ASTM D 6400
Standard specification for solid material biodegradation (by composting) required for labeling of plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities.
ASTM D 5338
Standard test method for determining aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions, incorporating thermophilic temperatures.
ISO 20200
Determines the degree of disintegration of plastic materials under simulated composting conditions in a laboratory.
ASTM D 6866
Standard test methods for determining biobased content of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples using radiocarbon analysis on how product composts.
EN 13432
Requirements for packaging recoverable composting and biodegradation – Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging.
OECD 208 – Cress Seed/Barley Eval/ASTM D 6002-02
Evaluates and assesses effects on seedling emergence and early growth in composted material (germination) and by the plant growth test for toxicity.
ISO 17008
Specifies procedures and requirements for identification and labeling of plastics, and products made from plastics that are suitable for recovery through aerobic composting. This test address biodegradation, disintegration during composting, negative effects on composting process and facility, and negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost, including the presence of high levels of regulated metals and other harmful components.
PLA
Polylactic acid is a plastic substitute made from fermented plant starch (usually corn, sugar cane or sugar beet) which makes PLA environmentally friendly, sustainable and composts organically. The process of biodegradation is highly dependent on the environment of heat, humidity and microbes.
BPI Certification
Biodegradable Products Institute provides certification services for compostable products. BPI-certified products meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 testing standards to certify they will biodegrade in a managed compost facility.
