NOTE: Beta Analytic is not affiliated with TÜV AUSTRIA or the OK biobased Program. Interested parties are welcome to contact Beta Analytic on how to submit samples for testing as part of the OK biobased certification.
Vinçotte, 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. Now integrated into the TÜV AUSTRIA Group, the OK biobased certification scheme continues to use 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%.
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 carbon content and total carbon content followed by evaluation of the test results and certification.
The duration of Step 1 depends on how quickly the OK biobased applicant can supply the information required by TÜV AUSTRIA. Step 2 takes four to six weeks.
To start the application, submit a completed form in the TÜV AUSTRIA website. It is prudent to inquire about certification costs from TÜV AUSTRIA before sending samples for testing.
Fast Facts:
Product Eligibility |
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Basic Requirements | Each product must meet these two requirements:
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Number of measurements required | 3 measurements per parameter (biobased carbon content, total carbon) |
Certification Validity | 5 years |
Source: OK biobased certification scheme TS OK20 (PDF)
Reminders:
ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited Beta Analytic supports the biobased industry by providing accurate ASTM D6866 and EN 16640 analysis. Based in Miami, Florida, the company also has sample forwarding offices in Xiamen, China; Madrid, Spain; 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 biobased carbon test results will be used for any purpose with legal ramifications, the company recommends three to four analyses.
Last Updated: October 2021