ISO 16929 – Pilot Scale Composting Test

ISO 16929 is a standard composting method that determines the degree of disintegration of materials in a pilot-scale test under defined composting conditions.

Situ Biosciences has currently suspended testing according to the ISO 16929 due to complications associated with the COVID-19 mandatory quarantine.

ISO 16929 is a standard composting method that determines the degree of disintegration of materials in a pilot-scale test under defined composting conditions. ISO 16929 encompasses an environment more representative of microbial populations than laboratory-scale set ups. Compost environments include a variety of microbial populations with thermophilic organisms playing a key part in the composition of compost.

The ISO 16929 typically runs for 12 weeks and is often requested for consumer and agricultural products including plastics, tarps, and textiles.

The pilot-scale composting provided by ISO 16929 is an important part of the ASTM D6400 compostability testing. In addition to disintegration being a required component of ASTM D6400, ISO 16929 is a key part in the assessment that represents a less idealized and more realistic composting environment.

Aerobic biodegradation and disintegration of materials under controlled composting conditions is generally the type of testing that regulatory agencies require in order to make product claims.

For more information about ISO 16929 and biodegradation testing, contact our biodegradation lab at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.