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Biodegradability Testing

Biodegradation Testing Laboratory for Industrial and Consumer Products

Biodegradability Testing Performed ASTM, ISO, OECD, and EPA test methods for biodegradability and compostability. The most common ASTM  plastic biodegradability and compost testing methods are ASTM D6400, and ASTM D6868

Biodegradability of products ranging from textiles to plastics to metal working fluids implies vastly different formulation components and metrics for a biodegradable solution.

For liquids and liquid state products, we perform Readily and Ultimate Biodegradable determinations of formulations and their additives adhering to US EPA, and OECD biodegradability standards.  In addition, we perform industrial standard laboratory tests using ISO and ASTM test methods for determinations of biodegradability.

For dry materials such as plastics, paper, foam, packing materials and such we perform ASTM, ISO, and EPA compostability testing.

Regulations and initiatives for improved biodegradability are impacting all aspects of industrial and consumer product formulation, manufacturing and sales.

  The Federal Trade Commission and US EPA directly regulate claims on 'green' products with respect to their claims on biodegradability and compostability.

Products making claims of biodegradation require scientific validation to support the claims of the product.

Claims on product biodegradation are becoming increasing scrutinized, and require valid scientific validation of the performance being claimed. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issues a Green Guide for guidance on label claims which is extracted from the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in (16 CFR Part 260).

As consumers awareness has grown, Regulatory and Trade agencies across the globe are requiring valid proof of biodegradability claims such as aerobic or anaerobic biodegradability, and compostability.

Making claims without support of the products performance can lead to fines and other censure resulting in a negative customer impact.

Biodegradability Testing and Regulatory Harmonization

 

 ASTM and ISO organizations have harmonized biodegradation standards for the testing of consumer products and raw materials. 

 

Germination studies are a component of ASTM D6400 test methods.

 

Either in manufacturing or finished goods, the antimicrobials being used can have an impact on the sustainability of your products.  Matching the requirements of the product with the shelf-life requirements of a antimicrobial can be done to meet the needs of the finished material.