Biodegradation Test Laboratory Overview

Biodegradation Test Laboratory -Situ Biosciences

Testing Biodegradation for Industrial and Consumer Products

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

Below is a list of the types of Biodegradability Testing performed by our lab.

Select the following links for specific agency test methods: ASTM, ISO, OECD and EPA.

Solid State Biodegradability and Composting Test Methods

The most common solid state biodegradability and compost testing methods are ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868. Most often used for plastics, polymers and paper, ASTM D6400 has become the harmonized standard for aerobic biodegradation and compost testing.

Liquid State Biodegradability Test Methods

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. The most common method for determining the biodegradability of a solution is OECD 301B.

Dry Material Compostability Testing

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

FTC and EPA Regulatory Claims and Initiatives

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.

The Wily Microbe

Biodegradation Test Methods for Product Testing -Situ Biosciences

Biodegradation Biodegradability testing is constantly evolving to meet the needs of industry and consumer product sectors.

Through regulatory harmonization several standards organizations have streamlined the testing process to produce reliable and cost effective methodologies.

ASTM and ISO for example have led the way in harmonizing biodegradation standards for the testing of consumer products and raw materials. Biodegradtion and Phytotoxicity -Situ Biosciences

Biodegradtion and Phytotoxicity -Situ Biosciences

Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity determines if the compost resulting from a biodegradation test is toxic to plant growth. As shown above 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 claims of a product.

Matching the requirements of the product with the shelf-life requirements of an antimicrobial can be done to meet the needs of the finished material.