On 9 May 2017 the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA) organised the workshop Impact of European Algae standards in Brussels
This workshop was organized together with the European Commission (EC), European Committee for Standardization (CEN), and NEN¹), to inform both EABA members and non-EABA members about the upcoming development of European standards for Algae and Algae Products.
Speakers from, amongst others, the EC, the Algae Industry, and NEN informed the 35 attendees on these European Algae standards, and their potential impact.
CEN Standards/documents will be prepared for Algae terminology, Identification of Microalgae Strains and Macroalgae by using Molecular Biology (DNA) analysis, Quantification of Chlorophyll, Measuring Method of Wet Samples based on Freeze drying and dry Samples, Determination of Algae total Lipids using the Rykebosch method, Area Calculation, and also standards/documents specifically for Food, Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals/ Materials, Cosmetics and Energy application.
Vítor Verdelho, President EABA and Indra te Ronde, Standardization Consultant NEN
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Background of the development of European Algae standards
In 2016 the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) was requested by the European Commission (EC) to draft European standards or European standardisation deliverables in support of the implementation the European Directive 2009/28/EC²) for algae and algae-based products or intermediates.
A working group, under responsibility of the CEN Technical Board (CEN BT), namely, CEN/BT Working Group 218 Algae was established for the execution of this Mandate, M/547. According to the Mandate, a work program was prepared indicating all requested deliverables, responsible technical bodies and a timetable. Besides that, for other algae related topics it was analysed which (European) standards and documents already exist/are applicable. These aspects are described in this Final Report of year 1. The Mandate covers a period of 5 years in total, of which year 1 is used for the definition of a work program (for the years 2-5).
This Final Report was approved by CEN/BT on 15 February 2017. With the expectation that CEN/BT will also approve the creation of a dedicated CEN/TC ‘Algae’, for the execution of this work programme, in April 2017 a kick-off meeting in Brussels will be organised on 31 May 2017³).
¹) Footnote 1: The Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN), which holds the secretary of CEN/BT/WG 218 Algae.
²) Footnote 2: Article 3 of Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending. This request also contributes to the Communication on “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe”, in order to promote energy, bio-based materials and chemicals use from renewable sources.
³) Footnote 3: Delegations are to be nominated via each national standardization body.