Biodegradable materials are "green ecological materials" that are widely recognized and vigorously developed in the market today, and are used in an increasing number of industries, such as packaging (including flexible packaging and rigid packaging), consumer goods and household appliances, automobiles and transportation , building and construction, textiles, agriculture and horticulture, electronics and electrical, etc. Growing consumer demand for sustainable products has also driven sales of biodegradable products. It is estimated that the biodegradable plastics market will be worth US$12.4 billion by 2027*.

What is "biodegradable"?

Biodegradation/decomposition refers to the gradual digestion of materials by microorganisms or certain organisms as a nutrient source, resulting in quality loss, performance degradation, etc., and ultimately causing the material to be decomposed into simpler compounds or elements such as water, carbon dioxide, methane, and other Mineralized inorganic salts of the elements contained as well as new biomass.

Benefits of biodegradable products

Meet the current needs of environmental protection, energy conservation and low-carbon economy, and effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Reduce environmental pollution, reduce emissions of harmful substances, and alleviate pollution to soil and atmosphere

An effective solution to "white pollution", allowing resources to be effectively utilized and forming a degradable cycle

Biodegradable solutions

For a safer, cleaner, and healthier environment, it's crucial to check and determine that your products are truly biodegradable. Product biodegradability testing includes the following:

Evaluation standard

ASTM D6400 Specification for labeling of plastics designed to be composted in municipal or industrial facilities

ASTM D6868 Specification for labeling of final articles designed to be composted in municipal or industrial facilities incorporating plastics and polymers as coatings or additives in combination with other substrates in cartons

EN 13432 Test planning, testing, assessment and certification of biodegradable packaging materials

EN 14995 Plastics - Assessment of compostability Test protocols and specifications

Test Method - Aerobic

ASTM D5338 Standard test method for aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions incorporating thermophilic temperatures

ISO 14855-1 Determination of the aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions

Methods for determination of released carbon dioxide - Part 1: General methods

GB/T 19277.1 Determination of the final aerobic biological decomposition capacity of materials under controlled composting conditions

Using a method for the determination of released carbon dioxide Part 1: General methods

The biodegradation percentage of a sample is measured by measuring the amount of CO2 produced during the test. The test can only be considered valid if it meets the following requirements:

√ The biodegradation percentage of the reference material exceeds 70% after 45 days

√ At the end of the test, the relative deviation between the biodegradation percentages in each compost container shall not exceed 20%

√ Within 10 days before cultivation, the inoculum in the blank container produces 50-150mgCO2/g volatile solids

Test Method - Anaerobic

ASTM D5511 Standard Test Method for Determination of Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions

ISO 15985 Plastics - Determination of ultimate anaerobic biodegradability under high solids composting conditions

Methods for analytical determination of released biogases

GB/T 33797 Plastics - Determination of final anaerobic biological decomposition capacity under high solids composting conditions

Methods for analytical determination of released biogases

Measures the percent biodegradation of a sample by measuring the amount of CO2 and CH4 produced during the test

Only tests that meet the following requirements can be considered valid:

√ After 15 days, the biodegradation percentage of the reference material exceeds 70%

√ At the end of the test, the relative deviation between the biodegradation rates in each reference material compost container shall not exceed 20%