M/491 - Bio-surfactants & Bio-solvents
Mandate addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for the development of European standards and technical specifications and/or technical reports for bio-surfactants and bio-solvents in relation to bio-based product aspects
Mandate M/491 requests CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI to develop European standards, technical specifications, and/or technical reports focused on bio-surfactants and bio-solvents. The mandate emphasizes the standardization of these substances in relation to bio-based product aspects, supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The initiative aims to provide a harmonized framework to facilitate the development, market acceptance, and regulatory compliance of bio-based chemicals across Europe. The CEN/BT resolution 12/2011 governs the approval process of this mandate.
Purpose
This mandate aims to request the development of European standards and technical specifications or technical reports specifically focused on bio-surfactants and bio-solvents. These standards are intended to address aspects related to bio-based products, thereby supporting the harmonisation and quality assurance of such bio-based chemical substances within the European market.
Standardisation request
The mandate is addressed to the three European standardisation organisations: CEN (European Committee for Standardization), CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization), and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). The request is for these bodies to create relevant standards and/or technical specifications and reports concerning bio-surfactants and bio-solvents. These may cover terminology, classification, performance, testing methods, and other standardisation needs related to bio-based products, ensuring consistency and facilitating their use and regulation.
Expected deliverables
Deliverables expected under this mandate include European standards, technical specifications, and/or technical reports that provide comprehensive guidelines and requirements for bio-surfactants and bio-solvents. These documents would support the bio-based product sector by establishing recognised criteria and promoting market uptake of bio-based chemicals through standardisation.
Context
This mandate was approved following the resolution CEN/BT 12/2011, reflecting the European Union’s strategic interest in promoting sustainable bio-based products as alternatives to fossil-based chemicals. By standardising bio-surfactants and bio-solvents, the mandate contributes to the EU’s broader objectives of fostering innovation, environmental protection, and the growth of the bioeconomy.
This mandate covers the development of European standards and technical specifications related to bio-surfactants and bio-solvents, focusing on their bio-based product aspects. It addresses standardisation requirements for products derived from biological sources used in sectors utilizing bio-surfactants and bio-solvents.
General Information
This document sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based surfactants as to whether they:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general surfactants;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass;
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (non-bio-based) surfactants.
The criteria of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [13] also apply to bio-based surfactants.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based surfactants as to whether they:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general surfactants;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass;
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (non-bio-based) surfactants.
The criteria of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [13] also apply to bio-based surfactants.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The aim of this document is to summarize the actual situation regarding many aspects regarding bio-based surfactants and their relation to any other surfactant regardless of its origin. It will describe existing raw material sources with regard to their current usage in surface active agents, their source identification and conformation, and the options for communication same.
It also includes the current work on surfactants regarding their performances, their sustainability, the LCA approaches and end of life options.
- Technical report19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The aim of this document is to summarize the actual situation regarding many aspects regarding bio-based surfactants and their relation to any other surfactant regardless of its origin. It will describe existing raw material sources with regard to their current usage in surface active agents, their source identification and conformation, and the options for communication same.
It also includes the current work on surfactants regarding their performances, their sustainability, the LCA approaches and end of life options.
- Technical report19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard sets the requirements for bio-based solvents in terms of their bio-based content, their technical properties and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based solvents that:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the health, safety and environmental requirements which apply generally to solvents; and
- are derived from biomass.
This European Standard specifies solvent classes, based on the percentage of bio-based carbon content and bio-based content.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
In addition, this document sets requirements on information to be provided regarding sustainability aspects.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard sets the requirements for bio-based solvents in terms of their bio-based content, their technical properties and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based solvents that:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the health, safety and environmental requirements which apply generally to solvents; and
- are derived from biomass.
This European Standard specifies solvent classes, based on the percentage of bio-based carbon content and bio-based content.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
In addition, this document sets requirements on information to be provided regarding sustainability aspects.
- Standard20 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Specification sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based surfactants as to whether they:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general surfactants;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass; and
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (standard) surfactants.
The criteria of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [11] also apply to bio-based surfactants.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
- Technical specification15 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Specification sets requirements for bio-based solvents in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based solvents:
- fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general solvents;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass; and
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (regular) solvents.
The criteria of the Regulation for Environmental Assessment of Chemicals (REACH) [2] are included in the discussions that have led to this Technical Specification.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term “bio-based” as derived from biomass and clarifies that “bio-based” does not imply “biodegradable”. In addition, “biodegradable” does not necessarily imply the use of “bio-based” material.
- Technical specification16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Specification sets requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based surfactants as to whether they:
- are fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general surfactants;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass; and
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (standard) surfactants.
The criteria of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) [11] also apply to bio-based surfactants.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term "bio-based" as derived from biomass and clarifies that "bio-based" does not imply "biodegradable". In addition, "biodegradable" does not necessarily imply the use of "bio-based" material.
- Technical specification15 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This Technical Specification sets requirements for bio-based solvents in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It lays down the characteristics and details for assessment of bio-based solvents:
- fit for purpose in terms of performance related properties;
- comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general solvents;
- are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass; and
- comply with at least similar sustainability criteria as comparable (regular) solvents.
The criteria of the Regulation for Environmental Assessment of Chemicals (REACH) [2] are included in the discussions that have led to this Technical Specification.
NOTE EN 16575 defines the term “bio-based” as derived from biomass and clarifies that “bio-based” does not imply “biodegradable”. In addition, “biodegradable” does not necessarily imply the use of “bio-based” material.
- Technical specification16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/491 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Mandate addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for the development of European standards and technical specifications and/or technical reports for bio-surfactants and bio-solvents in relation to bio-based product aspects". Mandate addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for the development of European standards and technical specifications and/or technical reports for bio-surfactants and bio-solvents in relation to bio-based product aspects There are 10 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.