In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of biodegradable Testing an ensure that your products are truly biodegradable. From compostable packaging to natural fibers, read on to learn more about making the switch to biodegradables.
When it comes to environmental conservation, we often think of what we can do to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources.
However, there’s another area where we can make a big impact: biodegradable products. Not only are biodegradable products better for the environment, but they’re also better for our health.
ASTM D 6954
ASTM D 6954 is the standard test method for determining the aerobic biodegradable Testing of plastic materials in an aqueous medium by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide evolved.
This test method can be used to evaluate the potential for a plastic to degrade under conditions that are similar to those found in a landfill or in an aquatic environment.
ASTM D 5338
ASTM D 5338 is a standard test method for determining the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions. This test method can be used to assess the relative biodegradability of a plastic material in a specified composting environment.
The results of this test method can be used to compare the biodegradability of different plastic materials, or to evaluate the effect of various composting conditions on the biodegradation of a specific plastic material.
ASTM D 6400
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6400 standard is the globally recognized specification for testing the biodegradability of plastics in anaerobic environments.
This test is important because it provides insight into how a material will degrade in conditions that are similar to those found in landfill sites.
In order to pass the ASTM D6400 test, a plastic must be shown to achieve at least 70% degradation within 180 days. This means that after 180 days, no more than 30% of the original plastic should remain.
There are a number of different ways to test for biodegradability, but the most common method is by measuring the change in mass of a sample over time. This can be done using either laboratory or field-based tests.
Laboratory tests are typically carried out under controlled conditions, which allow for more accurate measurements.
However, they can be expensive and time-consuming. Field tests, on the other hand, are less expensive and take less time to complete, but they may not be as accurate as laboratory tests.
ASTM D6400 is just one of many standards that exist for testing biodegradability. Other standards include ISO 14855 and ASTM D7081.
ISO 14855
There are a variety of methods for Biodegradable Testing of materials. The most common method is the ISO 14855 test, which determines the rate of degradation under controlled composting conditions.
This test provides information on the overall degradation process, as well as the end products of that process.
The first step in this test is to prepare the material for testing. This usually involves shredding or chopping the material into small pieces.
Once the material is ready, it is placed in a composting chamber with microorganisms and moisture. The chamber is then sealed and monitored over time to track the degrade rate.
This test is important because it provides valuable information on how materials will break down under real-world conditions. It can also help manufacturers optimize their products to make them more sustainable in the long run.
EN 13432
EN 13432 is a European standard that outlines requirements for products that can be labelled as ‘biodegradable and compostable’. The standard requires that products must:
– Be composed of materials that are biodegradable (i.e. they will break down into CO2, water and biomass)
– Be compostable (i.e. they will degrade into CO2, water and biomass within a specified time frame under controlled composting conditions)
– Not cause any negative impacts on the quality of the compost produced
In order to be certified to EN 13432, products must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet all the requirements. This includes tests for biodegradability, compostability and ecological impact.
ISO 20136
The term “biodegradable” is defined in ISO 20136:2013 as meaning “the capability of biological decomposition, i.e. the ability to be broken down by bacteria or other living organisms, so that it becomes part of the natural ecosystem again”.
In order to test products for biodegradability, a number of methods can be employed depending on the type of product and what information is required.
For example, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms while breaking down a material; the results can help determine how long it will take for the material to completely decompose.
Other tests used to assess biodegradability include:-
-Measuring CO₂ production during respiration by microorganisms.
-Analysis of changes in physical properties such as weight loss or color change.
-leachate tests where extracts from the material are placed in water to simulate conditions found in landfill sites.
Whichever method is used, it is important that all biodegradable testing is carried out under controlled conditions which accurately reflect real-world scenarios as much as possible.
ASTM D 5511
ASTM D5511 is a standard test method for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in an aqueous medium by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide evolved.
This test method covers the determination of the percentage of carbon dioxide evolved under controlled composting conditions.
