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Carbon is widely known to be prevalent in our atmosphere and significantly contributes to climate change, especially when it comes from fossil sources such as oil or coal. It has been stored for millions of years and is released back into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are utilized, leading to an increase in carbon concentration.

In contrast, biogenic carbon comes from living or recently deceased organisms, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. This carbon is, for example, absorbed by plants during photosynthesis. While using a bio-based product, this carbon remains bound in the product, which is a significant advantage, especially for durable products. However, there is also an advantage for short-lived bio-based products: When the carbon from a bio-based material is released through processes such as combustion or decomposition, it does not add new carbon to the atmosphere, keeping the carbon balance neutral.

The main difference is that biogenic carbon is part of the short-term carbon cycle, while fossil carbon adds additional CO₂ to the cycle. Since fossil carbon was previously bound for millions of years, its release enhances the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.

This advantage of biogenic carbon is considered in the carbon footprint calculation of a product through the indication of the so-called biogenic carbon uptake, which quantifies the biogenic carbon intake of a material. This uptake reduces the total CO₂ value of a product, meaning that bio-based products often have a smaller footprint than fossil alternatives.

The biogenic carbon content of a product can be determined using the C14 method. The carbon isotope C14 can be detected in living and recently deceased organisms, whereas in fossil material, it has been completely or partially depleted. Our oleochemical products, which are based on renewable bio-based raw materials, consist of up to 100 % biogenic carbon, making them ideal for anyone who values sustainability and the avoidance of fossil raw materials.