DIN EN 16640:2017-05

This European Standard has been developed with the aim to specify the method for the determination of bio-based carbon content in bio-based products using the 14C method. This method using the 14C method is based on the analytical test methods used for the determination of the age of objects containing carbon. This European Standard provides the reference test methods for laboratories, producers, suppliers and purchasers of bio-based product materials and products. It may be also useful for authorities and inspection organizations. Part of the research leading to this document has been performed under the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (see http://www.biobasedeconomy.eu/research/kbbpps/).This document is based on EN 15440 [1] prepared by CEN/TC 343, "Solid recovered fuels", EN ISO 13833 [2], prepared by ISO/TC 146 "Air quality" and CEN/TC 264 "Air quality", and CEN/TS 16137 [3], prepared by CEN/TC 249, "Plastics". This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the bio-based carbon content in products, based on the 14C content measurement. This European Standard also specifies two test methods to be used for the determination of the 14C content from which the bio-based carbon content is calculated: - Method A: Liquid scintillation-counter method (LSC) (normative); - Method B: Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) (normative). A third method, Method C: Beta ionization (BI) can also be used for the determination of the 14C content and is described in Annex D (informative). The bio-based carbon content is expressed by a fraction of sample mass or as a fraction of the total carbon content. This calculation method is applicable to any product containing carbon, including bio composites. This European Standard does not provide the methodology for the calculation of the biomass content of a sample; see prEN 167851 and prEN 167852. The responsible national standardization committee is Working Committee NA 172-00-11 AA "Biobasierte Produkte" ("Bio-based products") at DIN Standards Committee Principles of Environmental Protection (NAGUS).