EN 13658 Biogenic Carbon Content Determination
The EN 13658 standard specifies a method for the determination of biogenic carbon content in waste streams, compostable materials, and other organic substrates. This service is critical for ensuring compliance with regulations that promote sustainable waste management practices. Our laboratory adheres strictly to this standard, providing accurate and reliable results.
The biogenic component of an organic material represents its portion derived from recently assimilated carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis. Determining the biogenic carbon content is essential for assessing the environmental impact of compostable products and waste materials. This information helps in classifying materials according to their compostability, recyclability, or incineration suitability.
The process involves a series of steps that include sample preparation, chemical digestion, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and calculation of biogenic carbon content. The accuracy of the results is paramount for stakeholders involved in the development, production, and disposal of compostable materials.
Our team of experts ensures that each step of the process is followed meticulously to deliver precise measurements. This includes ensuring the correct digestion conditions, accurate sample preparation, and thorough analysis using advanced instrumentation. The result not only meets but exceeds the requirements set by EN 13658 for biogenic carbon content determination.
The importance of this service cannot be overstated in today's regulatory landscape where sustainability is a key focus. By providing accurate measurements, we help our clients make informed decisions that align with environmental goals and compliance requirements.
| Applied Standards | Relevance |
|---|---|
| EN 13658 | This standard is the basis for our testing method and ensures consistency with international requirements. |
| ASTM D6400 | American counterpart that we also support, ensuring broader compliance capabilities. |
The relevance of these standards extends beyond mere compliance; they guide the entire lifecycle of compostable materials from production to disposal. By adhering strictly to these guidelines, we ensure that our clients can confidently market their products as compliant with leading international standards.
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for this type of analysis. This includes precision scales, automated digestion systems, and advanced GC-MS instrumentation capable of detecting minute concentrations of biogenic carbon. Our team has extensive experience in handling these instruments and interpreting the data accurately.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 13658:2004(E) | This standard provides a methodology for determining the biogenic carbon content in organic materials. It is essential for assessing compostable waste and materials. |
| ASTM D6400-18 | An American counterpart that specifies requirements for plastics intended to be used as compostable packaging. |
The combination of these standards ensures comprehensive coverage, catering to both European and North American markets. Our clients can rely on our laboratory to provide results that are not only accurate but also globally accepted.
Scope and Methodology
| Scope | Description |
|---|---|
| Determination of Biogenic Carbon Content | This involves measuring the portion of carbon in a material that originated from recently assimilated CO2. |
| Sample Preparation | Involves drying, grinding, and homogenizing samples to ensure uniformity for accurate digestion. |
The methodology follows the detailed steps outlined in EN 13658. Key aspects include:
- Sample preparation: Ensuring that the sample is representative and uniform.
- Digestion: Using acid digestion to release all organic carbon for analysis.
- Analytical techniques: Employing GC-MS for precise quantification of biogenic carbon content.
The accuracy of these steps is critical as any deviation could lead to incorrect results. Our laboratory employs rigorous quality control measures at every stage to minimize errors and ensure reliability.
Our team uses advanced software tools to process the data obtained from GC-MS, ensuring that the final report reflects the true biogenic carbon content. This service is invaluable for companies involved in the production of compostable materials or managing organic waste streams, as it provides crucial insights into the environmental impact of their products.
Industry Applications
- Compostable Packaging: Ensuring that packaging materials meet compostability criteria and do not contain non-biodegradable elements.
- Organic Waste Management: Identifying the biogenic content of waste streams to optimize recycling processes and reduce environmental impact.
- R&D in Sustainable Materials: Providing data for new material development, ensuring that innovations comply with sustainability standards.
- Compliance Auditing: Assisting companies in auditing their compliance with relevant regulations related to biogenic carbon content.
This service is particularly beneficial for industries focused on sustainable practices. By providing accurate data, we support the development of products that are environmentally friendly and meet stringent regulatory requirements.
