PAS110 Digestate Testing
PAS110 Digestate Testing – Coming Summer 2026
The production of anaerobic digestate is rapidly increasing, driven by the growing demand for renewable energy and the transition toward a circular economy. Digestate is valued as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner that offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-derived fertilisers. However, before it can be applied to land, it must meet specific quality standards to ensure its safety and reliability.
Why PAS110 Matters
PAS110 is the recognised UK standard that sets out the minimum quality before it can be applied to land and has a nutrient value. It’s the difference between an expensive waste and something that can be applied to land and potentially traded.
Why Work With Us
James Hutton Scientific Services is working towards becoming one of the very few laboratories in the UK recognised under the Biofertilizer Certification Scheme (BCS) for PAS110 digestate certification, and we will be the only one in Scotland. We aim to provide this service from the summer of 2026.
What that means for you:
1. Geographically closer
Our laboratories are based in Aberdeen, significantly reducing transport time and cost for many AD sites across Scotland and northern England.
2. One team, from sample to field-ready evidence
In addition to providing certification, we can also carry out field trial demonstrating the efficacy of anaerobic digestate or other organic material that might previously have been described as waste.
3. Credibility that carries weight
Our work is backed by the scientific authority of The James Hutton Institute, a global leader in soils, crops and sustainable land use.
“We’re proud to be bringing a PAS110 testing facility to Scotland. It’s a huge step forward for the circular economy and for businesses looking to make better use of their waste.”
Gareth Newman, Business Development Manager, James Hutton Scientific Services
What We Can Do For You:
PAS110 Certification
Crop Trials That Demonstrate Value
Our world-class facilities include:
- Small-scale, controlled glasshouse trials
- Full outdoor field trials
- Vertical farm systems for year-round testing
Testing of Other Organic Materials
If you are looking to apply other waste-derived materials to land, we provide analytical evidence SEPA requires to consider approval.
Get in touch with:
Gareth Newman
Service Delivery Manager
Based in Aberdeen
T: +44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)
Gareth has worked for the Institute since 1995 as head of Inorganic analysis within the analytical section specialising in the following analytical techniques:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS)
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
- Colourimetric analysis
- Total Organic Carbon
Gareth is also the Quality Manager for the ISO17025 Quality Management System for the Analytical Group and the Quality Manager for the ISO9001 Quality Management System for the Institute. Gareth is an IRCA trained lead auditor.
