¹⁴C-Biobased Content

The increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil sources is one of the main drivers of climate change and global warming.

The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas releases fossil-derived CO₂ into the atmosphere, altering the natural carbon cycle and intensifying the greenhouse effect.
Accurately monitoring and certifying non-renewable CO₂ emissions is essential for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.

Today, the transition toward a more sustainable economy rewards companies that invest in low-carbon solutions.
In this context, measuring the biobased carbon content becomes a key element in enhancing product value, improving emissions transparency, and gaining access to incentives aimed at reducing environmental footprint.

The Importance of Biobased Material Certification

The growing focus on renewable resources has led to the widespread adoption of bio-derived materials such as biofuels and bioplastics, which represent sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil-based materials.
For companies, certifying biobased products means providing greater transparency and credibility to markets and consumers.

In the industrial sector, the use of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) is increasingly common.
This fuel—obtained from non-hazardous municipal and special waste—is used in cement factories, waste-to-energy plants, and district heating systems.
However, compliance with CO₂ emission regulations and access to incentives require distinguishing the biobased fraction from the fossil fraction within the emissions generated by these plants.

The Leadership of LB Servizi

Thanks to its extensive expertise and the use of advanced technologies, LB Servizi per le Aziende S.r.l. is the first Italian company accredited by ACCREDIA for certifying biobased carbon content according to the following standards:

• ISO 21644:2021 – Biomass Content in SRF
• UNI EN 16640:2017 – Determination of Biobased Carbon Content

This certification allows companies to scientifically demonstrate the percentage of renewable carbon in their products, ensuring full transparency for clients and regulatory bodies.

Advanced Technology for Measuring Biobased Carbon

LB Servizi uses advanced radiochemical treatment techniques and liquid scintillation counting to precisely quantify ¹⁴C content in analyzed samples.
This method makes it possible to distinguish between fossil carbon and biobased carbon, because:

• Fossil carbon contains no radioactive ¹⁴C, as the isotope has completely decayed over geological time.
• Biobased carbon contains a measurable amount of ¹⁴C, as it is continuously renewed in the atmosphere through the natural carbon cycle.

Thanks to this methodology, LB Servizi can certify the biobased carbon content in solid samples, liquid samples, and SRF, offering companies an effective tool to demonstrate their sustainability and commitment to environmental regulations.