Sustainable Solutions for Plastics
ASTM D5338
Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation* of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions, Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures
Significance and Use (This test method is equivalent to ISO 14855)
Biodegradation of a plastic within a composting unit is an important phenomenon because it may affect the decomposition of other materials enclosed by the plastic and the resulting quality and appearance of the composted material. Biodegradation of plastics will also allow the safe disposal of these plastics through large, professionally-managed composting plants and well-run residential units, where thermophilic temperatures are achieved. This procedure has been developed to permit the determination of the rate and degree of aerobic biodegradability of plastic products when placed in a controlled composting process.
During composting, thermophilic temperatures are most readily achieved in large-scale, professionally-managed facilities. However, these temperatures may also be reached in smaller residential composting units, frequently referred to as “backyard” or “home” composting.
Limitations
Because there is a wide variation in the construction and operation of composting facilities and because regulatory requirements for composting systems vary, this procedure is not intended to simulate the environment of any particular composting system. However, it is expected to resemble the environment of a composting process operated under optimum conditions where thermophilic temperatures are achieved. More specifically, the procedure is intended to create a standard laboratory environment that will permit a rapid and reproducible determination of the aerobic biodegradability under controlled composting conditions.
* Biodegradation rates of EcoPure®-treated plastic materials are measured according to various ASTM test methods specific to certain biologically-active environments. Actual biodegradation rates may vary in the specific biologically-active environments according to the type and characteristics of plastic used, the product configuration, and/or the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the biologically-active environment. Claims of performance shall be limited to the numerical result obtained in the test and not be used for unqualified “biodegradable” claims. Testing reports shall clearly state the percentage of net gaseous carbon generation for both the test and reference samples at the completion of the test. Furthermore, results shall not be extrapolated past the actual duration of the test.
California Regulation 42355
Regulation 42355 in California currently prohibits the sale of plastic products and packaging that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable,’ ‘degradable,’ decomposable,’ or any form of those terms. The law also prohibits language that implies in any way that the item will break down, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales within or into the State of California, including sales over the Internet.
Maryland Environmental Code § 9-2101
Maryland Environmental Code currently prohibits the sale of plastic products and packaging that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable,’ ‘degradable,’ decomposable,’ or any form of those terms. The law also prohibits language that implies in any way that the item will break down, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales within or into the State of Maryland, including sales over the Internet.