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.

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.

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According to the USDA, the seminar is designed for personnel in Federal Agencies and Federal contractor organizations, state and local governments, colleges and universities, and all those who want to learn more about biobased products and the Federal procurement preference for biobased products. Experts who will discuss success stories and best practices include Ed Murtagh of the Office of Operations (USDA), Bill Balek of ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association), and USDA BioPreferred Program Manager Ron Buckhalt. To register to this webinar, visit this BioPreferred Seminar Page.

The USDA previously held a webinar on November 1, 2011, to provide an overview on the BioPreferred Federal Procurement Preference Program. Speakers of the seminar entitled “From Awareness to Action: The BioPreferred Federal Procurement Preference Program” were Mr. Buckhalt and Linda Mesaros, the president of Mesaros Associates, Inc., which provides environmental and energy procurement consulting services. The archived webcast is found in this page.

Round 8 – USDA Proposes 13 New Product Categories

The USDA BioPreferred Program is proposing 13 new product categories for federal procurement with the following minimum biobased content as measure via ASTM D6866:

(1) Air Fresheners and Deodorizers – 97%

(2) Asphalt and Tar Removers – 80%

(3) Asphalt Restorers – 68%

(4) Blast Media – 94%

(5) Candles and Wax Melts – 88%

(6) Electronic Components Cleaners – 91%

(7) Floor Coverings (Non-Carpet) – 91%

(8) Foot Care Products – 83%

(9) Furniture Cleaners and Protectors – 77%

(10) Inks

* Inks – News (used primarily to print newspapers) – 32%

* Inks – Printer Toner (powdered chemical for printers with advanced fusing mechanisms and print speeds of 25 pages per minute or greater) – 20%

* Inks – Printer Toner (powdered chemical for printers with standard fusing mechanisms and print speeds of less than 25 pages per minute) – 34%

* Inks – Sheetfed (Black) – 49%

* Inks – Sheetfed (Color) – 67%

* Inks – Specialty (inks used to add extra characteristics to their prints for special effects or functions, e.g. CD printing, erasable, FDA compliant, invisible, magnetic, scratch and sniff, thermochromic, and tree marking inks) – 66%

(11) Packaging and Insulating Materials – 82%

(12) Pneumatic Equipment Lubricants – 67%

(13) Wood and Concrete Stains – 39%

The USDA published the proposed rule in the US Federal Register on September 14, 2011. Public comments were accepted until November 14, 2011.

ASTM D6866 Biobased Content Testing

ISO 17025-accredited Beta Analytic Inc. provides high-quality ASTM D6866 testing services to the biobased industry with a turnaround time of three to five days. The lab has provided biobased content analysis since the ASTM standard was first published in 2004. The method was developed by ASTM International at the request of the USDA for its BioPreferred Program.

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

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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.

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

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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

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Green Polymer Chemistry 2012
March 20-22, 2012
Cologne, Germany

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Biopolymer World Congress
April 23-24, 2012
Venice, Italy

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The World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessings
April 29-May 2, 2012
Orlando, Florida

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International Conference on Biobased Polymers and Composites
May 27-31, 2012
Siofok, Hungary

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Aside from articles and studies, Agrobiobase.com also posts the latest industry news including features on new biobased products available in the market as well as regulatory updates. The website is available in French and English.

Inside Agrobiobase.com

The main database is divided into two sections – biomaterials and biochemicals. Supplier info and technical data on bioproducts like bioplastics, biopolymers, natural fibers, and biocomposites, can be found in the Biomaterials database. Suppliers and technical data of biosolvents, biosurfactants, biolubricants, chemical intermediates, resins, and other biobased ingredients can be found in the biochemicals database.

Agrobiobase.com also publishes a newsletter which highlights a product in the database, provides a summary of the latest industry news, and lists the suppliers that have registered in the website. Site visitors can subscribe to the newsletter for free.

Agrobiobase.com Registration

Companies may register their biobased products in Agrobiobase.com free of charge until October 2011. They can add their company profiles, technical data, and contact details in Agrobiobase.com by creating an account.

Contact Person:
Mr. Jean Bausset, Project Agrobiobase
Email: bausset@iar-pole.com
Tel: +33(0)3.23.24.92.03

Beta Analytic would like to acknowledge the IAR’s assistance in promoting ASTM D6866 testing to the biobased industry.

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“Biobased products are not only good for the environment, they’re creating jobs here in Michigan and across the country,” said Secretary Vilsack. “In Michigan alone, dozens of companies are producing a wide range of new items. Nationwide, this rapidly-growing initiative is already responsible for an estimated 100,000 jobs.”

Secretary Vilsack noted that MBI is focused on developing ways to produce chemicals and materials from biobased feedstocks. In January, USDA announced the USDA Certified Biobased Product voluntary labeling program so customers know when they are buying a biobased product. To date, 500 products nationwide have been certified under the program including 19 in Michigan.

Additionally, the USDA is working with other agencies to increase federal purchases of biobased products designated by the Biopreferred program. To date, USDA has designated over 8,900 individual products that qualify for preferred Federal purchase, including 540 products made by 90 Michigan companies. Both the label and the Federal preference program identify biobased products composed wholly or significantly of agricultural ingredients – renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. The new label indicates the product has been independently certified to meet USDA standards for biobased content.

Secretary Vilsack’s trip to Michigan is part of the Administration’s continued efforts to highlight coordinated efforts to spark job creation and sustainable economic development. Last week the Secretary announced an agreement among USDA, the Department of Energy, and the Navy to promote the development and manufacture of next-generation “drop-in” biofuels for military and civilian use.

The Secretary also chairs the White House Rural Council, which is working to improve economic conditions and create jobs. Late last week he announced the signing of an agreement with the Council on Foundations to better coordinate public and private development efforts to bring new capital and investment to rural communities.

USDA BioPreferred Program

USDA’s BioPreferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill to increase the purchase and use of biobased products within the Federal government and the commercial market. Congress reauthorized and strengthened the program in the 2008 Farm Bill to further promote the sale of biobased products. With the launch of this new biobased product label, USDA’s BioPreferred program is now comprised of two parts: a biobased product procurement preference program for Federal agencies, and a voluntary labeling initiative for the broad-scale marketing of biobased products.

Biobased products help add value to commodities, create jobs in rural communities, increase U.S. energy independence by reducing the use of petroleum in manufactured products and may also reduce the introduction of fossil carbon into the atmosphere, thus mitigating potential climate change impacts. To learn more, please visit www.biopreferred.gov.

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“This is an important milestone as increasing bioproduct demand and use helps create jobs in rural communities and adds value to agricultural commodities,” said Mr. Vilsack. “According to a recent Iowa State University study, survey respondents from the biobased product industry reported more than 100,000 jobs—largely domestic—associated with their biobased product lines.”

The final rule, published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2011, is part of a series of rules to designate biobased items.

New Biobased Product Categories

The new product categories designated under Round 7 include:

(1) animal repellent;
(2) bath products;
(3) bioremediation materials;
(4) compost activators and accelerators;
(5) concrete and asphalt cleaners;
(6) cuts, burns and abrasions ointments;
(7) dishwashing products;
(8) erosion control materials;
(9) floor cleaners and protectors;
(10) hair care products such as conditioners and shampoos;
(11) interior paints and coatings such as latex and waterborne alkyd and oil-based and solvent-born alkyd;
(12) oven and grill cleaners;
(13) slide way lubricants; and
(14) thermal shipping containers – durable and non-durable

Biobased products are composed wholly or significantly of biological ingredients – renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. A BioPreferred designated item is one that meets or exceeds USDA established minimum biobased content requirements.

The BioPreferred program was created by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill) as a preferred procurement program for federal agencies and a voluntary labeling program for broad scale marketing of biobased products.

Please visit http://www.biopreferred.gov for more information on Round 7 and a complete list and description of each BioPreferred designated item.

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Independent reports commissioned by OFGEM and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) have acknowledged the carbon-14 technique to be an accurate method for the determination of biomass content of flue gases. Data from the carbon-14 test is then used to compute for the renewable energy content of the waste-derived fuels like municipal solid waste.

According to Mr. Richard Bellingham, OFGEM’s Manager for Renewables: Biomass, Waste and Co-firing, OFGEM is prepared to consider fuel measurement and sampling procedures that propose to use the Carbon-14 technique on a case to case basis. OFGEM will require the following information from electricity generators that will use the technique: (1) procedure for sampling flue gases, (2) technique for determining the carbon-14 to carbon-12 ratio in samples of flue gas, and (3) carbon ratio to energy calculations.

In the announcement dated July 8, 2011, OFGEM stressed that generators are not obligated to use the Carbon-14 technique.

OFGEM regulates the gas and electricity markets in the UK and takes charge of the Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) Program. A ROC is a green certificate issued for eligible renewable electricity generated within the UK and supplied to customers in the UK by a licensed supplier. Generally, one ROC is issued for each megawatt hour (MWh) of eligible renewable output generated. ROCs can also be claimed against the percentage of the electricity generated from the biomass portion of the waste feedstock.

UK NNFCC Champions Carbon-14 Technique

The UK’s National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) for biorenewable energy, fuels, and materials supports OFGEM’s decision to approve the Carbon-14 technique. Dr. Matthew Aylott of the NNFCC describes the carbon-14 technique as an easy and accurate tool to differentiate between carbon dioxide emissions from fossil and renewable fuels.

In March 2011, the NNFCC hosted a conference entitled “Linking Bio-Based Materials to Renewable Energy Production.” At this conference, Mr. Chris Manson-Whitton of Progressive Energy discussed the straightforward relationship between renewable carbon and renewable energy. During his presentation, he showed how to compute for the renewable energy content using the renewable carbon content data.

In the same conference, Beta Analytic Deputy Manager for European Operations Mr. Alexander Shroff talked about Carbon-14 and how it is measured.

The Powerpoint Presentations of Mr. Manson-Whitton and Mr. Shroff are available at the NNFCC website.

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“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.

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The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the annual renewable fuel volume targets, which steadily increase to an overall level of 36 billion gallons in 2022. To achieve these volumes, EPA calculates a percentage-based standard for the following year. Based on the standard, each refiner, importer, and non-oxygenate blender of gasoline or diesel determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its transportation fuel.

The proposed 2012 overall volumes and standards are:

Biomass-based diesel (1.0 billion gallons; 0.91 percent)
Advanced biofuels (2.0 billion gallons; 1.21 percent)
Cellulosic biofuels (3.45 – 12.9 million gallons; 0.002 – 0.010 percent)
Total renewable fuels (15.2 billion gallons; 9.21 percent)

Based on analysis of market availability, EPA is proposing a 2012 cellulosic volume that is lower than the EISA target for 2012 of 500 million gallons. EPA will continue to evaluate the market as it works to finalize the cellulosic standard in the coming months. The agency remains optimistic that the commercial availability of cellulosic biofuel will continue to grow in the years ahead.

In addition, EPA is proposing a volume requirement of 1.28 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel for 2013. EISA specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for that category for 2013 and beyond, but enables EPA to increase the volume requirement after consideration of a variety of environmental, market, and energy-related factors

Overall, the EPA’s RFS2 program encourages greater use of renewable fuels, including advanced biofuels. For 2012, the program is proposing to implement EISA’s requirement to blend more than 1.25 billion gallons of renewable fuels over the amount mandated for 2011.

Comments are due on or before August 11, 2011.

CONTACT:
EPA Press Office
Cathy Milbourn
Milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
202-420-8648
202-564-4355

Beta Analytic is not affiliated with the US EPA or the Renewable Fuel Standards Program.

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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.

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