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Vincotte’s OK Biobased Labeling Program

Vincotte of Belgium uses a star system to indicate a certified product’s biobased content – the more stars, the higher the biobased content
This labeling program applies to basic/raw materials, intermediates, and finished products with at least 30% organic carbon fraction and 20% biobased carbon content.
An OK Biobased certification, which is valid for three years, has no implications on a product’s compostability or biodegradability.

NOTE: Beta Analytic is not affiliated with Vinçotte or the OK Biobased Program. However, you are welcome to contact BETA ANALYTIC on how to submit samples for testing as part of the OK Biobased accreditation.

OK Biobased Program

Vincotte, an inspection and certification organization in Belgium, launched its OK Biobased program in September 2009 to provide companies an independent assessment of their products’ renewability. The OK Biobased certification scheme uses a star system to indicate the biobased content of a product. A one-star biobased product has biobased content between 20% and 40% while a four-star certified product has a biobased content greater than 80%.

OK Biobased Certification Process

Certification under the OK Biobased program may take more than four weeks:

Step 1 – Collection of all necessary product information as required by the OK Biobased program.
Step 2 – Analyses of the product’s biobased content and total organic content followed by evaluation of the test results.

Duration of Step 1 depends on how fast the OK Biobased applicant can supply the information required by Vincotte. Step 2 takes four to six weeks.

To start the application, submit an accomplished application form downloadable from the OK Biobased website. It is prudent to send product samples for testing and evaluation directly to Vincotte only after receiving information for certification costs.

Fast Facts:

Product Eligibility	– Applicable to raw/basic materials, intermediates, additives, and finished products partially or completely made from “chemically unmodified materials of natural origin” like wood – Not applicable to fuels
Basic Requirements	Must be at least 20% biobased according to ASTM D6866 and must have a total organic carbon content of at least 30% (dry weight) according to Vincotte’s document TS-OK20
Number of measurements required	3 measurements per parameter (biobased content, TOC)
Certification Validity	3 years

Source: OK Biobased Program (pdf)

Reminders:

– Percentage of the biobased content and organic fraction are stated on the certificate but not on the logo.
– The OK Biobased certification cannot be used to make claims of compostability and biodegradability.
– Finished products using certified raw materials or intermediates are not automatically certified under the OK Biobased program.
– Sample size, handling, and packaging tips are found in the OK Biobased site (pdf).

Beta Analytic – ASTM D6866 Service Provider

ISO/IEC 17025:2005-accredited Beta Analytic supports the biobased industry by providing accurate ASTM D6866 analysis. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has performed ASTM D6866 biobased content testing since 2004. Beta Analytic has representatives in Beijing, China; London, UK; and Nagoya, Japan.

According to Beta Analytic, one measurement is fine for research and development purposes. For better credibility or averaging, at least two measurements are recommended. If the ASTM D6866 test results will be used for any purpose with legal ramifications, the company recommends three to four analyses.