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OK Biobased Labeling Program

The OK biobased label, offered by TÜV AUSTRIA and founded by Vinçotte, 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 five years, has no implication on a product’s compostability or biodegradability.

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.

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%.

Image Credit: European Bioplastics

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 carbon content and total organic 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	Applicable to raw/basic materials, intermediates, additives, and finished products partially or completely made from “chemically unmodified materials of natural origin” like wood, wood fibre, cotton fibre, starch, paper pulp or jute Not applicable to solid, gaseous or liquid fuels
Basic Requirements	Each product must meet these two requirements: At least 20% biobased carbon content as measured according to ASTM D6866 or CEN/TS 16137 At least 30% total organic carbon content (dry weight) as measured according to the TÜV AUSTRIA document TS-OK20
Number of measurements required	3 measurements per parameter (biobased carbon content, TOC)
Certification Validity	5 years

Source: OK biobased Program TS OK20-e (PDF)

Reminders:

– Percentage of the biobased content and organic carbon 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.

Last Updated: August 2018