SIST-TP CEN/TR 16208:2014

Biobased products - Overview of standards

This Technical Report analyzes a set of standards, documents and other reports, related to bio-based products. The report is limited to the aims of mandate M/429 on bio-based products, and hence excludes traditional products, energy applications and food.

Biobasierte Produkte - Übersicht über Normen

Dieser Fachbericht ist das Ergebnis einer Analyse von Normen, Berichten und anderen Veröffentlichungen im Zusammenhang mit bio-basierten Produkten. Er beschränkt sich auf die Ziele des Mandats M/429 und schließt daher traditionelle Produkte, Nahrungsmittel und Energie aus.

Produits biosourcés - Vue d'ensemble des normes

Le présent Rapport technique analyse un ensemble de normes, documents et autres rapports relatifs aux
produits biosourcés. Le rapport est limité aux objets du mandat M/429 relatif aux produits biosourcés et, par
conséquent, exclut les produits traditionnels, les applications énergétiques et les denrées alimentaires.

Bioizdelki - Pregled standardov

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Jan-2014
• ICS: 13.020.55 - Biobased products
• Technical Committee: I13 - Imaginarni 13
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 03-Jan-2014
• Due Date: 10-Mar-2014
• Completion Date: 14-Jan-2014
• Ref Project: CEN/TR 16208:2011 - Biobased products - Overview of standards

Overview

CEN/TR 16208:2011 - "Biobased products - Overview of standards" is a CEN Technical Report prepared by CEN/BT/WG 209 (secretariat: DIN). The report surveys standards, guidance documents and reference literature relevant to bio-based products within the remit of mandate M/429. It explicitly excludes traditional products, energy applications and food. The document compiles definitions, a standards‑and‑documents analysis matrix, a horizontal (scope) and vertical (criteria coverage) evaluation, and conclusions identifying gaps and coverage across standardization needs.

Key topics and requirements

CEN/TR 16208 does not create new technical specifications but organizes and evaluates existing work. Major technical topics covered:

• Definitions and terminology
  • Clear terms such as bio-based, bio-based carbon content, biomass, renewable raw material, and bio-based product.
• Evaluation criteria (used throughout the report)
  • Bio-content / Amount of renewable raw materials
  • Product functionality / Technical performance
  • End of life, subdivided into biodegradability, compostability, recycling, and durability
  • Life‑Cycle Assessment (LCA) including GHG emissions, energy use, and other LCA criteria
  • Sustainability covering environmental, social and economic aspects
• Analysis approach
  • A standards/documents analysis matrix that maps documents to the above criteria
  • Horizontal assessment: descriptions of the scope of each standard or guidance document
  • Vertical assessment: evaluation of coverage and gaps per criterion
• Supporting material
  • Annexes listing End‑of‑Life standards and Related Technical Committees, plus a bibliography

Applications and users

CEN/TR 16208 is practical for organizations involved in the development, assessment or procurement of bio-based products:

• Standards developers and technical committees seeking to identify gaps and align terminology
• Manufacturers and product developers needing clarity on definitions and which standards address bio-based content, performance and end‑of‑life
• LCA practitioners and environmental consultants comparing life‑cycle and GHG reporting frameworks
• Certification bodies and ecolabel schemes assessing conformity with bio-based claims
• Public procurers and policymakers implementing green public procurement or mandates (e.g., M/429)

Related standards and keywords

The report references and maps to standards and documents from organizations such as CEN, ISO, ASTM, ILCD, PAS 2050, and national/regional schemes. Key SEO terms integrated naturally: CEN/TR 16208:2011, biobased products, bio-based content, life cycle assessment, biodegradability, compostability, sustainability, standards, mandate M/429.

This Technical Report is a reference tool to navigate existing standards and to support harmonization and future standardization work for bio‑based products.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2014
Bioizdelki - Pregled standardov
Biobased products - Overview of standards
Biobasierte Produkte - Übersicht über Normen
Produits biosourcés - Vue d'ensemble des normes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 16208:2011
ICS:
13.020.55 Biološki izdelki Biobased products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 16208
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
May 2011
ICS 13.020.60; 71.100
English Version
Biobased products - Overview of standards
Produits biosourcés - Vue d'ensemble des normes Biobasierte Produkte - Übersicht von Normen und
Standards
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 26 March 2011. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/SS N99.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 16208:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Criteria & approach . 4
2.1 Results presented in this report. 4
2.2 Criteria list . 4
2.3 Analysis approach . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
3.1 Bio-content / Amount of renewable raw materials . 5
3.2 Product functionality / Technical performance . 6
3.3 End of life / Biodegradability / Compostability / Recycling / Durability . 7
3.4 Life-Cycle Assessment / GHG emissions / Energy use / Other LCA criteria . 8
3.5 Sustainability / Environmental / Social / Economic criteria . 9
4 Standards and documents analysis matrix .10
5 Scope of standards .13
5.1 Vocabulary .13
5.2 Life Cycle Analysis .14
5.3 Bio-based content .30
5.4 Specific products .33
6 Coverage of criteria .43
6.1 Bio-based content .43
6.2 Product functionality .43
6.3 End of life .46
6.4 Life-Cycle Analysis .47
6.5 Sustainability.48
7 Conclusions .50
Annex A (informative) End-of-Life standards .51
Annex B (informative) Related Technical Committees .56
Bibliography .57

Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 16208:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/BT/WG 209 “Bio-
based products”,, the secretariat of which is held by DIN .
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

1 Scope
This Technical Report analyzes a set of standards, documents and other reports, related to bio-based
products. The report is limited to the aims of mandate M/429 on bio-based products, and hence excludes
traditional products, energy applications and food.
2 Criteria & approach
2.1 Results presented in this report
1. Criteria and approach
2. A standards and documents analysis matrix, which identifies relevant standards, manuals and reference
documents on bio-based products, and their relevance to pre-defined criteria
3. A chapter with descriptions of the scope of all the relevant standards, manuals and reference documents;
an evaluation of the applicable criteria to each paper ('horizontal assessment" of the matrix)
4. A chapter with an evaluation of coverage per criterion and the resulting gap ("vertical assessment" of the
matrix)
5. Conclusions
Sources of information include:
 EU Lead Market Initiative documents (LMI);
 standards (CEN, ASTM, ASME, BSI, VDI);
 web posted information such as certification schemes; and
 knowledge of Task group members;
2.2 Criteria list
In relation to bio-based products, the following criteria are evaluated in this report:
1. Bio-content / Amount of Renewable Raw materials;
2. Product Functionality / Technical Performance ;
3. End of life:
a. Biodegradability;
b. Compostability;
c. Recycling;
d. Durability.
4. Life-Cycle Assessment:
a. GHG emissions;
b. Energy use;
c. Other LCA criteria.
5. Sustainability:
a. Environmental;
b. Social;
c. Economic.
2.3 Analysis approach
The documents in the gap-analysis matrix are evaluated by their relevance. First, their scope is presented.
Then their applicability for bio-based product standards in general terms is evaluated. This is the horizontal
evaluation.
A vertical evaluation on each criterion will be presented, in order to highlight coverage and gaps.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE Existing definitions [and their source(s)] of the evaluated criteria are listed below.
3.1 Bio-content / Amount of renewable raw materials
3.1.1
bio-based
derived from biomass
[CEN BT/WG 209]
3.1.2
bio-based carbon content
carbon in a sample that is of recent origin, as evidenced by its 14C isotope content
NOTE 1 The amount of bio-based carbon in the material or product is often expressed as a percent of the
weight(mass) of the total organic carbon of the product
[CEN/TR 15932]
NOTE 2 ASTM D6852-02 defines bio-based content as the amount of bio-based material as fraction weight or percent
weight of the total material
3.1.3
bio-based product
product wholly or partly bio-based
NOTE The bio-based product is normally characterised by the bio-based content.
[CEN BT/WG 209]
3.1.4
biomass
material of biological origin excluding material embedded in geological formations and/or fossilized
NOTE This definition refers to the well-known short-cycle of carbon, i.e. the life cycle of biological materials (e.g.
plants, algae, marine organisms, forestry, micro-organisms, animals, and biological waste from households, agriculture,
animals and food/feed production).
[CEN BT/WG 209]
3.1.5
biomass content
mass fraction of bio-based material
NOTE Claim of biomass content is difficult to verify due to lack of standards.
[CEN/TR 15932]
3.1.6
renewable raw material
material used to produce a product and replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable to its
exploitation rate
[Adapted from ISO 14040 and CEN/TR 15932]
3.2 Product functionality / Technical performance
3.2.1
product
any goods or service
[ISO 14040:2006]
3.2.2
product function
characteristic attribute or characteristic in the performance and use of a product
[ISO 14024:1999]
NOTE The first criterion to be considered in the choice of materials and design of a product is that it shall perform the
function for which it is intended to an acceptable standard. These criteria will vary depending on the application but the key
requirements are:
 meeting legal and statutory requirements including for example composition control and migration limits for food
contact, physical performance for containing of hazardous products;
 functional including physical strength, hygiene, safety and barrier performance;
 use performance including opening, closing, pouring/emptying, child resistant;
 minimum use of material, consistent with the three points above;
 content identification and communication.
The specifications of the product should be defined by the performance requirements, and not by the source of material.
3.3 End of life / Biodegradability / Compostability / Recycling / Durability
3.3.1
biodegradation
degradation caused by biological activity especially by enzymatic action leading to a significant change of the
chemical structure of a material
[EN 13193:2000]
3.3.2
biodegradable
capable of undergoing biological anaerobic or aerobic degradation leading to CO , H O, methane, biomass
2 2
and mineral salts depending on the environmental conditions of the process
[CEN/TR 15932]
3.3.3
compostability
potential of a material to be disintegrated and biodegraded without hindrance in a composting process
[Based on EN 13193:2000]
3.3.4
durability
capability of a product or any component to satisfy, with planned maintenance, the design performance
requirements over a specified period of time under the influence of the environmental actions, or as a result of
a self-ageing process
[Adapted from ISO 15928-3]
3.3.5
maximum level of biodegradation
degree of biodegradation, measured in percent, of a chemical compound or organic matter in a test, above
which no further biodegradation takes place during the test
[ISO 14853:2005]
3.3.6
organic recycling (organic recovery)
aerobic (composting) or anaerobic (biomethanization) treatment, under controlled conditions and using
microorganisms, of the biodegradable parts of waste, which produces stabilized organic residues or methane.
Landfill shall not be considered a form of organic recycling
[adapted from Directive 94/62/EC]
3.3.7
recycling
reprocessing in a production process of the waste materials for the original purpose or for other purposes
including organic recycling but excluding energy recovery
[Directive 94/62/EC]
3.3.8
ultimate biodegradability
breakdown of an organic chemical compound by micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen to carbon
dioxide, water and mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) and new biomass or in the
absence of oxygen to carbon dioxide, methane, mineral salts and new biomass
[EN 13432:2000, also in EN 14995:2006]
3.4 Life-Cycle Assessment / GHG emissions / Energy use / Other LCA criteria
3.4.1
greenhouse gas
GHG
gaseous constituent of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic, that absorbs and emits radiation at
specific wavelengths within the spectrum of infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, the atmosphere,
and clouds
NOTE GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO ), methane (CH ), nitrous oxide (N O), hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs),
2 4 2
perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
[ISO 14064-1:2006]
3.4.2
greenhouse gas emission
total mass of a GHG released to the atmosphere over a specified period of time
[ISO 14064-1:2006]
3.4.2
life cycle
consecutive and interlinked stages of a product system, from raw material acquisition or generation from
natural resources to final disposal
[ISO 14040:2006]
3.4.3
life cycle assessment (LCA)
compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system
throughout its life cycle
[ISO 14040:2006]
3.4.4
life cycle inventory (LCI)
collection and assembly of materials and energy input and output data for a specified product system
NOTE LCI is only one of the phases in conducting an LCA and is not an assessment of the environmental impacts
associated with the product system
[ASTM D 7075 – 04]
3.5 Sustainability / Environmental / Social / Economic criteria
3.5.1
biological diversity values
intrinsic, ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic
values of biological diversity and its components
[NTA 8080]
3.5.2
environmental aspect
element of an organization’s activity or products that can interact with the environment [ISO 14021:1999]
3.5.3
environmental claim
statement, symbol or graphic that indicates an environmental aspect of a product, a component or packaging
[ISO 14021:1999]
NOTE An environmental claim may be made on product or packaging labels, through product literature, technical
bulletins, advertising, publicity, telemarketing, as well as through digital or electronic media such as Internet.
3.5.4
environmental impact
any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from a products
environmental aspects
[Adapted from ISO 14001:2004]
3.5.5
environmental impact assessment
a process of predicting and evaluating the effects of an action or series of actions on the environment, then
using the conclusions as a tool in planning and decision-making
[RSPO]
3.5.6
environmental profile or environmental footprint
environmental consequences of the creation of a material, measured in terms of impact indicators such as the
generation or recapture of CO2, biodegradability, recycling, and so forth
[ASTM D6852]
3.5.7
product environmental criteria
environmental requirements that the product shall meet in order to be awarded an environmental label
[ISO 14024:1999]
3.5.8
social and economic sustainability criteria
NOTE At the moment there are no clear definitions on social and economic sustainability criteria. This is currently
under investigation in CEN/TC 383.
4 Standards and documents analysis matrix
Terminology and Definitions for
Biomass Production, Harvesting
ANSI/ASAB and Collection, Storage,
E S Processing, Conversion and
593:2006 Utilization 5.1 y y y y n n n n y y y n n n n
Plastics - Recommendation for
CEN/TR terminology and characterisation
15932 of biopolymers and bioplastics 5.1 y y y y y y n n y y n n y n n
Int Life Cycle Data system
handbook and European
ILCD/ELCD database 5.2 n n y n n y n y y y y n y n n
CR13910
CEN TC Reporting criteria for life cycle
261 analysis for packaging 5.2 n n y n n n n y n n y n y n n
Standard Practice for Evaluating
and Reporting Environmental
ASTM Performance of Biobased
D7075 Products 5.2 y n y y n n n y n n y y y n n
Life-cycle management in the
VDI 4431 manufacturing industry 5.2 n n y n n y n y n n n n y y n
ISO 14064- Greenhouse gases -- Part 1: 5.2
1:2006 Specification with guidance at the
organization level for
quantification and reporting of
greenhouse gas emissions and
removals n n y n n n n y y n n n n n n
ISO/WD
14067-1 Carbon footprint of products 5.2 n n y y n y n y y y n n n n n
ISO/NP Water footprint - principles, 5.2
14046 requirements and guidance
n n y n n n n y y n n n n n n
Sustainability criteria for biomass
NTA 8080 for energy purposes 5.2 n n n n n n n y y y y y y y y
Document Reference
Title
1. Bio-content / Amount of
Renewable Raw materials
2. Product Functionality /
Technical Performance
3. End of life
a.Biodegradability
b.Compostability
c. Recycling
d. Durability
4. Life-Cycle Assessment
a. GHG emissions
b. Energy use
c. Other LCA criteria
5. Sustainability
a.Environmental
b. Social
c. Economic
BEES USDA green public procurement 5.2 y n y y y y n y y y y y y y y
Standard Guide for Determination
of Biobased Content, Resources
ASTM Consumption, and Environmental
D6852 Profile of Materials and Products 5.2 y n n n n n n y y y y n y n n
ISO DIS
26000 Guidance on social responsibility 5.2 n n y n n n n y y y y y y y y
Environmental labels and 5.2
declarations - Type III
environmental declarations -
ISO 14025 Principles and procedures n n y y n n n y y y y n n n n
Environmental management - Life 5.2
ISO 14040 cycle assessment - Principles and
series framework n y y n n y n y y y n n y n n
Specification for the assessment
of the life cycle greenhouse gas
PAS 2050 emissions of goods and services 5.2 y y y n n y n y y y n n y n n
General principles for an
environmental communication on
BP X30-323 mass market products 5.2 y y y n n y n y y y y n y n n
Standard Test Methods for
Determining the Biobased
Content of Natural Range
Materials Using Radiocarbon and
ASTM Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
D6866-6a Analysis 5.3 y n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
ASTM D7026 - 04 Standard
Guide for Sampling and Reporting
of Results for Determination of
ASTM Biobased Content of Materials via
D7026 Carbon Isotope Analysis 5.3 y n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Plastics - Biopolymers -
WI Determination of biobased carbon
00249737 content 5.3 y n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Solid recovered fuels - Method of
the determination of biomass
EN 15440 content 5.3 y n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Lubricants, industrial oils and 5.4
related products (class L) - Family
H (Hydraulic systems) -
Specifications for categories
ISO 15380 HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR n y y y n y n n n n n n y n n
EU Ecolabel Criteria_for_the_award_of_the_E
2005/360/E uropean_Eco-
C label_to_lubricants.pdf 5.4 y y y y n n n n n n n n y n n
RAL-UZ-48 Readily
Biodegradable Chain Lubricants
Blue Angel for Power Saws 5.4 n n y y n n n n n n n n y n n
Blue Angel RAL-UZ 64 Lubricants & Forming 5.4 n n y y n n n n n n n n y n n
oils
Blue Angel RAL-UZ 79 Hydraulic Fluids 5.4 n y y y n n n n n n n n y n n
Hydraulic fluids - Requirements
SS 155434 and test methods 5.4 y y y y n n n n n n n n y n n
Lubricants, industrial oil and
related products (Class L)
Specifications for family X
SS 155470 (Greases) 5.4 n y y y n n n n n n n n y n n
Lubricants, industrial oils and
related products (Class L)—
ISO DIS Family X (Greases)—
12924 Specification 5.4 n y n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Plastics - Evaluation of
compostability - Test scheme and
EN 14995 specifications 5.4 n n y y y n n y n n n n n n n
Packaging - Requirements for
packaging recoverable through
composting and biodegradation -
Test scheme and evaluation
EN criteria for the final acceptance of
13432:2000 packaging 5.4 n n y y y n n n n n n n n n n
Determination of the ultimate
aerobic biodegradability of plastic
materials under controlled
composting conditions - Method
EN ISO by analysis of evolved carbon
14855- dioxide - Part 1: General method
1:2005 (ISO 14855-1:2005) 5.4 n n y y n n n n n n n n n n n
Plastics - Biodegradable plastics
prCEN/TR in or on soil - Recovery, disposal
15822 and related environmental issues 5.4 n n y y n n n n n n n n n n n
Biodegradable materials for use
in agriculture and horticulture —
NF U 52- Mulching products —
001 Requirements and test methods 5.4 n y y y y n y n n n n n y n n
CEN
TS15534-1,
2 & 3 Wood plastic composites 5.4 n y n n n y y n n n n n n n n
XP T 25- Reinforcement fibres - Flax fibres
501 for plastics composites 5.4 n y n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Plastics piping systems for the
ISO 22621 supply of gaseous fuels 5.4 n y n n n y y n n n n n n n n
Cradle to Cradle to CradleSM Certification
cradle Program 5.4 y n y y y y n n n y y y y y n
5 Scope of standards
5.1 Vocabulary
5.1.1 ANSI/ASABE S 593:2006 - Terminology and Definitions for Biomass Production, Harvesting and
Collection, Storage, Processing, Conversion and Utilization
5.1.1.1 Scope of ANSI/ASABE S 593
The purpose of this standard is to provide uniform terminology and definitions in the general area of biomass
production and utilization. This includes all the terminologies that are used in biomass feedstock production,
harvesting, collecting, handling, storage, processing and conversion, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower and
bioproducts.
5.1.1.2 Evaluation of ANSI/ASABE S 593
This standard provides a list of 69 definitions related to biomass and production, particularly from an energy
point of view. The definitions include three main categories of biomass, which are primary, secondary and
tertiary biomass. Animal products are not included in the primary biomass. Bio-based product is defined as
fuels, food, feed, chemicals, or industrial materials commercially produced in whole or in-part from biomass
materials. The term Greenhouse Gases is explained slightly deviating from the ISO 14064 definition. Other
terms are more related to energy and production, and do not overlap with the definitions as posted in this
report.
5.1.2 CEN/TR 15932 Plastics - Recommendation for terminology and characterisation of bioplastics
5.1.2.1 Scope of CEN/TR 15932
This Technical Report gives recommendations for bioplastics and biopolymers related terminology. These
recommendations are based on a discussion of commonly used terms in this field.
This Technical Report also briefly describes the current test methods state of the art in relation to the
characterization of bioplastics and products made thereof.
5.1.2.2 Evaluation of CEN/TR 15932
The terminology and definitions have been documented particularly in order to provide a basis for more
standards in the field of bio-based plastics. Although the terms focus on applications in plastics, most
terminology has a wider applicability to bio-based materials in general. The CEN/TR 15932 definition for
biomass is material of biological origin excluding material embedded in geological formation or fossilized.
Other definitions do not conflict with the definitions of this report.
5.1.2.3 Other vocabulary standards
The following standard could also be considered for bio-based vocabulary, but is not evaluated here:
X30-110, Raw materials and energy – Vocabulary and methodology in determination of energy content –
Energy equivalents
5.2 Life Cycle Analysis
5.2.1 ILCD - International Reference Life Cycle Data System Handbook / ELCD - European Reference
Life Cycle Database
5.2.1.1 Scope of the ILCD and ELCD
The ILCD and ELCD initiatives are being coordinated at European level by the European Platform on LCA
(http://lct.jrc.ec.europa.eu/eplca). The European Platform on LCA project acts in the context of the European
Commission’s Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste (COM (2005) 666) and the
Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (COM (2005) 670). Finding its foundation in
the European Commission’s Integrated Product Policy Communication (IPP), it provides an important
methodological and data basis also for the integration and operationalisation of Life Cycle Thinking in the
upcoming Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plans (SCP/SIP).
The SCP/SIP will build on and further develop resource and waste policies, the Integrated Product Policy
(IPP), the Ecodesign of Energy-using Products (EuP), the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP),
Green Public Procurement (GPP), the EU Eco-label Regulation, and the Eco-Management and Auditing
Scheme Regulation (EMAS). SCP/SIP will re-enforce their impact, address gaps, and ensure contribution to
global initiatives.
5.2.1.2 Business foundation
While LCA is successfully used in many companies of the private sector, credibility and acceptance of LCA
studies need to be improved. This complementary character of the EU LCA handbook holds especially true for
public comparisons and in communication with the authorities. Also the cost of LCA studies is to be reduced.
The platform project meets these needs by co-ordinating methodological and data format harmonisation
across LCA applications and the development and publication of high-quality industry based reference Life
Cycle Inventory data, and of recommended Life Cycle Impact Assessment factors. This is done in global
cooperation and consultation with third countries and UNEP to ensure international consistency as far as
possible.
The work of the European LCA platform and the ILCD are based on the LCA framework established in
ISO 14020 and ISO 14040. (http://lca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/lcainfohub/index.vm)
5.2.1.3 LCA assessment criteria
The assessment criteria applied in the impact assessment phase of the LCA must be specified before the
inventory analysis starts the collection of the relevant data. See
http://lca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/lcainfohub/index.vm. The following example list of environmental impact categories
on the mid-point level may be included as assessment parameters when performing an LCA.
 Climate change
 Ozone depletion
 Acidification
 Eutrophication
 Photochemical oxidant formation (summer smog)
 Radiation
 Human toxicity
 Ecotoxicity
 Depletion of abiotic resources
 Use of biotic resources
 Land use
There have been attempts to include socio-economic aspects as assessment criteria. However, the majority of
LCAs at this time consider direct environmental (and human) impacts and resource consumption as
assessment criteria. For noise, a methodological approach has recently been developed, but the availability of
data in LCI databases is very limited yet.
These impacts can further be assessed to derive end-point indicators that relate the above impact category
results to impacts level of the protection targets (human beings, natural environment, resources).
5.2.1.4 ELCD – European Life Cycle database
The ELCD core database comprises Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data from front-running EU-level business
associations and other sources for key materials, energy carriers, transport, and waste management. Focus is
laid on data quality, consistency, and applicability. The respective data sets are officially provided and
approved by the named industry association; some data sets are still under preparation and will be added
subsequently.
5.2.1.5 Evaluation of ELCD and bio-based products
The International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook is a set of technical guidance
documents that provide the basis for coherence and quality-assurance for data, methods, and studies in Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) and related applications.
The LCA methodology (ILCD Handbook) and ELCD are based on the EN 14040 series standards. The
database and tools should make it possible to provide comparisons of products and their properties.
ELCD comparability potential relies on the expansion of the database with as much data as possible for a
product or industrial sector. These data have to be generated (by industry) following ILCD principles or that
existing data are being evaluated and validated against these principles. Therefore, to be appropriate for bio-
based products and eventual comparisons with fossil-based products of equivalent function, a data collection
exercise will have to take place among relevant industries to provide the relevant data. Only then will the
ELCD reach its full potential for bio-based products.
5.2.2 CR 13910 – CEN/TC 261 - Packaging - Report on criteria and methodologies for life cycle
analysis of packaging
5.2.2.1 Scope of CR 13910
The life-cycle assessment is based upon the ISO 14040 standards series for Environmental management –
Life Cycle Assessment. This reports aims to establish a set of best practice guidelines for undertaking those
aspects of life cycle assessment specific to packaging and distribution systems.
Applying a LCA to packaging is one of several tools available for the continuous improvement of packaging
environmental performance. This encompasses the whole life cycle of the packaging i.e. material extraction,
manufacture of packaging, service performance to the packed product, post-use collection, recovery or
disposal.
When defining the goal and scope of a LCA study of packaging, the following comments on how packaging is
actually used have to be taken into account.
• Packaging is always used to pack products, resulting in a strong link between the life cycle of
packaging and the packed product. Packaging is used to facilitate handling and transportation through
the logistic chain, to protect the product, and to give relevant information. This means that for example
closures, labels and printing inks have to be taken into account
• Packaging is one component of a distribution system. A change of packaging will therefore often
causes changes in this system, resulting in changes in resource consumption, emissions and hence
in the environmental impact of the total system. LCA studies of packaging should therefore include the
distribution system, the wastage of packaging material and products, the relevant collection systems,
as well as recovery and/or disposal operations.
• Primary, secondary and tertiary packaging have a direct influence upon each other's function,
construction and dimensions. They are all integral parts of the distribution system and should be
included in the LCA.
• In some cases, the production or use of products may be influenced by a change of packaging, which
should also be considered in a LCA study.
• Most packaging only follows the packed product through a certain part of its life cycle, hence a LCA of
the packaging should include all the steps of the life cycle of the packaging.
5.2.2.2 Evaluation of CR 13910
CR 13910 describes the application of ISO 14040 standards series for packaging applications, considering
how the different terms considered in an LCA (boundaries, functional unit, reference flow, etc.) of a packaging
system should be determined. Advice is given on the use of life-cycle inventory analysis, impact assessment,
and interpretation in the case of packaging (ISO 14044). No specific references to bio-based products are
made.
The results of a Life Cycle Analysis depend very much on the defined boundaries of a product or process.
One can consider a package itself, or a packaged product for example. LCA is a useful tool to evaluate
performance improvement of a defined system over time. When comparing different types of products without
a common basis, consideration should be given to all aspects of the system.
5.2.3 ASTM D7075-04 Standard Practice for Evaluating and Reporting Environmental Performance of
Bio-based Products
5.2.3.1 Significance and use of ASTM D7075
A schematic of the sequence of steps involved in development of a LCA is shown in Figure 1. A life cycle
assessment (LCA) consists of four independent elements (see Figure 1), which have been standardized
internationally (ISO 14040 series standards). These are:
- Definition of goal and scope;
- Life cycle inventory analysis (LCI);
- Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA); and
- Life cycle interpretation.
Figure 1 — Process for evaluating and reporting environmental performance of bio-based products
5.2.3.2 Scope of ASTM D7075
Environmental performance shall be measured using the life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. LCA is a
"cradle-to-grave" approach that evaluates all stages in the life of a product, including raw material acquisition,
product manufacture, transportation, use and ultimately, recycling (that is, "cradle to cradle" and waste
management).
LCAs for bio-based products shall be conducted and communicated in a similar manner, including consistent
boundary conditions, functional units, environmental indicators, and reporting formats.
This practice is limited to environmental performance metrics and excludes other metrics such as those
related to economics and social equity.
5.2.3.3 Referenced documents in ASTM D7075
ASTM D6852 Guide for Determination of Bio-based Content, Resources Consumption, and Environmental
Profile of Materials and Products
ASTM D6866 Test Methods to Determine the Bio-based Content of Materials Using Radiocarbon and Isotope
Ratio Mass Spectrometry
ASTM D7026 Guide for Sampling and Reporting Results for Determination of Bio-based Content of Materials
via Carbon Isotope Analysis
ISO 14049 Environmental Management--Life Cycle Assessment--Examples of Application of ISO 14041 to
Goal and Scope Definition and Inventory Analysis
5.2.3.4 Evaluation of ASTM D7075
ASTM D7075 defines the implementation of ISO 14040 series standards in the specific case of bio-based
products. No equivalent of this standard exists at European or international level. It was specifically designed
for the implementation of the US Bio-preferred public procurement programme which requires that an LCA be
conducted and where additional definitions and boundaries for bio-based products were needed. This is the
only standard that requires to include bio-based content in the Life Cycle Analysis (using ISO 14040).
5.2.4 VDI 4431 – life-cycle management in the manufacturing industry
5.2.4.1 Scope of VDI 4431
This guideline is intended for those in industrial businesses who are responsible for the plant-specific
development and operation of life-cycle management systems. The purpose of this guideline is to describe the
possibilities offered by life-cycle management for products to be used by several users at several levels of
use, and to identify the boundaries between products and materials cycles on the one hand and waste flows
on the other hand.
This standard is oriented towards providing tools to the industry to develop life-cycle management focusing on
for instance the efficient use of reconditioned components with clear technical description in repairs, or the
efficient use of repaired or reconditioned components and/or materials with clear technical description in new
products.
The realisation of these targets requires a close coordination between production and reconditioning. This
report considers the environmental impact of waste reuse/recycling in the manufacturing industry but also
discuss its potential economic impact in the short and medium-term.
5.2.4.2 Evaluation of VDI 4431
This Technical Report considers the reduction of existing wastes in the manufacturing industry and how life-
cycle management could provide solutions in addressing these through the reconditioning or reuse of
components and materials.
This thinking can be applied at very early stage for products in other industries in the design of production
systems and in the design of business value chain for the creation/commercialisation of consumer products.
The focus is on re-use and recycling. There is no mention of bio-based products.
5.2.5 ISO 14064 - Greenhouse gases
5.2.5.1 Scope of ISO 14064-series
ISO 14064 consists of the following parts, under the general title Greenhouse gases:
 Part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse
gas emissions and removals.
 Part 2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification, monitoring and reporting of
greenhouse gas emission reductions or removal enhancements.
 Part 3: Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions.
ISO 14064-1 details principles and requirements for designing, developing, managing and reporting
organization- or company-level GHG inventories. It includes requirements for determining GHG emission
boundaries, quantifying an organization's GHG emissions and removals, and identifying specific company
actions or activities aimed at improving GHG management. It also includes requirements and guidance on
inventory quality management, reporting, internal auditing and the organization's responsibilities for
verification activities.
ISO 14064-2 focuses on GHG projects or project-based activities specifically designed to reduce GHG
emissions or increase GHG removals. It includes principles and requirements for determining project baseline
scenarios and for monitoring, quantifying and reporting project performance relative to the baseline scenario
and provides the basis for GHG projects to be validated and verified.
ISO 14064-3 details principles and requirements for verifying GHG inventories and validating or verifying GHG
projects. It describes the process for GHG-related validation or verification and specifies components such as
validation or verification planning, assessment procedures and the evaluation of organization or project GHG
assertions. ISO 14064-3 can be used by organizations or independent parties to validate or verify GHG
assertions.
ISO 14064 is expected to benefit organizations, governments, project proponents and stakeholders worldwide
by providing clarity and consistency for quantifying, monitoring, reporting and validating or verifying GHG
inventories or projects. Specifically, use of ISO 14064 could:
 enhance the environmental integrity of GHG quantification;
 enhance the credibility, consistency and transparency of GHG quantification, monitoring and reporting,
including GHG project emission reductions and removal enhancements;
 facilitate the development and implementation of an organization's GHG management strategies and
plans;
 facilitate the development and implementation of GHG projects;
 facilitate the ability to track performance and progress in the reduction of GHG emissions and/or increase
in GHG removals; and
 facilitate the crediting and trade of GHG emission reductions or removal enhancements.
5.2.5.2 Evaluation of ISO 14064-series
These standards provide a general framework for GHG emission and removal from the atmosphere. In the
identification of GHG sinks, reference is made to the following publications as examples of GHG sinks:
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)/World Resources Institute (WRI).
Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, April 2004;
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National
Greenhouse Gas Inventories Reporting Instructions, 1997.
It will be interesting to further explore how these ISO 14064 references, as well as European or international
implementation guidelines (such as PAS 2050) develop regarding biomass and bio-based products as GHG
sinks.
5.2.6 ISO 14067–1 Carbon footprint of products (under development)
5.2.6.1 Scope of ISO 14067-1
The purpose of this International Standard is to provide requirements for the quantification and communication
of GHG associated with products (ISO definition – including goods and services). It is intended to promote the
monitoring, reporting, and tracking of progress in the mitigation of GHG emissions.
The purpose of each part will be to:
• Part 1: quantify the carbon footprint
• Part 2: harmonize methodologies for communicating the carbon footprint information and also provide
guidance for this communication.
5.2.6.2 Evaluation of ISO 14067-1
It will be important to check if/how biomass and bio-based products are considered in the carbon footprint
quantification.
5.2.7 ISO NWIP 14046 – Water footprint
5.2.7.1 Scope of ISO 14046
The water footprint NWIP is under the scope of ISO Technical Committee (TC) 207, Environmental
Management, Subcommittee (SC) 5 – Life Cycle Assessment.
Water is a very important resource to manage for the coming years, especially for agricultural products. A
standard that can explain and describe what a water footprint is will be crucial, to ensure coherence with other
environmental metrics, especially carbon footprint and other life cycle based indicators, and other standards in
the ISO 14000 series.
The proposed international standard will:
 deliver principles, requirements, and guidelines for a water footprint metric of products, processes, and
organisations, based on the guidance of impact assessment as given in ISO 14044:2006, Environmental
management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines.
 define how the different types of water sources (for example, ground, surface, lake, river, green, blue,
grey, and so on) should be considered, how the different types of water releases should be considered,
and how the local environmental conditions (dry areas, wet areas) should be treated.
 for products, it will apply the life cycle approach and will be based on the same product system as
specified in ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and
framework, and ISO 14044.
 at the organisation level, consider the guidance given by ISO 14064, Parts
...