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.
Join our waitlist for early access, launch updates and guidance on getting your material ready for certification in Scotland
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 to test your anaerobic digestate?
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.
PAS110 testing is required for anaerobic digestion operators who want to certify their digestate under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). Certification demonstrates that digestate meets recognised quality standards and can be used as a fertiliser or soil improver. Many operators pursue PAS110 certification to ensure regulatory compliance, improve confidence among farmers and land managers, and unlock the commercial value of digestate.
Hutton Scientific Services will be the only PAS110 testing facility in Scotland, providing a convenient option for operators across Scotland and the North of England. With more than 30 years of experience delivering analytical services to industry, our service combines accredited laboratory analysis with access to leading agricultural research expertise. This means operators can not only demonstrate compliance with PAS110 requirements but also explore real-world crop trials and nutrient performance, all through one trusted provider.
PAS110 testing involves analysing digestate to confirm that it meets the quality requirements set out in the PAS110 standard and the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). This typically includes testing for key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as parameters linked to product safety and quality. The results provide evidence that digestate is consistent, safe to apply to land and suitable for use as a fertiliser or soil improver.
Getting started is straightforward. Our team will guide you through the sampling and testing requirements needed for PAS110 certification and explain the analytical process. Once samples are submitted, our laboratory will carry out the required analysis and provide results that support your certification through the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme.
Join our waitlist to learn more about our upcoming PAS110 service launching later in 2026.
