biobasedcontent

Biobasedcontent refers to the portion of a product or material that is derived from renewable biological resources, such as crops, algae, or microorganisms, rather than fossil resources. The biobased fraction is typically expressed as a percentage by mass of the finished product or component.

Measurement and verification methods vary. Radiocarbon analysis, as defined in standards such as ASTM D6866, can quantify the proportion of carbon in a material that is derived from contemporary biomass versus fossil sources. In manufacturing, mass-balance approaches track biobased inputs through the supply chain to estimate the product’s biobased content. Certification programs and labeling schemes provide third-party verification in some regions.

Common examples include biobased polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and certain forms of bio-based polyethylene, as well as materials derived from starch and other plant-derived feedstocks. Biobased content also appears in natural-fiber composites, bio-based polyesters, and various fermentation-derived products.

Important considerations include the distinction between biobased content and biodegradability or compostability. A material with high biobased content is not necessarily biodegradable, and end-of-life options depend on the specific polymer and its formulation. The sustainability of biobased content depends on feedstock sourcing, land and water use, energy inputs, and overall lifecycle impacts from production to disposal or recycling.

Policy and procurement contexts frequently use biobasedcontent to encourage renewable resources, but claims should be evaluated alongside lifecycle assessments and credible certification.