An EU-funded research project is developing methods to determine bio-based content and biodegradability in an effort to accelerate the uptake of certification systems for bio-based products. The KBBPPS (Knowledge-based, Bio-based Products' Pre-standardization; www.kbbpps.eu) project held its first advisory workshop in Cologne / Germany on 9 April with participants discussing EU policy measures on standardisation and opportunities for transatlantic exchange.

“The European bio-economy is currently a top priority, and research-based standardisation and market analysis, which are also part of the KBBPPS project, are the biggest issues for demand-pull policy,” stated nova-Institute (Hürth / Germany; www.nova-institute.eu), which organised the workshop. “The first advisory workshop has added some momentum to EU policy measures, transatlantic exchange, and cooperation between researchers and industry, and offers decent prospects for harmonised global standards.” During the workshop, stakeholders and partners learned about the project's objectives and activities and discussed the 2.5 years of research that lie ahead. The workshop was attended by bioplastic and biochemical producers, biomaterial suppliers, local government representatives and testing agencies.

The meeting was a success, with useful input from American and Thai experts, nova-Institute said. “Everyone agreed to coordinate the development of test methods and to also feed project results into ASTM and international standards.”

The programme included an introduction to carbon 14 analysis, which was developed for the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) “BioPreferred” programme and is used by many bio-based product certification systems, including some in Europe. The KBBPPS also presented a report on biodegradation and ecotoxicity standards, and several participants offered to collaborate on research in this area.