Biodegradability certification made simple

Global regulatory guidelines and standards for composting revolve around four basic criteria. They are:
 

• material characteristics,
• biodegradation,
• disintegration, and
• ecotoxicity (compost quality)

In the United States, all required testing data is independently reviewed by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) for certification according to ASTM 6400-99. BPI is a multi-stakeholder association of key individuals and groups from government, industry, and academia. It promotes the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting).

The BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate that they meet the requirements in ASTM D6400 or D6868 based on testing in an approved laboratory. BPI works with other organizations to further the use and recovery of biodegradable materials. This includes harmonization of standards around the world.

The BPI Logo Program is designed to certify and identify plastic products that will biodegrade and compost satisfactorily in actively managed compost facilities. The BPI and US Composting Council (USCC) use American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications (ASTM) to approve products for their 'Compostable Logo' effort.

These specifications identify plastic and paper products. They disintegrate and biodegrade completely and safely when composted in a municipal or commercial facility. The "Compostable Logo" is awarded to any product meeting ASTM D6400 or D6868. It is based on testing in approved independent laboratories.

The Standard Specification for Compostable Plastic (ASTM D6400) requires that the test material meet three criteria:

1. Demonstrate inherent biodegradability at a rate and degree similar to natural biodegradable polymers, over a time period of 180 days. For slower biodegrading materials, the test period can be extended to 365 days. However, appropriately C-14 labeled test substrates should be used.
2. Disintegrate during active composting. This allows no visible, distinguishable pieces on the screens (no more than 10% of its original dry weight remains after sieving on a 2.0 mm sieve).
3. It has no ecotoxicity impact on the ability of the resultant compost to support microbial and plant growth.

Polymers properly described as 'compostable' have to pass standardized compostability tests. These are described in the harmonized European standard EN 13432. This standard applies to packaging and is nearly identical to the former DIN V 54900 standard. DIN Certco is the certification organization of DIN, the German Institute for Standardization.

The Compostability Mark of DIN Certco and IBAW e. V. operates a certification scheme for compostable products made of biodegradable materials. It licenses the use of the corresponding Mark developed by the Interest Group for Biodegradable Materials (IBAW). Certification enables compostable products to be identified by a unique mark and channeled for recovery of their constituent materials in specially developed processes.
 

 The Compostability Mark conveys the following information:
 

• product image to consumers and
• product information to waste disposal plant operators

The compostability label is accepted in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The IBAW is pursuing the aim to establish a harmonized certification and labeling system at an international level. The idea is for the process to be adopted in other countries by recognized certifying bodies. 

Associations of the biodegradable plastics sector in the USA and Japan take a similar view. Agreements for the promotion and harmonization of product certification have been set up with the Biodegradable Polymers Institute in the U.S. and the Biodegradable Polymer Society in Japan. Certification can be conducted according to three standards:
 

1. DIN V 54900 - Testing of the compostability of plastics (replaced by DIN EN 13432).
2. DIN EN 13432 - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation. It is a test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging.
3. ASTM D 6400 - Standard specification for compostable plastics. Laboratory tests are performed for materials, intermediates, and additives.

In these tests, the chemical properties are checked, biodegradability verified, and the disintegration properties are determined. The key specification is the requirement of >90% biodegradability for blends, copolymers, etc., as measured by the ISO14855 (controlled composting) test method.

Vinçotte is a world leader in inspection, certification, and testing services. In Europe, regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Authorities are encouraging industries to maximize the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials and market products that are recyclable or biodegradable.

The company's OK Biodegradable mark guarantees that the material in a product is biodegradable in a specific natural environment (such as soil, freshwater, seawater, etc.). It's OK Compost mark guarantees the material of a product can be composted in an industrial composting plant or in a private household's compost bin.

Vinçotte's AVI-Certest is able to test and certify biomaterials. The above-mentioned marks can be attributed to any biomaterials that have passed tests and examinations carried out in accordance with current European standards and/or the pertinent documents from European working parties.

In Japan, developing a more sustainable society is a top priority for government and industry. Additionally, legislation in Japan requires that consumers manage their plastic waste. The 'GreenPla' designation and advancements in green products are a step forward in the move towards sustainability and the management of plastic waste in Japan.

The Biodegradable Plastics Society (BPS) is a Tokyo-based voluntary organization made up of more than 200 private companies. BPS, along with the support of the Japanese government, has established GreenPla (short for green plastics). It is a certification and labeling system based on international standards (ISO 14851, 14852, or 14855). 

GreenPla distinguishes biodegradable plastics from other ordinary plastics. Biodegradation products from organic polymers contained in the product in no less than 1% should be shown as safe by the acceptable test method(s).

Compostable products are defined as biodegradable plastic products that meet the defined conditions. Its degree of disintegration should be not less than 90% by the ISO/CD 16929 or similar test methods.

The symbol enables consumers to easily differentiate compostable plastic products from those that do not have the same environmental benefits. It is a key point with consumers and the packaging industry. The designation is of particular importance in Japan due to its limited landfill space and stringent incineration requirements.