Everything you need to know about OK biobased certification in the cosmetics industry

In the world of premium skincare, packaging becomes a strategic lever. The commitment to traceable, responsible materials designed for the future goes far beyond aesthetics or protection.

Among the key certifications, OK biobased, issued by TÜV AUSTRIA, plays a central role. It independently certifies the percentage of biobased content in a material. Ranging from 1 to 4 stars depending on the amount of renewable material used, it offers brands reliable proof of their eco-responsible approach.

OK biobased certification is part of a positive vision of sustainable development. It highlights innovation, strengthens consumer trust and helps brands better communicate the environmental value of their material choices.

At mPackting, this certification is an integral part of our approach. It is notably expressed through solutions such as mBlack™, our high-end biopolymer certified 4 stars.

What is OK biobased certification?

Created by the independent organization TÜV AUSTRIA, this certification makes it possible to reliably identify materials derived from renewable resources. It is based on a precise analysis of the biobased content according to the international standard EN 16785-1.

It is awarded to materials that contain a measurable amount of carbon of plant or natural origin, as opposed to fossil carbon. Each certified product receives a clear marking from one to four stars, depending on the exact percentage of biobased content:

• 1 star: between 20 and 40% biobased material;

• 2 stars: between 40 and 60%;

• 3 stars: between 60 and 80%;

• 4 stars: more than 80% biobased content.

This transparent system allows companies to enhance their materials within a verified eco-design logic. It also gives end consumers a clear reading of the environmental impact of the packaging or products they choose.

Unlike other labels that include compostability or biodegradability criteria, OK biobased focuses exclusively on the renewable origin of the carbon contained in the material.

Why is OK biobased certification a strategic asset for cosmetics brands?

Far from being just a technical asset, OK biobased certification becomes a true strategic tool for brands engaged in a sustainability approach. In a sector as competitive as premium cosmetics, it enables differentiation on several levels.

✅ Credible proof of transparency: consumers are looking for coherent and honest brands. OK biobased certification provides independent, easily identifiable validation that reinforces trust and gives credibility to a product's ecological commitment.

✅ A marker of sustainable innovation: choosing OK biobased certified materials demonstrates a capacity for responsible innovation. It shows a desire to combine performance, design and environmental responsibility, qualities increasingly valued by professional buyers, distributors and prescribers.

✅ An advantage in tenders and regulatory compliance: in an increasingly demanding European regulatory context (e.g. the PPWR), having tangible proof of the renewable origin of used materials becomes a key criterion. The certification facilitates compliance and constitutes a competitive advantage in B2B approaches.

✅ A brand storytelling lever: finally, this certification enriches the narrative around the product. It allows brands to explain precisely and concretely the positive impact of their material choices, which meets a strong consumer expectation, especially in the fields of perfumery and luxury facial skincare products.

The example of mBlack™: a 4-star OK biobased certified material

Combining performance, premium design and environmental demands is a goal achieved with mBlack™, the exclusive biopolymer developed by mPackting.

This biobased material is the result of an advanced circular approach: it is made from carefully repurposed wood waste and is 100% derived from renewable raw materials.

mBlack™ embodies a new generation of biobased materials, designed to meet the needs of brands that place sustainability at the heart of their strategy:

mBlack™ is OK biobased 4-star certified, the highest recognition awarded by TÜV AUSTRIA: this label guarantees both partners and consumers clear traceability and strong environmental value.

Concretely, here is what distinguishes mBlack™ as a reference solution for skincare packaging that is both elegant and responsible:

✅ It stands out with its visual appearance and high-end feel thanks to its deep matte black finish, ideal for caps, closures and refill systems in the luxury skincare sector;

✅ Infinitely customizable, it offers great creative freedom: engraving, lacquering, textures. Each project can make mBlack™ its own;

✅ Compatible with circular logic: its structure is designed for durability, reuse or integration into mono-material systems;

✅ Carbon footprint reduction: by acting as a CO₂ sink, mBlack™ contributes to a global impact reduction strategy.

Ready to design certified, traceable and premium packaging?

At mPackting, we develop premium packaging solutions that combine certified materials, bespoke aesthetics and advanced eco-design. Thanks to innovations such as mBlack™, certified 4-star OK biobased, we help you make your sustainability commitments a reality.

Would you like to integrate biobased materials into your next skincare product line?

Contact us today to discover how to evolve your packaging toward a circular, traceable and desirable future.