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.