The bioeconomy is a hot topic these days, right up at the top of policy agendas. It involves using renewable natural resources as a raw material. The circular bioeconomy introduces circularity into this concept: using what would otherwise be thrown away, using spent biological resources to regenerate ecosystems and minimising waste.

The ECESP website has a good selection of circular bioeconomy-themed content. This series will shine a spotlight on it.

Circular bioeconomy concept: testing product performance

Measurlabs: a one-stop-shop for all the laboratory tests needed to develop sustainable products

Developing sustainable materials and utilizing recycled feedstock in material manufacturing requires a multitude of laboratory testing to ensure that the new material meets functionality and safety standards.

Measurlabs has a network of more than 900 partner laboratories. It offers all tests for R&D, quality control and regulatory compliance. Short turnaround times for results and help from specialised testing experts are key to helping innovative companies drive their goals forward and bring products to market.

Some of the fields covered by this company are very relevant to the circular bioeconomy. Their tests cover chemical and mechanical characterization, food contact compliance, barrier properties, biobased content, biodegradability and recyclability:

• Compositional analysis of biomass
• Solid recovered fuels analysis
• Compostability in an industrial compost
• Home compostability
• Aerobic biodegradation in soil
• Comprehensive soil biodegradation study