M/491 - Bio-surfactants & Bio-solvents

The aim of this technical report is to summarise 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 shall also include the current work on surfactants regarding their performances, their sustainability, the LCA approaches and end of life options

This European Standard 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;
-   that comply with the requirements regarding the health, safety and environment which apply to general solvents; and
-   that are derived from a certain minimum percentage of biomass.
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 provides detail on information required to address the sustainability of the product. This is essential information as this will provide a basis to choose the most sustainable solvent.

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 solvents 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 (regular) surfactants.
The criteria of the Regulation for Environmental Assessment of Chemicals (REACh) [2] are included in the discussions that have lead to this paper.
NOTE   prEN 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.

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.

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.

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.

This document sets out requirements for bio-based surfactants in terms of properties, limits, application classes and test methods. It establishes 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 (non-bio-based) 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.

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.

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 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 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 lead to this paper.
NOTE   prEN 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.

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.