Algae and algae products - Specifications for cosmetic sector applications

This Technical Reports describes quality designations and indications for algae and directly derived products from algae production required for or by cosmetics producers and industry. It does not apply to Food and Feed sectors.
Note: This TRs does not provide instructions on existing handling of technical requirements in existing legislations

Algen und Algenprodukte - Spezifikationen für Anwendungen im Kosmetikbereich

Algues et produits d’algues - Spécifications pour les applications dans le secteur de la cosmétique

Le présent document fournit une vue d’ensemble des recommandations relatives aux spécifications des produits ainsi que d’autres informations pertinentes pour les algues et produits d’algues dans le secteur de la cosmétique.
Le présent document ne s’applique pas aux applications de denrées alimentaires et d’aliments pour animaux.
Le présent document ne fournit pas d’instructions relatives aux exigences techniques requises selon les législations existantes.

Alge in izdelki iz alg - Specifikacije za uporabo v kozmetiki

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
30-Nov-2020
Publication Date
04-Feb-2021
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
04-Feb-2021
Due Date
11-Apr-2021
Completion Date
05-Feb-2021

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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TP CEN/TR 17611:2021
01-marec-2021
Alge in izdelki iz alg - Specifikacije za uporabo v kozmetiki
Algae and algae products - Specifications for cosmetic sector applications
Algen und Algenprodukte - Spezifikationen für Anwendungen im Kosmetikbereich
Algues et produits d’algues - Spécifications pour les applications dans le secteur de la
cosmétique
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 17611:2021
ICS:
71.100.70 Kozmetika. Toaletni Cosmetics. Toiletries
pripomočki
SIST-TP CEN/TR 17611:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST-TP CEN/TR 17611:2021


CEN/TR 17611
TECHNICAL REPORT

RAPPORT TECHNIQUE

January 2021
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
ICS 13.020.55; 71.100.70
English Version

Algae and algae products - Specifications for cosmetic
sector applications
Algues et produits d'algues - Spécifications pour les Algen und Algenprodukte - Spezifikationen für
applications dans le secteur de la cosmétique Anwendungen im Kosmetikbereich


This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 4 January 2021. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 454.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 17611:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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CEN/TR 17611:2021 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Product characteristics . 6
4.1 Product purity . 6
4.1.1 General . 6
4.1.2 Purity of microalgae . 7
4.1.3 Purity of macroalgae . 8
4.1.4 Purity of algae derivatives or extracts . 8
4.1.5 Methods of analysis . 9
4.2 Contamination . 10
4.2.1 General . 10
4.2.2 Physical, biological and chemical contaminants . 10
4.2.3 Contaminants in algal cosmetic ingredients . 10
5 Product information documents . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Material Safety Data Sheet . 13
5.3 Other relevant product information . 13
5.3.1 Origin . 13
5.3.2 Algae extracts . 13
5.3.3 Safety . 13
5.3.4 Safety Assessment - CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) . 15
6 Sustainable development . 15
6.1 General . 15
6.2 United Nations sustainable development goals . 15
6.3 Sustainable development of macroalgae production . 15
6.4 Sustainable development of microalgae production . 16
7 Traceability . 16
7.1 General . 16
7.2 Chain of Custody . 17
8 Labelling . 17
Annex A (informative) Regulatory framework. 19
Annex B (informative) RMS and TDS examples . 23
Annex C (informative) Origin of algae products . 32
Annex D (informative) Algae extracts . 35
Annex E (informative) Purity identification methods and gap analysis algae . 38
Bibliography . 40
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European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 17611:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 454 “Algae
and algae products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The European committee for Standardization (CEN) was requested by the European Commission (EC) to
draft European standards or European standardization deliverables to support the implementation of
Article 3 of Directive 2009/28/EC for algae and algae products or intermediates. The request presented
as Mandate M/547, also contributes to the Communication on “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bio
economy for Europe”.
The former working group CEN Technical Board Working Group 218 ”Algae” was created in 2016 to
develop a work programme as part of the Mandate. The technical committee CEN/TC 454 ”Algae and
algae products” was established to carry out the work program the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
CEN/TC 454 set up a number of topic specific working Groups listed below to develop standards for algae
and algae products.
This document has been prepared by Working Group 5 “Specifications for non-food/feed sector
applications” with the support of UNI as the secretariat, in close collaboration with the other CEN/TC 454
working groups:
CEN/TC 454/WG 1 “Terminology”;
CEN/TC 454/WG 2 “Identification”;
CEN/TC 454/WG 3 “Productivity”;
CEN/TC 454/WG 4 “Specifications for food/feed sectors applications”;
CEN/TC 454/WG 6 “Product test methods”.
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Introduction
The interest in algae and algae-based products or intermediates as a renewable and sustainable source
of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and pigments has increased significantly in Europe.
The purpose of this document prepared by WG 5 is to provide an overview on how quality indicating
parameters for algae and algae-based products and intermediates relevant for cosmetic applications can
be handled and to identify the need for any future standard developments for cosmetic applications.
Macroalgae are highly available and used in many Countries as fertiliser, biostimulant, animal feed,
medicine, cosmetic and food ingredients, and have different compounds depending on species.
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1 Scope
This document gives an overview of recommendations on product specifications, and other relevant
information, for algae and algae products for cosmetics industry.
This document does not apply to food and feed applications.
This document does not provide instructions on handling of technical requirements in existing
legislations.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 16751, Bio-based products - Sustainability criteria
EN 16760, Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment
EN 16848, Bio-based products - Requirements for Business to Business communication of characteristics
using a Data Sheet
EN 16935, Bio-based products - Requirements for Business-to-Consumer communication and claims
EN 17399, Algae and algae products - Terms and definitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17399 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
algae and algae products
functional group of organisms consisting of microalgae, macroalgae, cyanobacteria, labyrinthulomycetes
and products derived thereof
3.2
Raw Material Specification
RMS
several pages technical dossier about the product, usually prepared by manufacturer, directed to provide
all product approval information to the customer and usually attached to commercial contract
Note 1 to entry: Models of RMS for some algae categories are attached as Annex B.
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3.3
Technical Data Sheet
TDS
one (few) page technical document showing the technical (biochemical) parameters adopted to
characterize the product and therefore being the paradigm of the Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Note 1 to entry: It includes ranges of different parameters used to define the product characteristics or applicable
regulatory limits.
Note 2 to entry: Models of TDS for some algae categories are attached as Annex B.
3.4
Certificate of Analysis
CoA
one (few) page document issued from laborator(ies) and reporting test results for a specific lot, usually
in front of TDS parameters, including references to test method
Note 1 to entry: It may have legal status.
3.5
Material Safety Data Sheet
MSDS or SDS
document issued with the aim of providing information about product compliance in respect of human
health and safety at the workplace and protection of the environment
3.6
sustainable development
development that meets the environmental, social and economic needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
[SOURCE: ISO Guide 82:2019, 3.2]
4 Product characteristics
4.1 Product purity
4.1.1 General
The product purity is defined by the percentage of specific component in the total amount of product or,
in case of whole algal biomass, by species/strain amount as percentage of the total dry weight of the
product. Any other substances should be specified in the technical data sheet.
The purity percentage is specified by mass fraction (kg/kg). When this is not possible according to the
3 3
state in which the product is presented, it can be expressed by volume fraction (m /m ) or cell fraction
(cell counts/all cell counts) or their corresponding concentrations if more appropriate.
The presence of GMO material in algae and algae products is to be considered as impurity (ref to EU Reg
on GMO).
The presence of not organic material in organic algae and algae products is to be considered as impurity
(ref to EU Reg on Organic production).
NOTE 1 Purity is referred to contractual limits. Purity is generally not directly related to contamination since the
latter is often of small extent and does not affect the amount of required substance.
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NOTE 2 Purity is affected by the accidental presence or the fraudulent addition of any organism, part or product
of an organism, other than that named in the product specification and description of the algae concerned; or any
foreign substances with the same composition as dry algae, even in the absence of contamination.
NOTE 3 Purity is related to species identification and test methods. For methods on the identification of species
refer to prEN 17477:2020.
When a product is not pure, this impurity can be detected by different types of detection methods listed
in Table 1.
Macroscopical/microscopical characterization includes features, which distinguish the algae material
from potential non-specified substances. Identification tests need to be specifically validated for algae
and are usually a combination of methods depending on the algae species. Identification tests include
macroscopical characters, microscopical characters, chromatographic procedures and physicochemical
analysis. Automated tools might help like cell counters or cell flow cytometers.
The development of tests based on nucleic acids characteristics (microsatellites, NGS (Next Generation
Sequencing), barcoding, RAPD (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA), AFLP (Amplified
Frangement Length Polymorphism), etc.) to be sequenced from product samples would provide simple
and fast tools for the identification of multiple targeted species and would help to indicate the presence
of other nucleic acids than those of the algal material. In general there is a lack of algae databases for the
identification of foreign matter.
Currently these tests are not yet standardized and available for routine testing. Therefore quality
assurance methods aimed at reduction / prevention of risk of impurity like good farming practices (GFP),
good manufacturing practices (GMP), traceability and Chain of Custody systems are essential to monitor
the level of purity for algae and algae products.
An overview of the currently available methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of algae
purity is shown in Table 1. The reliability of these different methods depends on the complexity of the
species and impurities and are not necessarily sufficient for each case.
The following substances affecting the purity of a product can be addressed:
— Physical foreign matter (i.e. (micro) plastic fragments, wires from fishing nets and ropes, feathers
from birds, shells);
— Other algae (including toxin-producing cyanobacteria), bacteria or organic materials (i.e. grass,
proteins or oils from other species);
— Algae from other location then stated (e.g. from Asia instead of Europe). Most promising test to detect
the presence of algae from other regions then stated, is the use of stable isotopes. However, first
databases with the characterization of isotopes from different regions need to be established.
Macroscopic examination is suitable for determining the presence of particles of foreign matter in whole
or cut (macro)algae. Foreign matter are all materials which are not part of the (macro)algae biomass.
Additional aids (like UV-light, sieving, centrifugation) might be helpful to find the foreign matter.
The algae harvesting and farming organization should provide the purity on a CoA for each batch of algae.
4.1.2 Purity of microalgae
Microscopy is a suitable tool for microalgae, cyanobacteria and all powdered materials. Reduction of
particle size or powdering materials can hide the presence of non-specified substances and make it more
difficult to detect. Also diluted samples cannot be qualified and need a quantification step.
Specifically for cyanobacteria, some guidance for the numeration of phytoplankton is available in
EN 15204.
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The determination of purity in fresh sample can be possible using inverted microscopy (Utermöhl
technique according to EN 15204) to determine the microalgae and cyanobacteria biovolume. This
document describes the necessary methods for measuring cell dimensions and for the calculation of cell
or counting unit volumes to estimate the biovolume (wet weight biomass) in phytoplankton samples.
This method has been successfully used by French spirulina producers to monitor the quality and purity
of their biomass.
Where available, methods based on nucleic acid analysis of specific species, fingerprinting or
metabarcoding (using 1 or 2 markers) may provide information on purity of any algae powder.
Currently these methods are not yet available for routine tests.
4.1.3 Purity of macroalgae
By their very nature, macroalgae growing in the wild may be found to grow interspersed with other
species. Therefore, it is not always practical to obtain a harvest of macroalgae that is 100 % pure.
Macroscopic examination is suitable for determining the presence of foreign matter in whole or cut
macroalgae. This applies also to algae cultivated in tanks.
Visual inspection is suitable for freshly harvested algae as the intact cells can be recognized as a whole.
When the holdfast is removed, or when epiphytic organisms are present on the surface visual inspection
may not be sufficient to identify the species after harvesting. For ground algae, cells are disrupted and
algae type can no longer be recognized nor be quantified.
Microscopy is indispensable for all powdered materials. Reduction of particle size or powdering
materials can hide the presence of non-specified substances and make it more difficult to detect. Also
diluted samples cannot be qualified and need a quantification step.
The most reliable way to monitor the purity of macroalgae is for companies to assess the freshly
harvested raw material by visual, macroscopic means. Purity should be expressed as the percentage of
the target macroalgae of interest over the total weight of the harvested biomass. In case the growth of
other algae/bacteria on the macroalgae is noticed, some follow-up test may be needed (microscopical for
instance) in order to check for potential impurities from hazardous organisms and to verify if the product
is safe for the purpose of the product.
It is noted that macroalgae harvested from the wild may contain up to 10 % of other species that grow
alongside and co-occur with the main species that is harvested; of course, if the composition of such
products is fit for use, it can still be considered a single ingredient product, defined by its 90 %
component, because the presence of other macroalgae is not regulated by specific limits provided all the
macroalgae is safe for intended use.
4.1.4 Purity of algae derivatives or extracts
Pure algae extract can include a range of compounds present in the algae and/or it may refer to a pure
fraction containing one or more compounds. Purified extracts with single components or a small number
of components can be responsible for the product efficacy. In complex mixtures of natural origin
(extracts) the efficacy may be related to synergistic effects of several components of the raw material and
not to a single molecule.





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Table 1 — Types of impurities and detection methods
Impurity Fresh materials Dry materials or powders
Qualitative Quantitative Qualitative Quantitative
Physical foreign Visual Visual Visual Visual
matter inspection inspection inspection inspection
Microscopical Microscopical Microscopical Microscopical
inspection inspection inspection inspection
Additional tools Additional tools Additional tools Additional tools
Other algae, Visual Visual Visual Visual
bacteria and inspection inspection inspection inspection
organic materials
Microscopical Microscopical Microscopical Microscopical
inspection inspection inspection inspection
Nucleic acid –- Nucleic acid –-
analysis analysis
Chemical –- Chemical –-
a a
fingerprinting fingerprinting
Regional identity Isotopic analysis Isotopic Isotopic analysis Isotopic
b b
analysis analysis
a
Chemical fingerprinting includes different techniques, for example: IR spectra, NMR, TLC, Mass
Spectrometry, fatty acid profile.
b
methods to be developed.
4.1.5 Methods of analysis
The inventory of available methods and recommendation for prioritizing future method development on
purity of algae and algae products are listed in Tables E.1 and E.2.
Specific gaps to use these methods are lack of respectively [1]:
— sampling strategies for visual inspection and microscopy;
— quantification method for microscopy;
— databases, algae selective primers and protocols for nucleic acid identification; and
— databases for molecular and chemical fingerprinting and isotope analysis (see Annex E).
In addition to the gap per analysis methodology, methods are lacking for the quantification of the found
foreign matter. Furthermore, protocols describing what to do with the product if the presence of a foreign
matter is detected, are lacking.
It is recommended to further develop and standardize the following protocols [1]:
— sample strategies for quality control of fresh materials and of dry/powdered materials;
— quality control protocols describing which other checks have to be done when foreign matter is
found;
— visual inspection protocols for fresh materials and for dry/powdered materials;
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— microscopical inspection protocols for fresh materials and for dry/powdered materials;
— protocol for molecular biological quality control taking into account the most important criteria;
— study the applicability of isotope analysis for specification of the region of origin.
4.2 Contamination
4.2.1 General
Macroalgae and also microalgae can accumulate certain minerals and also heavy metals [5] and other
compounds if present in the surrounding environment. Therefore, this form of contamination should be
monitored.
Contamination can occur in the open waters (macroalgae) or in the closed or semi-closed cultivation
system (micro and macroalgae). Copper can be found if the macroalgae is cultivated in close vicinity to
fish production, since fish pens/nets can be impregnated with copper as a mean of antifouling.
Heavy metals can come from salts or nutrients supplied to microalgae systems with the growth medium.
Volatile contaminants can be borne by CO used for algae carbonation or air used for oxygen degassing
2
or directly by atmospheric pollution in open systems.
4.2.2 Physical, biological and chemical contaminants
Physical, biological and chemical contamination may be found in algae caused by past and current
activities in the area.
Examples of physical contamination can include, but is not limited to, plastic fragments, wires from
fishing nets and ropes, feathers from birds, shells.
Algae can be contaminated by toxin-producing cyanobacteria. These cyanotoxins include microcystins,
anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins, palytoxins, nodularin and ciguatoxins. Cadmium, mercury and
lead can occur and these elements can be released and taken up by the algae or come through the culture
media.
Microbiological contamination is a very important parameter in raw materials and ingredients for
cosmetic producers. It can include, but not limited to, total of gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria and
the presence of Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Routine testing is generally required
because the microbial contamination is linked to production and storage of algal products and to
mycotoxin contamination.
4.2.3 Contaminants in algal cosmetic ingredients
4.2.3.1 General
Particular attention is needed for long-term safety aspects, since cosmetic products may be used
extensively over a large part of the human lifespan and sensitive groups of the population may be
involved.
4.2.3.2 Toxicological profile of the ingredients
During the safety evaluation of a finished cosmetic product, the available toxicological data for all
ingredients should be taken into consideration by the safety assessor. The data sources used should be
clearly indicated and may consist of one or more of the following possibilities:
— in vitro tests using validated or valid alternative methods;
— human data from clinical observations and compatibility tests in human volunteers;
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— data from data banks, published literature, “in house” experience and data obtained from raw
material suppliers, including QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) structural alerts;
— relevant data on analogous compounds.
The general toxicological requirements for cosmetic substances are described in detail in the
SCCS/1602/18 document. [6]
For cosmetic products, focus lays in particular on local toxicity evaluation being skin and eye irritation,
skin sensitization, and in the case of UV absorption photo-induced toxicity. In case of significant
dermal/percutaneous absorption, systemic effects will also be examined in detail. When certain test
results are not available, a scientific justification should be included.
It is essential to mention here that for each substance the toxicological data given should be derived from
tests with the same substance as that used in the finished cosmetic product (same degree of purity, same
impurity profile, same additives, etc).
4.2.3.3 Dioxin and related xenobiotes
Macroalgae, like land plants, are not known to concentrate dioxins. However, if following a hazard
analysis there is a risk that dioxins are present, the product should be tested for dioxins.
NOTE Dioxins have been found in harvested coastal macroalgae originating from local processing or
environmental conditions.
Plants do not concentrate dioxin in the food web, as seen in e.g. fish. In most cases the dioxin is not taken
up by the plant, but is adsorbed in the form of e.g. particles. This means that the dioxin concentration of
plants is generally low compared to foods with a high level of animal fat or fat fish from contaminated
areas.
As far as the hazard of dioxin in microalgae is concerned, the microalgae are first in the food chain and
will mirror the level of dioxin and PCB in the water- dissolved or adsorbed to particles. The concentratio
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
kSIST-TP FprCEN/TR 17611:2020
01-november-2020
Alge in izdelki iz alg - Specifikacije za uporabo v kozmetiki
Algae and algae products - Specifications for cosmetic sector applications
Algen und Algenprodukte - Spezifikationen für Anwendungen im Kosmetikbereich
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprCEN/TR 17611
ICS:
71.100.70 Kozmetika. Toaletni Cosmetics. Toiletries
pripomočki
kSIST-TP FprCEN/TR 17611:2020 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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kSIST-TP FprCEN/TR 17611:2020


FINAL DRAFT
TECHNICAL REPORT
FprCEN/TR 17611
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE

TECHNISCHER BERICHT

September 2020
ICS
English Version

Algae and algae products - Specifications for cosmetic
sector applications
 Algen und Algenprodukte - Spezifikationen für
Anwendungen im Kosmetikbereich


This draft Technical Report is submitted to CEN members for Vote. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC
454.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a Technical Report. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a Technical Report.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. FprCEN/TR 17611:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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FprCEN/TR 17611:2020 (E)
Contents Page

European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Product characteristics . 9
4.1 Product purity . 9
4.1.1 General . 9
4.1.2 Purity of microalgae . 10
4.1.3 Purity of macroalgae . 10
4.1.4 Purity of algae derivatives or extracts . 11
4.1.5 Methods of analysis . 11
4.2 Contamination . 12
4.2.1 General . 12
4.2.2 Physical, biological and chemical contaminants . 12
4.2.3 Contaminants in algal cosmetic ingredients . 13
5 Product information documents . 15
5.1 General . 15
5.2 Material Safety Data Sheet . 15
5.3 Other relevant product information . 15
5.3.1 Origin . 15
5.3.2 Algae extracts . 16
5.3.3 Safety . 16
5.3.4 Safety Assessment - CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) . 17
6 Sustainable development . 18
6.1 General . 18
6.2 United Nations sustainable development goals . 18
6.3 Sustainable development of macroalgae production . 18
6.4 Sustainable development of microalgae production . 18
7 Traceability . 19
7.1 General . 19
7.2 Chain of Custody . 19
8 Labelling . 20
Annex A (informative) Regulatory framework. 21
A.1 Regulatory framework in Europe . 21
A.2 Regulatory framework outside the EU . 23
A.2.1 USA . 23
A.2.2 China . 23
A.2.3 South East Asia . 24
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Annex B (informative) RMS and TDS examples . 25
B.1 Example of RMS on Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) dry powder Cosmetic grade
(Manufacturer’s letterhead) . 25
B.1.1 Product description . 25
B.1.2 Identification . 25
B.1.3 Physical and organoleptic characteristics . 26
B.1.4 Chemical characteristics . 26
B.1.5 Aminoacid profile . 28
B.1.6 Contaminants . 28
B.1.6.1 Residual solvents . 28
B.1.6.2 Heavy metals . 28
B.1.7 Microbiological characteristics . 29
B.1.8 Decontamination by radiation . 29
B.1.9 Regulatory information . 29
B.1.10 Allergen statement . 29
B.1.11 GMO statement . 29
B.1.12 Authenticity . 29
B.1.13 Animal testing . 29
B.1.14 Other . 29
B.1.15 Ingredient origin . 30
B.1.16 Packaging . 30
B.1.17 Storage conditions . 30
B.2 Example of Cyanobacteria Technical Data Sheet (TDS) . 30
B.2.1 Description . 30
B.2.2 Analytical data . 31
B.2.2.1 Physico-chemical characteristics. 31
B.2.2.2 Microbiological characteristics . 31
B.2.3 Contaminants . 31
B.3 Example of Microalgae Technical Data Sheet (TDS) . 32
B.3.1 Description . 32
B.3.2 Analytical data . 32
B.3.2.1 Physico-chemical characteristics. 32
B.3.2.2 Microbiological characteristics . 33
B.3.3 Contaminants . 33
Annex C (informative) Origin of algae products . 34
C.1 Origin of algae strains . 34
C.2 Origin of algae products . 34
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C.3 Origin Statement . 36
Annex D (informative) Algae extracts . 37
D.1 Algae extracts for cosmetic purposes . 37
D.2 Solvent properties . 37
D.3 Solvent extraction vs CO -Extraction . 38
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D.4 Typical Algae biomass CO -Extraction . 38
2
D.4.1 Material and methods . 38
Annex E (informative) Purity identification methods and gap analysis algae . 40
Bibliography . 42


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European foreword
This document (FprCEN/TR 17611:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 454
“Algae and algae products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the Vote.
The European committee for Standardization (CEN) was requested by the European Commission (EC) to
draft European standards or European standardization deliverables to support the implementation of
Article 3 of Directive 2009/28/EC for algae and algae products or intermediates. The request presented
as Mandate M/547, also contributes to the Communication on “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bio
economy for Europe”.
The former working group CEN Technical Board Working Group 218 ”Algae” was created in 2016 to
develop a work programme as part of the Mandate. The technical committee CEN/TC 454 ”Algae and
algae products” was established to carry out the work program the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
CEN/TC 454 set up a number of topic specific working Groups listed below to develop standards for algae
and algae products.
This document has been prepared by Working Group 5 “Specifications for non-food/feed sector
applications” with the support of UNI as the secretariat, in close collaboration with the other CEN/TC 454
working groups:
CEN/TC 454/WG 1 “Terminology”
CEN/TC 454/WG 2 “Identification”
CEN/TC 454/WG 3 “Productivity”
CEN/TC 454/WG 4 “Specifications for food/feed sectors applications”
CEN/TC 454/WG 6 “Product test methods”
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Introduction
The interest in algae and algae-based products or intermediates as a renewable and sustainable source
of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and pigments has increased significantly in Europe.
The purpose of this document prepared by WG 5 is to provide an overview on how quality indicating
parameters for algae and algae-based products and intermediates relevant for cosmetic applications can
be handled and to identify the need for any future standard developments for cosmetic applications.
Macroalgae are highly available and used in many Countries as fertiliser, biostimulant, animal feed,
medicine, cosmetic and food ingredients, and have different compounds depending on species.
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1 Scope
This document gives an overview of recommendations on product specifications, and other relevant
information, for algae and algae products for cosmetics industry.
This document does not apply to food and feed applications.
This document does not provide instructions on handling of technical requirements in existing
legislations.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 16751, Bio-based products - Sustainability criteria
EN 16760, Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment
EN 16848, Bio-based products - Requirements for Business to Business communication of characteristics
using a Data Sheet
EN 16935, Bio-based products - Requirements for Business-to-Consumer communication and claims
EN 17399, Algae and algae products - Terms and definitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17399 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
algae and algae products
functional group of organisms consisting of microalgae, macroalgae, cyanobacteria, labyrinthulomycetes
and products derived thereof
3.2
Raw Material Specification
RMS
several pages technical dossier about the product, usually prepared by manufacturer, directed to provide
all product approval information to the customer and usually attached to commercial contract
Note 1 to entry: Models of RMS for some algae categories are attached as Annex B.
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3.3
Technical Data Sheet
TDS
one (few) page technical document showing the technical (biochemical) parameters adopted to
characterize the product and therefore being the paradigm of the Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Note 1 to entry: It includes ranges of different parameters used to define the product characteristics or applicable
regulatory limits.
Note 2 to entry: Models of TDS for some algae categories are attached as Annex B.
3.4
Certificate of Analysis
CoA
one (few) page document issued from laborator(ies) and reporting test results for a specific lot, usually
in front of TDS parameters, including references to test method
Note 1 to entry: It may or not have legal value.
3.5
Material Safety Data Sheet
MSDS or SDS
document issued with the aim of providing information about product compliance in respect of human
health and safety at the workplace and protection of the environment
3.6
sustainable development
development that meets the environmental, social and economic needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
[SOURCE: ISO Guide 82:2019, 3.2]
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4 Product characteristics
4.1 Product purity
4.1.1 General
The product purity is defined by the percentage of specific component in the total amount of product or,
in case of whole algal biomass, by species/strain amount as percentage of the total dry weight of the
product. Any other substances should be specified in the technical data sheet.
The purity percentage is specified by mass fraction (kg/kg). When this is not possible according to the
3 3
state in which the product is presented, it can be expressed by volume fraction (m /m ) or cell fraction
(cell counts/all cell counts) or their corresponding concentrations if more appropriate.
The presence of GMO material in algae and algae products is to be considered as impurity (ref to EU Reg
on GMO).
The presence of not organic material in organic algae and algae products is to be considered as impurity
(ref to EU Reg on Organic production).
NOTE 1 Purity is referred to contractual limits. Purity is generally not directly related to contamination since the
latter is often of small extent and does not affect the amount of required substance.
NOTE 2 Purity is affected by the accidental presence or the fraudulent addition of any organism, part or product
of an organism, other than that named in the product specification and description of the algae concerned; or any
foreign substances with the same composition as dry algae, even in the absence of contamination.
NOTE 3 Purity is related to species identification and test methods. For methods on the identification of species
refer to prEN 17477:2020.
When a product is not pure, this impurity can be detected by different types of detection methods listed
in Table 1.
Macroscopical/microscopical characterization includes features, which distinguish the algae material
from potential non-specified substances. Identification tests need to be specifically validated for algae
and are usually a combination of methods depending on the algae species. Identification tests include
macroscopical characters, microscopical characters, chromatographic procedures and physicochemical
analysis. Automated tools might help like cell counters or cell flow cytometers.
The development of tests based on nucleic acids characteristics (microsatellites, NGS, barcoding, RAPD,
AFLP, etc.) to be sequenced from product samples would provide simple and fast tools for the
identification of multiple targeted species and would help to indicate the presence of other nucleic acids
than those of the algal material. In general there is a lack of algae databases for the identification of foreign
matter.
Currently these tests are not yet standardized and available for routine testing. Therefore quality
assurance methods aimed at reduction / prevention of risk of impurity like good farming practices (GFP),
good manufacturing practices (GMP), traceability and Chain of Custody systems are essential to monitor
the level of purity for algae and algae products.
An overview of the currently available methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of algae
purity is shown in Table 1. The reliability of these different methods depends on the complexity of the
species and impurities and are not necessarily sufficient for each case.
The following substances affecting the purity of a product can be addressed:
— Physical foreign matter (i.e. (micro) plastic fragments, wires from fishing nets and ropes, feathers
from birds, shells);
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— Other algae (including toxin-producing cyanobacteria), bacteria or organic materials (i.e. grass,
proteins or oils from other species).
— Algae from other location then stated (i.e. from Asia instead of Europe). Most promising test to detect
the presence of algae from other regions then stated, is the use of stable isotopes. However, first
databases with the characterization of isotopes from different regions need to be established.
Macroscopic examination is suitable for determining the presence of particles of foreign matter in whole
or cut (macro)algae. Foreign matter are all materials which are not part of the (macro)algae biomass.
Additional aids (like UV-light, sieving, centrifugation) might be helpful to find the foreign matter.
The algae harvesting and farming company should provide the purity on a CoA for each batch of algae.
4.1.2 Purity of microalgae
Microscopy is a suitable tool for microalgae, cyanobacteria and all powdered materials. Reduction of
particle size or powdering materials can hide the presence of non-specified substances and make it more
difficult to detect. Also diluted samples cannot be qualified and need a quantification step.
Specifically for cyanobacteria, some guidance for the numeration of phytoplankton is available in
EN 15204.
The determination of purity in fresh sample can be possible using inverted microscopy (Utermöhl
technique according to EN 15204) to determine the microalgae and cyanobacteria biovolume. This
European Standard describes the necessary methods for measuring cell dimensions and for the
calculation of cell or counting unit volumes to estimate the biovolume (wet weight biomass) in
phytoplankton samples. This method has been successfully used by French spirulina producers to
monitor the quality and purity of their biomass.
Where available, methods based on nucleic acid analysis of specific species, fingerprinting or
metabarcoding (using 1 or 2 markers) may provide information on purity of any algae powder.
Currently these methods are not yet available for routine tests.
4.1.3 Purity of macroalgae
By their very nature, macroalgae growing in the wild may be found to grow interspersed with other
species. Therefore, it is not always practical to obtain a harvest of macroalgae that is 100 % pure.
Macroscopic examination is suitable for determining the presence of foreign matter in whole or cut
macroalgae. This applies also to algae cultivated in tanks.
Visual inspection is suitable for freshly harvested algae as the intact cells can be recognized as a whole.
When the holdfast is removed, or when epiphytic organisms are present on the surface visual inspection
may not be sufficient to identify the species after harvesting. For ground algae, cells are disrupted and
algae type can no longer be recognized nor be quantified.
Microscopy is indispensable for all powdered materials. Reduction of particle size or powdering
materials can hide the presence of non-specified substances and make it more difficult to detect. Also
diluted samples cannot be qualified and need a quantification step.
The most reliable way to monitor the purity of macroalgae is for companies to assess the freshly
harvested raw material by visual, macroscopic means. Purity should be expressed as the percentage of
the target macroalgae of interest over the total weight of the harvested biomass. In case the growth of
other algae/bacteria on the macroalgae is noticed, some follow-up test may be needed (microscopical for
instance) in order to check for potential impurities from hazardous organisms to check if the product is
safe for the purpose of the product.
It is noted that macroalgae harvested from the wild may contain up to 10 % of other species that grow
alongside and co-occur with the main species that is harvested; of course, if the composition of such
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products is fit for use, it can still be considered a single ingredient product, defined by its 90 %
component, because the presence of other macroalgae is not regulated by specific limits provided all the
macroalgae is safe for intended use.
4.1.4 Purity of algae derivatives or extracts
Pure algae extract can include a range of compounds present in the algae and/or it may refer to a pure
fraction containing one or
...

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