the company’s Business Development Manager, was one of the speakers at the 2009 Global Fuels Conference held in Toronto, Canada. Beta Analytic Director Thierry Tamers took charge of the company’s exhibit at last year’s conference in Washington, D.C.

5th Global Fuels Conference Exhibit Hall

The company has joined these conferences to inform cement producers of the benefits of ASTM D6866 testing. This standard method is an accurate tool to quantify how much of a solid, liquid, or gaseous material comes from biomass or renewable sources. Most cement producers are unaware that alternative fuels like used tires and municipal solid waste have considerable biomass component and their combustion emissions should not be declared as 100% fossil in their greenhouse gas inventories. Based on Beta Analytic’s results, sewage sludge and demolition wood are not 100% biomass. Sewage sludge has considerable fossil input due to shampoos and detergents that enter the waste stream. Adhesives and paint, which are mostly petroleum-based, contribute to the fossil component of demolition wood.

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic is the world’s largest professional ASTM D6866 lab. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has several sample forwarding offices in Asia including Beijing, China; Nagoya, Japan; and New Delhi, India.

Beta Analytic Joins 1st World Congress of Bioenergy 2011 in China

beta analytic — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:37:46 +0000

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic, Inc., will participate in the 1st World Congress of Bioenergy (WCBE-2011) to be held at the World Expo Center in Dalian, China, from April 25 to April 30, 2011. Research & Development Associate Pat Patodia and China Operations Manager Fuming “Steven” Liu are representing Beta Analytic at the event.

Organized by BIT Life Sciences Inc., the conference aims to gather in one venue top academic researchers, policy makers, industry leaders, and investors to talk about the latest developments and technologies focused on harnessing nature’s bio-renewable energy. The event starts with a forum featuring Nobel Prize Laureates Dr. Erwin Neher, Dr. Richard Roberts, Dr. Ada E.Yonath, and Dr. Aaron Ciechanover.

This year’s program is divided into eight tracks: (1) Policy, Economy and Regulatory for Next Generation Bio-energy; (2) Breaking Research and Advanced Biofuel Technologies; (3) Resource Assessment and Sustainable Production of Feedstock; (4) Bio-ethanol and Next Generation Bio-alcohol; (5) Finance, Strategic Planning, Industrialization and Commercialization; (6) Biogases; (7) Bioprocess Development and Engineering Perspectives for Bio-energy; and (8) Biodiesel. Ms. Patodia is one of the speakers at the event’s session on “Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management: Recycling and Waste to Energy.” She will talk about measuring the biomass content of waste, carbon dioxide emissions, and biofuels via ASTM D6866.

Pat Patodia presenting ASTM D6866 testing to WCBE 2011 participants
Mr. Liu will be in charge of the company’s booth at the conference’s exhibit hall. Mr. Liu and Ms. Patodia are looking forward to introduce the benefits of ASTM D6866 testing to WCBE 2011 attendees.

Beta Analytic’s Booth at WCBE 2011

WCBE 2011 Exhibit Hall

ASTM D6866 Testing of Solid, Liquid, and Gas Samples

Based on radiocarbon analysis, ASTM D6866 is used to determine the exact percentage of a solid, liquid, or gas that comes from biomass. Radiocarbon is an isotope present only in materials generated from renewable sources/biomass. Petroleum-derived substances have no radiocarbon in them. Thus, a material’s radiocarbon content can be easily correlated to its biomass or renewable carbon content.

ASTM D6866 is an accurate tool to measure the biomass content of biofuels, waste, and their combustion CO2 emissions. The method has been incorporated in several regulatory protocols and climate change programs around the world including the U.S. EPA Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule, the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism AM0025 methodology, and the US Renewable Fuel Standard, among others.

Beta Analytic Talks About Biobased Content Measurement at 4th Biowerkstoff Kongress

beta analytic — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:55:46 +0000

Beta Analytic Deputy Manager for European Operations Alexander Shroff presented an overview on measuring biobased content of bioplastics and composites via ASTM D6866 testing on the second day of the 4th Biowerkstoff Kongress (4th International Congress on Bio-based Plastics and Composites). Mr. Shroff was one of the speakers of the two-day event, which featured the latest material and product developments from leading biobased product suppliers and developers around the world.

Mr. Shroff was also present at Booth #17 in the exhibit hall to promote ASTM D6866 testing to more than 150 participants from various industries including the automotive industry, civil engineering, consumer goods, and the packaging industry. The 4th Biowerkstoff Kongress was held at the Maternushaus in Cologne, Germany, on March 15-16, 2011.

Beta Analytic’s Booth

Beta Analytic Booth Visitors

4th Biowerkstoff Kongress Presentation

Alex Shroff (Right) with Mr. Hans van der Pol of Purac

ASTM D6866 Required in Biobased Product Certification Programs

There are several biobased product certification programs that recommend or require ASTM D6866 testing. Vincotte in Belgium requires biobased content measurements via ASTM D6866 for its OK Biobased program. This program uses a star system to disclose a product’s biobased content – one star for biobased content between 20% and 40%, two stars if between 40% and 60%, three stars if between 60% and 80%, and four stars for biobased content of more than 80%.

Aside from Vincotte’s OK Biobased Program, ASTM D6866 testing is also required in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Voluntary Labeling Program, Japan BioPlastics Association’s BiomassPla certification and labeling system, and EcoLogo Program’s CCD-170 standard for instant hand antiseptic products.

Beta Analytic ASTM D6866 Lab

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic recommends sending a maximum of 10 cc for non-combustible fluids, 200 microliters for combustible fluids, 50 cc for fluids with 90% water content, or 25 grams of solids for ASTM D6866 biobased content analysis. The company has no required minimum number of samples. According to Beta Analytic, one measurement is fine if results are for R&D purposes only. For product certification, two analyses per material are recommended for better credibility and averaging. For product market protection or any purpose that may entail commercial or legal repercussions, three to four analyses per material are recommended.

Beta Analytic’s ASTM D6866 lab is based in Miami, Florida, and has sample forwarding facilities in North Sydney, Australia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; New Delhi, India; Nagoya, Japan; and London, UK.