DIN CEN/TS 16295:2012-04

Development of bio-based materials is considered to be an important prospect for Europe. This development finds its value in the strategic use of resources, in the effort to shift from fossil resources (under depletion conditions and imported from the global market) to bio-based resources (renewable and sourced in the domestic market) and in the attempt of reducing the environmental impact of materials and products. Efficient use of all available resources and responsible utilization of renewable carbon is a way to participate to this reduction of the environmental impact. It is also important to underline that available resources should be preferred also taking into consideration sustainability and environmental impacts following the life cycle thinking approach. Generally speaking, the biological origin of a material does not provide a certainty that the material is of low environmental impact. In order to inform users, customers and stakeholders with a transparent and reliable communication about bio-based polymers, it is important to point out, quantify, and declare the bio-based carbon content. This Technical Specification describes requirements for the declaration, including statements and labels, of the bio-based carbon content of items, such as polymers, plastic materials, semi-finished plastic products and finished plastic products, including composites. CEN/TC 249 "Plastics", the secretariat of which is held by NBN (Belgium), is responsible for this document. On the national level, the committee responsible for this standard is NA 054-01-07 AA "Bioabbaubare Kunststoffe" ("Biodegradable plastics") at DIN.