Bio Based Resin Sourcing and Industrial Composting Compliance
Industrial composting compliance requires verifying bio-carbon via ASTM D6866, disintegration via EN 13432, and total fluorine screening below 100 ppm.
ISO 14855-1
Meaning
Laboratory protocols for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions involve measuring the evolution of carbon dioxide. Essentially, iso 14855-1 provides a method for resins used in packaging and consumer goods to verify claims of compostability. The protocol simulates an environment representative of an industrial composting facility.
Measurement Procedure
Precise quantification of the carbon converted to gas provides a numerical percentage of the material that has broken down. Testing for iso 14855-1 requires the sample to be mixed with a specific inoculum of compost and held at a constant high temperature.
Validation Requirement
Comparison of the test sample against a known reference material like cellulose ensures the validity of the microbial activity in the compost. If the reference fails to degrade at the expected rate, the results for the plastic test material are discarded. This rigorous control prevents false claims of biodegradability that could result from inactive or contaminated compost batches.
These requirements form the basis for certification by third-party bodies that label products as compostable for consumer markets.
Respirometric Analysis
Monitoring the oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production over a period of up to six months reveals the kinetics of the degradation process. Data gathered through this analysis helps resin producers determine the appropriate thickness and geometry for products intended for organic waste streams.